Hasedera Temple Kamakura: The Complete 2026 Visitor Guide

Hasedera Temple is one of the most famous and beautiful places to visit in Kamakura. It is built on a green hillside and is often called the "Temple of Flowers" because you can see colorful flowers here in every season. June is the most special time, when more than 2,500 hydrangeas bloom along a walking path with great views of the ocean.

The temple is very easy to reach—it is just a 5-minute walk from Hase Station. Inside, you will find peaceful gardens, fish ponds, and great views over Sagami Bay. This complete guide covers everything you need to know, including ticket prices, opening hours, how to get here, and tips for your visit.

Quick note: There are two famous temples named Hasedera in Japan. This guide is about the one in Kamakura, not the one in Nara.

Traditional wooden main entrance gate of Hasedera Temple welcomed by its large red lantern.

Hasedera Temple Kamakura: Quick Facts

What Is Hasedera?

Hasedera is a Buddhist temple built on a wooded hillside called Kannon-zan. The temple has several levels. At the bottom, you will find gardens and ponds. Halfway up, there is the main hall and an observation platform. From the top, you can see the city of Kamakura, Sagami Bay, and the open ocean.

It is one of the most popular temples in the city. People call it the "Temple of Flowers" because something is always blooming here, no matter the season.

History and Legend of Hasedera

The story of Hasedera started in the year 721 in a place called Nara. People made two big statues of Kannon from one single tree.

They kept one statue in Nara. They put the second statue into the sea and prayed that it would reach people who needed help.

Fifteen years later, in 736, this statue washed up on a beach near Kamakura. People say glowing shells helped guide the statue to the shore. The local people then built Hasedera Temple to keep and protect it. Even today, people from all over the world visit this temple to see this famous place.

How to Get to Hasedera Temple Kamakura

Getting here is easy. You can come by train, bus, or car. The train is the easiest option.

By Train from Tokyo to Hase Station

1. Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. The ride takes about 45–55 minutes. The fare is around ¥940.
2. At Kamakura Station, change to the Enoden Line.
3. Ride 3 stops to Hase Station. It takes about 5 minutes and costs around ¥200. You can use Suica or Pasmo cards on the Enoden.
4. From Hase Station, walk about 5 minutes. Just follow the signs.

If you are coming from Shinjuku, take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Kamakura. It takes about 1 hour. From Haneda Airport, it takes about 1 hour via Keikyu and the JR Yokosuka Line.

Pro tip: If you plan to get on and off the Enoden several times, buy the Noriorikun 1-day pass. It costs ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children. It also gives you discounts at some places along the line, including Hasedera.

Catch the iconic Enoden train to Hase Station, the most convenient way to reach the temple.

By Bus from Kamakura Station

Take the Keikyu bus from Kamakura Station. Get off at "Hase Kannon." From there, it is about a 3-minute walk.

By Car: Hasedera Parking

The temple has its own parking lot. It fits about 30 cars and 4 large buses. Cars pay ¥350 per 30 minutes. Large vehicles pay ¥1,000 per 30 minutes. You cannot reserve a spot. Motorcycles cannot park here. In June, the roads around Hase get very busy. The train is usually easier.

Combine with the Great Buddha

Hasedera is very close to the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in. It is only a 5–10 minute walk. Many people visit both in one half-day trip. You can read our Kamakura Great Buddha Guide for more details.

Hasedera Temple Kamakura Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

Hasedera Opening Hours and Last Entry

The temple is open every day. From April to June, it is open from 8:00 to 17:30. The last entry is at 17:00. From July to March, it is open from 8:00 to 17:00. The last entry is at 16:30.

Hasedera Admission, Museum and Payment

General admission is ¥400 for adults and ¥200 for children aged 6–11. During hydrangea season, the Hydrangea Path costs an extra ¥500 per person. The Kannon Museum costs an extra ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for children. Sometimes the museum closes between exhibitions.

Suica and Pasmo cards work at the ticket machines. But shops, stalls, and the stamp office may only accept cash. So carry some yen with you.

Kannon-do Hall and the Great Kannon

This is the main hall. It houses the giant gilded Kannon statue. Photos and videos are not allowed inside.

Kannon-do Hall, home to Japan's legendary 9.18-meter wooden Eleven-Headed Kannon statue.

The 9.18-Meter Eleven-Headed Kannon

The Kannon is carved from wood and covered in gold leaf. At 9.18 meters, it is one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan. It has eleven heads on top of its own head, which are said to express Kannon's mercy toward different kinds of suffering.

Benten-kutsu Cave at Hasedera

This is a small cave. People believe the Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi practiced here in seclusion. Inside, you will see Benzaiten, the goddess of music and wisdom, and her Sixteen Children carved into the rock walls. The ceiling is low, so watch your head.

The entrance to Benten-kutsu Cave, a mysterious subterranean pathway filled with stone carvings.

Jizo-do Hall and Jizo Statues

Rows of small Jizo statues surround this hall. Jizo is a Buddhist deity believed to protect children. Please be quiet and respectful here. You will also find the smiling Nagomi Jizo, which is a popular photo spot.

Serene Jizo statues nestled along the peaceful hillside pathways of Hasedera's lush gardens.

Observation Platform and Sagami Bay

This platform gives you views over Kamakura, Sagami Bay, and the ocean. It is one of the best viewpoints in the city. There are tables and chairs where you can sit and rest.

Kannon Museum at Hasedera

The Kannon Museum is next to the main hall. It has three exhibition spaces. It displays temple treasures and has a large digital screen and touch screens. You can learn more about Kannon here. There is an extra fee to enter.

Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Sagami Bay and the Kamakura coastline from the upper terrace.

Hydrangea Season at Hasedera

Hydrangea season is the busiest time at Hasedera Temple Kamakura. If you plan to visit in June, read this section carefully.

Hasedera Hydrangea Bloom Dates

The Hydrangea Path fee applies from when the flowers reach about 50% bloom until shortly after the peak. Hydrangeas usually start blooming from early June to late June. So check the temple's official website before you go. There are over 2,500 plants and more than 40 varieties.

Over 2,500 hydrangeas transform the walking path into a vibrant display of colors during June.

Hasedera Hydrangea Path Ticket Booking

To control the crowds, the Hydrangea Path uses timed tickets. Here is how it works:

• Online booking: Tickets for the following week open every Tuesday at 10:00 AM Japan time. Each ticket costs ¥500 per person (age 6 and up). You can buy up to 10 at once.
• Time slots: Each slot lasts 60 minutes. If you are late, your ticket moves to a late-afternoon slot on the same day.
• Cancellation: You can cancel online tickets until the day before your visit.
• General admission must still be bought at the temple entrance on the day.
• Same-day tickets are also sold at the temple. But you may get a slot hours later.
• Expect queues. Visitors report waits of 30–60 minutes or more at peak times.
• The path is steep. There are about 80 steps to the entrance and around 130 more inside. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Book ahead and choose an early weekday slot if you can.

Visitors access the popular Hydrangea Path using the seasonal timed-entry ticket queue system.

Temple Etiquette at Hasedera

Hasedera Temple Kamakura is an active place of worship. Please follow these guidelines:

• Wash your hands at the washbasin after you enter. Take one ladle of water. Wash your hands in turns. Wash the handle last. Return the ladle. Do not pour used water back into the basin.
• Keep quiet inside the halls. Avoid talking loudly or using your mobile phone.
• At a Buddhist statue, place your hands together and pray silently. You do not need to clap.
• Taking photos and videos is not allowed inside Kannon-do Hall and the Kannon Museum.
• Tripods and selfie sticks are often restricted at busy temples in Japan. Follow the signs and staff instructions on site. On the narrow hydrangea trail, do not stop suddenly to take photos. It can block other visitors.

Hasedera Temple Photography Rules

• Allowed: Handheld photography and smartphones in outdoor temple grounds and gardens.
• Strictly Prohibited: Photography or filming inside Kannon-do Hall, the Kannon Museum, and sacred interior prayer areas.
• Banned Equipment: Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, stepladders, and drones.
• Etiquette: Turn off flash, respect worshippers, and do not block narrow walking paths.

Hasedera Temple Kamakura vs. the Great Buddha

Many people visit both Hasedera and the Great Buddha. Here is a quick comparison.

Start at Hasedera early to beat the crowds. Then walk to Kotoku-in.

The iconic Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple, located just a short 5-minute walk from Hasedera.

Best Time to Visit Hasedera Kamakura

Each season gives you something different:

• Spring: plum and cherry blossoms
• June: hydrangeas
• Late November: autumn leaves
• Winter: fewest crowds

If you want flowers, come in June. If you want quiet, come in winter.

Hasedera Temple Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes. The grounds are on a hillside with many stairs.
• Go early on weekdays for fewer crowds.
• Carry some cash for shops and stalls.
• The grounds have a restaurant called Kaikoan with sea views. There is also a shop and cafe called Teraya near the entrance. Restaurants can fill up at peak times.
• For more ideas, read our Kamakura Day Trip Itinerary.

Hasedera Temple: What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Cash (for shops and stamps)
• Water bottle
• Camera (for outdoor areas)
• Light jacket in cooler months

Is Hasedera Temple Worth Visiting in Kamakura?

Hasedera Temple Kamakura is one of the best places to visit in Kamakura. You can see a giant gilded Kannon, walk through a cave, and enjoy ocean views. In June, the hydrangea path is unforgettable.

Plan ahead. Book early in season. Check the official site before you travel.

Ready to visit Hasedera Temple Kamakura? Book your Kamakura guided tour today and skip the planning stress. We will take care of transport, tickets, and timing. You just enjoy the views.

Go to your Kamakura guided tour booking page here.