Where to See Kamakura's Beautiful Hydrangea 2026

Meigetsu-in Temple, a temple of the Kencho-ji Temple branch of the Rinzai sect, is affectionately known as the Hydrangea Temple. Approximately 2,500 himeajisai (a type of hydrangea) plants are cultivated on the temple grounds. During their peak blooming season, the blue flowers, known as Meigetsu-in Temple Blue, bloom, creating a magical scene that dyes the entire area blue.

Hydrangeas are also placed around the Hanaomoi Jizo statue in front of the Kaisan-do Hall, creating an incredibly charming atmosphere. During hydrangea season, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time for your visit. If you wish to take your time enjoying the views, visiting after 4:00 PM, when it tends to be less crowded, is recommended.

This ancient temple was established in 736. Its main deity is one of Japan's largest wooden Kannon statues, standing approximately 10 meters (33 feet) tall. It is known as the Flower Temple (Hana no Mitera) because various flowers can be seen throughout the year.

You can see hydrangeas along the scenic walking path in the upper temple grounds. Approximately 2,500 hydrangea plants of about 40 varieties are planted across the entire slope, blooming vibrantly from late May to late June each year. From the upper section of the walking path, you can enjoy the combined view of Yuigahama Beach and the hydrangeas.

This Daikaku-ji branch of the Shingon sect was founded by Hojo Yasutoki in 1219. It is also known as a power spot for romantic fulfillment, attracting visitors seeking blessings for good relationships. Previously, many hydrangeas bloomed along the approach to the temple. Although the number of hydrangeas decreased after 2015 due to construction on the approach, large hydrangeas still remain near the temple entrance and along the stairs, adding vibrant color to the temple grounds during their peak blooming season.

Engaku-ji Temple, the head temple of its branch within the Rinzai sect, was founded in 1282 by Zen master Mugaku Sogen, who was invited from Song Dynasty by Hojo Tokimune. It is a prestigious temple, holding the second rank among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples.

In addition to Engaku-ji Temple's Shariden (Relic Hall), which is the only National Treasure building in Kanagawa Prefecture, visitors can find many other highlights. These include the National Treasure Ogane (Great Bell), one of Kamakura's three famous bells, and the nationally designated scenic spot, Myokochi Pond.

On the temple grounds, approximately seven to eight types of hydrangeas, primarily mountain hydrangeas (yamaajisai), are at their best from early to late June. Since they are planted in various locations throughout the grounds, we recommend enjoying the hydrangeas while taking a leisurely stroll.

Founded in 1285, Tokei-ji Temple is the second of Kamakura Ama Gozan (the Five Great Nunneries of Kamakura). It was once known as a "refuge temple" (kakekomi-dera) or "divorce temple" (enkiri-dera) for women seeking salvation (Enkiri-dera served as a sanctuary where women could seek refuge to obtain a divorce from their husbands. Nowadays, it is often known as a power spot to cut off bad relations).

It is also known as the Flower Temple as it offers a variety of blooms throughout the year, such as ume (Japanese plum) in February, cherry blossoms in April, and hanashobu (Japanese iris) and hydrangeas in June, drawing many visitors.

From late May, the mountain hydrangeas planted along the stone steps leading to the main gate begin to change color, reaching their peak viewing period from mid-June to early July. Additionally, visitors can enjoy viewing hydrangeas in various other spots, including the entrance to the main hall, near the stone Buddhas, and by the old well.

Established in 1281, this Rinzai sect temple belongs to the Engaku-ji Temple branch and is ranked fourth among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. It worships a wooden seated statue of the Three Buddhas, which has been designated as an important cultural property of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Approximately 150 hydrangea plants of about 40 varieties are cultivated on the temple grounds, typically reaching their peak bloom around mid-June.

While there are no extensive clusters, the hydrangeas adorning both sides of the stone steps leading to the bell tower gate and those next to the Kanro-no-i are particularly noteworthy. A significant advantage is the ability to appreciate them in a relatively tranquil setting compared to other popular viewing locations.

Kencho-ji Temple is the first of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples and serves as the head temple of the Kencho-ji branch of the Rinzai sect.

It is known as Japan's first authentic Zen temple, and its temple layout, with seven buildings—including the Somon (main gate), Sanmon (mountain gate), and Hatto (Dharma Hall)— aligned in a straight line, evokes the style of Chinese Zen temples and are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Hydrangeas are scattered throughout the spacious temple grounds and reach their peak bloom around mid-June.

Pure white Annabelle hydrangeas can be seen along the approach to Hansobo Daigongen. Additionally, hydrangeas can be enjoyed at Kaishun-in Temple and along the approach to Seirai-an Temple.

This temple, belonging to the Kencho-ji Temple branch of the Rinzai sect, is located on the former site of the residence of Ashikaga Takauji, founder of the Muromachi Shogunate. While the temple grounds were not open to the public, they are now open to the public on weekends during spring and autumn.

This slope, located next to Choju-ji Temple, serves as a local road connecting Ogigayatsu and the Yamanouchi district of Kita-Kamakura. It is counted as one of the "Seven Entrances of Kamakura" (Kamakura Nanakuchi no Kiridoshi). Its name, Kamegayatsuzaka (translates to "Turtle Valley Slope"), is said to derive from a legend that even turtles turned back from its steep incline.

The slopes on both sides of the path are covered with clusters of hydrangeas, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful contrast with the surrounding trees.

One pleasant feature is that vehicles are prohibited from a point slightly up the slope, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic. Why not take a leisurely stroll and fully enjoy the hydrangea viewing?

This Nichiren Buddhist temple was established in 1274. It is also known as the temple where Nichiro Shonin, a disciple of Nichiren Shonin, was imprisoned when Nichiren Shonin was exiled to Sado. The cell used at that time still remains on the hill behind the temple grounds.

The temple is also famous as a Flower Temple, where you can see approximately 200 types of plants and trees on the temple grounds. Additionally, the kaido (flowering crabapple) tree, said to be about 200 years old, has been designated as a municipal natural monument.

The best time to see the hydrangeas is from late May to early June. Approximately 200 varieties of hydrangeas, including mountain hydrangeas and ezoajisai (Hokkaido hydrangeas), collected from all over Japan, are displayed in pots, vividly coloring the temple grounds. Furthermore, around mid-June, the hydrangeas along the cell's stone steps and in the garden next to the main hall also reach their peak bloom, so we recommend enjoying them together.

Goryo Shrine is dedicated to Kamakura Kagemasa, who developed and established the Kamakura and Shonan regions as his territory during the Heian period. Based on anecdotes from his active role in the Gosannen-no-eki (Later Three-Year War), it is believed that visiting the shrine brings benefits such as protection from disasters, good fortune, and healing for eye diseases.

Within the shrine grounds, you can enjoy approximately 240 hydrangea plants of about 50 varieties, including those along the Hydrangea Path located behind the main hall. This shrine is also a popular spot for capturing photographs of the Enoden train alongside the beautiful hydrangeas.

This area is steeped in the legend of Nitta Yoshisada, who led the Kamakura Shogunate to its downfall. At the park's entrance, you'll find a stone monument marking "The Legend of Nitta Yoshisada’s Crossing at Inamuragasaki."

It boasts breathtaking views of Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji, and has been designated as one of Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Spots and 100 Views of Mount Fuji in Kanto. The sunset, as the sun dips below the horizon, is particularly stunning, attracting many visitors daily, even outside the swimming season.

Hydrangeas are scattered throughout the park, allowing you to enjoy them in many spots. However, the absolute best view is near the observation deck at the summit, where a dense cluster of colorful hydrangeas creates a truly vibrant spectacle.

This Nichiren Buddhist temple was founded in 1436. It is affectionately known as "Nicho-sama" after its second head priest, Nicho Shonin. It is also sometimes called "Higashi Minobu" because it houses a portion of Nichiren Shonin's ashes, which were brought from Mount Minobu. The ashes are enshrined in the Nichiren Shonin Reliquary Hall, located to the right of the main hall.

Near the main hall, hydrangeas are planted with ample space between them. In June, they burst into bloom all at once, adding vibrant color to the temple grounds. While not numerous, each plant is large, making for a truly impressive sight.

Myohon-ji Temple is the oldest temple of the Nichiren sect, founded in 1260. It is said that the temple originated at the very site where the Hiki clan was annihilated by the Hojo clan. To mourn the souls of the Hiki clan, Hiki Daigakusaburo Yoshimoto, a survivor, donated his residence to Nichiren Shonin. A temple hall was then built there, marking the beginning of Myohon-ji Temple.

Large hydrangea bushes are planted in front of the Nitenmon Gate, blooming from late June to early July. Compared to other locations, the hydrangeas here bloom a little later. This is a delightful feature, as it allows visitors to enjoy them at a more leisurely pace. You can also see hydrangeas along the stairs leading to the main hall and near the temple bell.

Founded in 1188 by Ashikaga Yoshikane, this ancient temple belongs to the Rinzai sect Kencho-ji branch and holds the fifth rank among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. Though a prestigious temple, serving as the ancestral temple of the Ashikaga family, its grounds feature an English garden designed by a Scottish garden designer, a cafe, and a terrace, creating a unique atmosphere.

Along the walking path behind the temple (the Yamaajisai Path), you'll find mountain hydrangeas, while pure white Annabelle hydrangeas are located in front of the Ishigama Garden Terrace. Since their blooming seasons differ, it's recommended to visit at different times to enjoy them both.

Genjiyama Park is said to have received its names, Genjiyama (Genji Mountain) and Hataage-yama (Flag-raising Mountain), because Minamoto no Yoshiie erected a white flag on the mountain and prayed for victory when he set out for the Later Three-Year War (1083–1087).

Gakuajisai (Lacecap hydrangeas) are planted at the feet of the statue of Yoritomo within the park, and they are best viewed from early to mid-June. While the hydrangeas within the park are modest, you can see many hydrangeas in the precincts and surrounding areas of the adjacent Kuzuharaoka Shrine.