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A Trip to Kamakura, Japan – Hydrangeas in June & All the Travel Info

Kamakura is an old town located south from Tokyo, which was the capital of Japan from late 12th century to 1333 by Minamoto samurai clan.

Do you remember the article about autumn leaves in Kamakura? It’s really a beautiful destination to visit, and in my opinion, it’s the best place for a day trip from Tokyo!

June is the rainy season with hydrangeas in Japan. And the famous Hydrangea Path in Hase-dera Temple welcomes its best season in a year.

Hydrangea Path, Hasedera Temple

Explore 2500 hydrangeas in Hasedera Temple and a bit more of Kamakura!

Hydrangeas in Hasedera Temple, Kamakura, Japan

Hydrangea Path in Hasedera Temple & Travel Tips

The path is famous for its views of Kamakura town and the beach. When the hydrangeas bloom, it is even more beautiful.

Yuigahama Beach from Hasedera Temple

The views are cool, and the salty winds are also cool.

The standard shape is like this,

But we can find some rare hydrangeas in the path.

The iconic spot of Hydrangea Path is the stairs to the Mantra Hall, which is at the end of the path.
Let’s compare this place with that in autumn!

Mantra Hall, bamboos and hydrangeas in Hasedera Temple

Travel Tip: This hydrangea path is getting more and more famous, so it gets crowded. To avoid the crowds, visit Hasedera Temple as early as possible. The temple opens at 8:00 and it takes around 1 hour from Tokyo to Kamakura. (Please go down for the sightseeing guide at the bottom of this post.) As far as I see it, the path gradually got to be crowded after 9:30.

Not only the path, but some Buddha sculptures hold hydrangeas in this season.

Buddha holding hydrangeas

Travel Tip: Actually, the blue hydrangeas in the left part of the photo are a rare kind named, “Kamakura.” You can get a free paper fan with explanations at the entrance, so check out the original kinds so that you won’t miss them.

Not just rare, but I felt they were outstanding among many kinds and colors flourishing.

Nagomi Jizo with hydrangeas

Visitors tend to head to Hydrangea Path, but there are more to see.

Iris Boats

Iris boats are floating in the pond. I showed the 2 best iris viewing spots in Tokyo, but the idea to float flowers is impressive in Hasedera Temple.

Iris boats in Hojo Pond, Hasedera Temple, Kamakura, Japan

Hydrangeas start to bloom in late May or early June and reach the peak in the middle of June. The best season will last until the end of June.

They are going to start prune hydrangeas on 1 July. (2015)

Streets around Hase-dera Temple

The local streets are attractive to stroll; The shops and restaurants in the local quiet town, rather than a tourist spot, are artistic. When you get hungry, how about a restaurant lasting here since 1908?

Asahaya Honten, a Japanese restaurant at the foot of Hasedera Temple

This beautiful Japanese restaurant offers broiled eels.

Broiled Eel Don (Bowl of rice)

The Great Buddha

The Great Buddha is undoubtedly the best of bests in Kamakura.(There are two Great Buddhas in Japan and the other is in Nara. More to see here.)

Kotokuin Temple with the Great Buddha is so close to Hasedera Temple; It’s just a several minutes walk. Some tourists pass Hasedera Temple and head to the Great Buddha, but now you see WHAT A LOSS IT IS!!

You can see how big he is when there is something to compare with. For example, see the watermelon. It’s as small as a dot!

The Great Buddha, Kotokuin Temple, Kamakura, Japan

 

The Great Buddha and students on a school trip

Do you know that we can enter the Great Buddha? …My words aren’t wrong. We can enter the inside of the Great Buddha!

You can see how the Great Buddha was built. There is no reason not to!

In Conclusion

Kamakura is a town which has a lot of interesting things, but its best season has reasons to be so. The beauty was beyond words. Which do you like hydrangea season or autumn leaves?

Hope you enjoy Japanese June in Kamakura!




 

Kamakura Tourist Information

How to Get to Kamakura

Around 60 minutes, 920 yen from Tokyo Station, 50 minutes, 720 yen from Shinagawa by JR Yokosuka Line. No super express necessary.
You take JR Yokosuka Line to reach to Kamakura Station. The major stations to catch a Yokosuka Line train are Tokyo, Shinagawa, Yokohama, Totsuka and Ofuna.

See The Easiest JR Train Map & Subway Maps for the quickest understanding of Tokyo!

To Hasedera Temple and the Great Buddha, change trains at Kamakura Station into Enoshima Line (Its nickname is Eno-Den) and get off at Hase, the 3rd station. Kamakura is a terminal of Enoshima Line.

Hasedera Temple

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 (March – September) / 8:00 – 16:30 (October – February)

Admission fee: 300 yen for people over 11 years old, 100 yen for child

Parking: 300 yen/30 minutes, 1000 yen/30 minutes for large vehicle

Official Website: http://www.hasedera.jp/

Kotokuin Temple (The Great Buddha)

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:30 (April – September) / 8:00 – 17:00 (October – March)

Admission fee: 200 yen for adults, 150 yen for 6 – 12 years old child, free for children under 6. 20 yen to enter inside of the Great Buddha statue

Official Website: http://www.kotoku-in.jp/

Accommodation

Book a Hotel in Kamakura – A day trip from Tokyo is enough to explore these 2 places, but if you wish to stay in Kamakura to see more, you will find good hotels.

Hotels in Yokohama, the Central City of Kanagawa Prefecture – Yokohama is one of the largest cities in Japan, which is located in a cool bay side area south from Tokyo. It has brilliant images with international ports since the 19th century. Yokohama is one of the biggest stations in JR Yokosuka Line.

Hotels in Shinagawa – 50 minutes to Kamakura. Convenient to visit anywhere in Tokyo. Explanations on Shinagawa in Tokyo: 5 Reasons to Stay There – Shinagawa Prince Hotel Attractions and A Guide to Oimachi

Hotels Around Tokyo Station – 60 minutes to Kamakura. Tokyo station is the very central station of Tokyo.



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2 thoughts on “A Trip to Kamakura, Japan – Hydrangeas in June & All the Travel Info

    • Hi, Nicole!

      Whenever I go to see the Great Buddha, I can't help saying, "Great!" And actually, the big and golden Buddha statue in Hasedera Temple cannot be missed, either.

      I'm happy that you met him on Tokyo Direct Diary. When your dream to meet the real Great Buddha comes true someday, remember this post and you'll find everything to visit there!

      Reply

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