Meigetsuin

Meigetsuin is a temple of the Rinzai sect of the Kenchoji school, located in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City. It enshrines a seated statue of the Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal object of worship. The temple grounds, surrounded by the rich natural environment of a valley, are nationally known as "Ajisai-dera" or Hydrangea Temple. In particular, during June, approximately 2,500 plants of Hime-ajisai (a type of hydrangea) transform from pale blue to deep indigo, captivating many visitors with the "Meigetsuin Blue." However, its charm goes beyond hydrangeas; it features a long history, flowers that adorn the seasons, structures that reflect Zen philosophy, and one of the largest yagura (burial mounds) in Kamakura, making it a temple with diverse attractions.

**History** — Established in 1159, a temple that supported the development of Kamakura Buddhism
The origin of Meigetsuin dates back to 1159 (the first year of the Heiji era), at the end of the Heian period. It was founded by Yamatouchi Kyotoku, who built "Meigetsuan" on this site to mourn his father, the warrior Shutō Toshimichi, who died in the Heiji Rebellion. The temple later developed in close connection with the Kamakura shogunate.

- **1256 (the first year of the Kōgen era)**: The fifth shikken (shogunal regent), Hōjō Tokiyori, established Saimyōji for his religious practice and spent his later years here.
- After Tokiyori's death, Hōjō Tokimune created Zenkoji at the site of Saimyōji, welcoming the high priest Rankei Dōryū as its founder.
- **1380 (the second year of the Kōryoku era)**: On the orders of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu of the Kamakura bakufu, Uesugi Norikata revitalized Zenkoji. The temple's territory expanded significantly at this time, and Meigetsuan was renamed "Meigetsuin," being designated as the chief of its sub-temples. The legal name "Meigetsuin-dono" for Norikata derives from this temple name. During the Muromachi period, Zenkoji became renowned enough to be selected as the top among the Ten Temples of Kanto, but it was abandoned in the early Meiji period. Today, only Meigetsuin, which was once a sub-temple, remains, continuing to convey its history to the present.

**Garden and Temple Highlights** — A space woven with the spirit of Zen and natural beauty
- **Main Hall’s Round Window "Window of Enlightenment" (common name)**: The large circular window in the main hall is commonly referred to as the "Window of Enlightenment" (this is a colloquial term, not its official name). The circle symbolizes enlightenment, truth, and the universe, and it is said that how one perceives it changes according to their mental state. The back garden viewed through this window is arranged like a scene from a painting. Normally not open to the public, the back garden is only accessible during the early summer iris blooming season and the autumn foliage period, enchanting many visitors.

- **One of Kamakura's Largest "Meigetsuin Yagura"**: Located at the rear of the precincts, the Meigetsuin Yagura is one of the largest horizontal burial facilities in Kamakura. Its dimensions are about 7m wide, 6m deep, and 3m high, making it an uncommon size for yagura from the Kamakura period (exact dimensions may vary slightly by source). Inside, there is a treasure tower believed to be the grave of Uesugi Norikata, and the walls feature reliefs of Shakyamuni Buddha, Rabō Nyorai, and the Sixteen Arhats, earning it the name "Arhat Cave." It is a historically and artistically significant site.

- **Karesansui Garden, Kamenoi, and the Grave of Hōjō Tokiyori**: The precincts are dotted with structures that evoke the history of Kamakura's medieval period, including a karesansui garden symbolizing the Zen spirit, "Kamenoi," one of the Ten Wells of Kamakura, and the grave of Hōjō Tokiyori.

**Seasonal Flowers** — Meigetsuin is also appealing as a "Temple of Seasonal Flowers"
- **Spring**:
- Weeping cherries (especially splendid around the approach)
- Plums, Yuki-yanagi, quince, magnolias
- Beautiful new green moss garden
Spring at Meigetsuin is unexpectedly quiet, making it an underrated season for leisurely strolls.

- **Early Summer (May to June)** — The season of Meigetsuin Blue:
- Approximately 2,500 Hime-ajisai plants
- Changes from light blue to deep indigo according to the time
- You may encounter heart-shaped hydrangeas
- The iris garden is specially opened
While it becomes crowded, after 4 PM, it is relatively calm for appreciating the view.

- **Summer**:
- Irises
- Natsutsubaki
- Iwatabako (a rare purple flower blooming on rock faces)

- **Autumn**:
- Red maple leaves, yellow ginkgo leaves
- Bush clover, Japanese anemone, fragrant olive
- The back garden is specially opened during autumn foliage
Particularly, the foliage viewed through the round window is breathtakingly beautiful.

- **Winter**:
- Wintersweet, plums
- Christmas rose
- The landscape filled with serene quietness unique to winter
Because flowers bloom throughout the year, the temple is also referred to as the "Temple of Flowers."

**Meigetsuin's "Rabbits"** — Healing beings associated with the moon
The temple name "moon" evokes "moon rabbits," and there are many "rabbit spots" on the premises.
- A statue of "The Tortoise and the Hare" near the entrance
- A rabbit hut named "Rabbit Space Station"
- A popular photo spot to enjoy their adorable appearances
It is a popular spot to be healed by the rabbits' presence along with seasonal flowers.

**Flower-Embodying Jizō** — A gentle Jizō holding seasonal flowers
The "Flower-Embodying Jizō" standing in front of the Kaizan-do tenderly holds seasonal flowers, soothing the hearts of visitors. During the hydrangea season, the flower in its hand becomes hydrangeas, and its adorned appearance also attracts attention. Beside it, a standing sign reads, "Flowers heal the sorrow of partings," providing quiet consolation to those who visit.