I have been to many temples and shrines in Japan for sightseeing or hiking.
As far as in and around Tokyo, one of my best temples is Hasedera Temple 長谷寺 in Kamakura 鎌倉 City.
Because it is mysterious, quiet and traditional spot!
Kamakura 鎌倉 is popular sightseeing place. There are shopping streets, hiking trails, many temples, shrines and beach.
Walkway in the temple's site
Main Gate 山門
Hasedera Temple 長谷寺 is located at the bottom of the mountain forest. The temple has a short and easy walkway into the temple’s site.
Ryo-en Jizo 良縁地蔵
I found a cicada shell in summer.
Manji-ike Pool 卍池
Jizo-do Hall 地蔵堂
A lot of Jizo in back of this hall.
Amida-do Hall 阿弥陀堂
There is the Amida Statue in the hall. It is large and beautiful statue!
Note
Taking photo of the Amida Statue is prohibited.
Kannon-do Hall 観音堂
There is the Kannon 観音 statue. It is wonderful, large and well worth seeing!
Note
Taking photo of the Kannon is prohibited.
That why, there are no photos of Kannon and Amida in this page. You can see their photos in the official website of the temple.
Observation Platform 見晴台
There is a cafe restaurant in the temple site.
English picture menu is available.
Matcha is popular with tourists.
The trail goes through the site of the temple which has a quaint and nice atmosphere.
Mizuko-zuka 水小塚
Once you get to the top of the trail, you can see great scenery.
Yuigahama Beach 由比ガ浜
When you go to the temple in summer, it is a good idea to go to the beach after that.
Japanese Garden
Carp
Dragonfly
Benten-kutsu Cave 弁天窟
You can walk into the mysterious cave.
Information
Hasedera Temple 長谷寺 in Kamakura 鎌倉 City.
Kanagawa 神奈川 Prefecture is next to Tokyo.
It takes about 1 hour from Tokyo 東京 Station or Shinjuku 新宿 Station to Kamakura 鎌倉 Station of JR.
You can walk and look around from Kamakura Station to Hasedera Temple.
Actually, the nearest station is Hase 長谷 Station of Enoshima Electric Railway 江ノ島電鉄. You need transfer at Kamakura Station.
(All photos above were taken in August 2016.)
In June (rainy season), hydrangea (あじさい Ajisai) is in full bloom.
Hasedera Temple is popular place to see hydrangea.
In summer (July and August), after looking around the temple, it would be a good idea to walk 10 minutes to Yuigahama Beach.
Why don’t you see the Great Buddha in Kamakura 鎌倉?
Another temple in Kamakura is also good. It has mysterious atmosphere.
