Hasedera

Hasedera is an ancient temple said to have been founded in Nara period, in 736, at the prayer of Tokudo Shonin. Its official name is Kaikozan Jishoin Hasedera. It is a temple of great distinction, said to have a history second only to Sugimoto-dera in Kamakura, and is also believed to have been established as an imperial prayer temple during the reign of Emperor Shomu. Long cherished as “Hase Kannon,” it has long welcomed many pilgrims as the fourth sacred site of the Bando Sanjusansho Kannon pilgrimage.

◆ Principal Image: Statue of Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu
The principal standing statue of Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu is one of the largest wooden Buddhist images in Japan, standing 9.18 meters tall. It is said to have been carved from the same camphor tree as the Kannon statue at Hasedera in Nara, as two images from one tree. Enshrined in the Kannon-do Hall, it marked the 1,300th anniversary of its creation in 2021. As a center of Kannon faith in eastern Japan, this revered statue has long attracted deep devotion, and photography is prohibited inside the hall.

◆ Temple Grounds and Scenery
The temple grounds extend from the lower slopes to the middle of Kannon-yama and are divided into the lower precincts and upper precincts.

● Lower Precincts
• A strolling garden centered around two ponds
• “Benten-kutsu,” a cave carved with Benzaiten and the Sixteen Child Attendants
• Ema hall, temple office, and reception for worshippers

Benten-kutsu is said to be the cave where Kobo Daishi once entered retreat, and the statues carved along its dim passage create a mystical atmosphere.

● Upper Precincts
• Kannon-do Hall
• Ryogen Jizo statues (scattered at three locations within the grounds)
• Observation deck
• Kannon Museum
• Dining area “Kaikoan”

From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Kamakura city, Yuigahama Beach, the Miura Peninsula, and, depending on the weather, even Mount Fuji.

◆ Why It Is Called the “Temple of Flowers”
Hasedera is also known as “Kamakura’s western Pure Land,” a famous place where flowers bloom throughout the seasons.

• Spring: plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, peonies
• Early summer: hydrangeas (40 varieties, 2,500 plants) along the Ajisai Path
• Summer: lotus, bush clover
• Autumn: autumn leaves, red spider lilies
• Winter: camellias, wintersweet

In particular, the “Ajisai Path” during the rainy season is especially popular, and the hydrangeas coloring the scenery against the backdrop of Sagami Bay and Kamakura are considered among the most beautiful in Kamakura.

◆ Kannon Museum
The “Kannon Museum” within the temple grounds displays many treasures handed down by the temple.

• The worship image: standing statue of Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu
• Thirty-three manifestations statues
• Hanging Buddha images from the Kamakura period
• A historic bell cast in 1264
• Historical materials on Kannon worship

It is a precious facility where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of faith, history, and culture.

◆ Experiences and Highlights
• Sutra copying and Buddhist image tracing (Shoin): Emyo Juku Kannon Sutra, Heart Sutra, and Buddhist image tracing are available
• Kyozo (rotating scripture repository): can be turned on specific days, such as the 18th of each month, and is believed to bring merit
• Ryogen Jizo: popular for the belief that finding and photographing all three statues brings good relationships

◆ Dining and Worship Enjoyment
At “Kaikoan” near the observation deck, visitors can enjoy shojin curry and Hase zenzai while taking in the superb view of Sagami Bay. At “Teraya Cafe,” light meals and sweets are available, and souvenirs can be purchased at the “Nagomi Shop.”

◆ Annual Events and Faith
At Hasedera, worshippers gather every month on the 18th, Kannon’s special day. At the “Toshi no Ichi” on December 18, lucky charms and festive stalls line the grounds. On this day, a special ritual called “Miaomairi Kigan,” in which visitors directly touch Kannon’s feet, is also held.