Hasedera

Hase-dera Temple, known as "Kaikōzan Jishōin Hase-dera" in its official name, is an ancient temple that is said to have been established in the 8th year of Tenpyo (736) during the Nara period by the Buddhist monk Tokudo Shonin. It has a long history, second only to Sugimoto-ji Temple in Kamakura, and is believed to have been designated as an imperial prayer site under the reign of Emperor Shōmu. Widely cherished since ancient times as "Hase Kannon," it has welcomed many worshippers as the fourth sacred site of the 33 Kannon pilgrimage routes in Bando.

◆ Main Deity: Statue of Kannon Bodhisattva with Eleven Faces
The main deity's statue, the standing figure of Kannon Bodhisattva with eleven faces, is one of the largest wooden Buddhist sculptures in Japan, standing at a height of 9.18 meters. It is said to have been carved from a single camphor tree, the same one as the Kannon statue in Nara's Hase-dera, referred to as "Ippoku Nita." This statue was enshrined in the Kannon Hall and celebrated its 1300th anniversary in 2021. As a pivotal icon of Kannon faith in the eastern regions, it has garnered deep devotion, and photography is prohibited inside the hall.

◆ Layout and Scenery of the Temple Grounds
The temple grounds spread from the foothills to the mid-section of Kannon Mountain, divided into the lower and upper temple areas.
● Lower Temple Area
• A strolling garden centered around two ponds
• "Benten Cave," featuring sculptures of Benzaiten and the sixteen children
• Ema Hall, temple office, and worship reception
Benten Cave is a mystical cave said to be where Kobo Daishi (Kukai) meditated, with statues carved into the dimly lit passageway.

● Upper Temple Area
• Kannon Hall
• Good Relationship Jizo (located in three spots within the grounds)
• Observation deck
• Kannon Museum
• Dining place "Kaikōan"
From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the streets of Kamakura, Yuigahama, the Miura Peninsula, and, depending on the weather, even Mount Fuji.

◆ Why It Is Called "The Temple of Flowers"
Hase-dera is also known as a scenic location called the "Western Paradise of Kamakura," where seasonal flowers bloom abundantly.
• Spring: Plum, cherry, and peony flowers
• Early Summer: 40 types with 2,500 hydrangeas (Ajisai Path)
• Summer: Lotus and bush clover
• Autumn: Maple leaves and cluster amaryllis
• Winter: Camellia and wintersweet
In particular, the "Ajisai Path" during the rainy season is popular, with hydrangeas beautifully coloring the scenery against the backdrop of Sagami Bay and Kamakura.

◆ Kannon Museum
The "Kannon Museum" located within the temple grounds displays many treasures passed down through the temple, including:
• Honzon - the standing statue of Kannon Bodhisattva with eleven faces
• Thirty-three manifestations of Kannon
• Kakebutu from the Kamakura period
• Historical bronze bell from the first year of Bun'ei (1264)
• Historical materials on Kannon faith
This facility allows a deep understanding of faith, history, and culture.

◆ Experiences and Highlights
• Sutra copying and statue tracing (shoin): Participants can experience copying the "Enmei Jukokannon-kyo" and the "Heart Sutra" or tracing a statue.
• Sutra storage (rinzo): It can be turned on specific days (such as the 18th of each month), and doing so is considered virtuous.
• Good Relationship Jizo: It is popular to find and take photos with the three statues for blessings of good relationships.

◆ Enjoyment of Dining and Worship
At "Kaikōan," near the observation deck, visitors can enjoy shojin curry and Hase zenzai while taking in the breathtaking views of Sagami Bay. "Teraya Cafe" offers light meals and sweets, and souvenirs can be purchased at the "Nagomi Shop."

◆ Annual Events and Faith
On the 18th of every month for Kannon's prayer day, worshippers gather at Hase-dera. The "New Year's Market" on December 18 features stalls selling auspicious items. This day is special, as it includes opportunities for people to touch the feet of Kannon directly during the "Oasobi Mairi" prayer.