[Kanagawa] Kamakura - The City of Hydrangea

The city of hydrangea - Kamakura

This summer, we specifically came to Mount Fuji to participate in all activities surrounding the area, one special theme is to visit hydrangea gardens in Japan.

Kamakura（鎌倉）- 1 hour travelling distance from Tokyo 

In Japan, hydrangea blooms during rainy season in June and July. As it can hardly see hydrangeas in city, one of the objectives of this trip was to see hydrangeas. 

During early summer in Japan, you can see hydrangeas not only in forests but also along the roadside without much effort. The purpose of adding Kamakura to the Mount Fuji trip itinerary is to see the colorful hydrangeas all over the mountains.

On that day, we arrived too early, and the Meigetsu-in temple（明月院）was not yet open.

Visit to Kamakura: Appreciating the beauty of hydrangea

The first stop was at Meigetsu-in in northern Kamakura to see the hydrangea flowers. 

We arrived during the peak blooming period, and the park offered a variety of hydrangea species to see.

There were several paths to follow through the park, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll among the flowers. 

Visitors could also take a break at the tea house in the garden.

Meigetsu-in is located in the quiet area of northern Kamakura, and there were fewer tourists than in other parts of the city. It was a perfect place for flower viewing and photography.

We saw students who were happy to participate in an extracurricular activity in the quiet area of northern Kamakura. There were many schools in the area, and the students were very welcoming to tourists.

Kamakura Hachimangu Tanabata Festival.

We also visited the Kamakura Hachimangu Tanabata Festival. The shrine maidens served tea to every participant, and there were beautiful hydrangea flowers blooming in the flowerbeds along the roadside.

Shrine maidens served tea to every participant

The walking street of Kamakura was filled with people, and I felt a bit uncomfortable in the crowd. I hurriedly passed through the street and took my favorite train, the Enoden, to Hase-dera Temple to continue my journey to see the hydrangea flowers.


The Hase-dera Temple（長谷寺）

Huge lantern at the front gate of Hase-dera Temple（長谷寺）

There are lots of interesting tiny sculptures in the garden

At Hase-dera Temple（長谷寺）, which is a famous sightseeing spot in Kamakura, there were many people waiting to see the hydrangea flowers. The visitors were excited because it was the peak blooming period, and the hills were covered in beautiful hydrangea flowers.

Hills were covered in beautiful hydrangea flowers.

Japanese Drama：Socrates in Love【世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ】

I remembered a scene from the Japanese drama "Socrates in Love" 【世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ】

where the major character, played by Ayase Haruka, was fond of the hydrangea flower slopes.

At Hase-dera Temple（長谷寺）, visitors can see the entire Shonan coast.

Japanese girls dressed in yukata, enjoyed selfie with the sea of hydrangea.

The Enoden railway, one of the most famous hydrangea railway in Japan

The Enoden is one of the famous hydrangea railways, and I enjoyed a leisurely ride with the beautiful scenery of the hydrangea flowers and the coastline of Shonan.



Location of Meigetsu-in temple：

 

Related information:

Fuji, Shizuoka area round-trip ticket (Mini) 

Price: Adults 4500 yen, children 2250 yen 

Validity period: 3 consecutive days 

Usage period: From July 15 

Purchase method: JTB, Kintetsu Japan, JAL Tour, etc. (must purchase and exchange the coupon before departure and redeem it in Japan)
Website: http://touristpass.jp/

Meigetsu-in temple（明月院） 

Address: 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City 

Admission fee: During the hydrangea season, 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children 

Transportation: 10-minute walk from JR Kitakamakura Station 

Website: http://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/

Kamakura Hase-dera Temple（鎌倉 長谷寺）

Address: 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Website: http://www.hasedera.jp/


You may have interest:
[Japan] A travelogue index for round Mt Fuji trip
Round the Mt. Fuji - A Japan summer trip


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