Kamakura’s Hydrangea Temple with Zen Roots

Meigetsu-in（明月院）is a Zen temple in Kita-Kamakura, best known for its vibrant hydrangea blossoms (ajisai) that draw thousands of visitors every June. The vivid blue flowers fill the temple grounds during the rainy season, earning it the popular nickname Ajisai-dera (Hydrangea Temple).

Founded in 1383 during the Muromachi period by Uesugi Norikata, a key figure of the powerful Uesugi clan, the temple now belongs to the Rinzai Zen school of Buddhism.

Beyond its seasonal flowers, Meigetsu-in features a refined dry landscape garden and the iconic round window (known as Satori no Mado) in its main hall, symbolizing Zen enlightenment. In autumn, the garden transforms again, offering striking foliage in a quiet, contemplative setting.

Read more in our eBook!

eBook cover Meigetsu-in Temple by Real Japanese Gardens

Meigetsu-in Garden Guide

This eBook explores the hydrangea-filled paths, dry landscape garden, and Zen symbolism of Meigetsu-in in Kamakura.
Perfect for flower lovers, Zen enthusiasts, and seasonal travelers.
Learn more before you visit—or revisit from home.

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Free Preview
  • Introduction to Meigetsu-in
  • History of Meigetsu-in
  • Buildings and other Highlights
  • The Gardens of Meigetsu-in
  • The Inner Garden of Meigetsu-in (Iris Patches)
  • The Outer Garden of Meigetsu-in (Dry Landscape Garden)
  • Around Meigetsu-in
  • Directions

16 informative pages, packed with
4 illustrations and 30 photographs

PDF 30MB
The eBook is delivered as PDF.

Gallery

  • Japanese Meigetsu-in Temple by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Japanese Meigetsu-in Temple by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Japanese Meigetsu-in Temple by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Japanese Meigetsu-in Temple by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Japanese Meigetsu-in Temple by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Japanese Meigetsu-in Temple by Real Japanese Gardens

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    Directions

    How to get to the garden

    Meigetsu-in is a 10 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura station on the JR Yokosuka Line, one station before Kamakura station when coming from Tokyo.

    View Google Map (Google Website)

    Address

    • EN: 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062
    • JP: 神奈川県鎌倉市山ノ内189

    Opening times

    • July - May: 9:00 – 16:00
    • December - February: 9:00 – 15:30
    • June: 8:30 – 17:00

    The inner garden is only open during Iris season (late May - mid June) and autumn foliage season (late November - early December).

    Admission fee

    June

      • Adults: 500 yen
      • Children: 300 yen

    Rest of the year

    • Adults: 300 yen
    • Children: 150 yen

    Additional 500 Yen for the inner garden.

    Facilities & Accessibility

    • Tea House
    • The temple is partly accessible with wheelchair (with assistance) via the car route.

    Best time to visit

    • In June when the Hydrangea and Iris bloom.
    • End of November - beginning of December for autumn foliage.

    Map

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