Hydrangea Temple

#asiabudgetchallenge
Nestled in Kita‑Kamakura, Meigetsu‑in is a Zen Rinzai temple famed for its vivid blue hydrangeas—about 2,500 “Hime Ajisai” shrubs line the stairs and grounds, creating the so‑called “Meigetsu‑in Blue” during June bloom season . Founded in the 12th century and expanded by Uesugi Norikata, it now features a circular “Window of Enlightenment” framing the inner garden, a dry landscape (karesansui), and Kamakura’s largest cave tomb (yagura) .

💰 Budget: Admission ¥500 (plus ¥500 to the iris garden when open in June and autumn), small souvenir stamps around ¥500 .

✨ Travel Tip: Arrive at opening (8:30 am in June) or late afternoon to beat crowds and enjoy a peaceful stroll under cool hydrangea blooms .

💡 Travel Hack: Pause at Gesshōken teahouse to sip matcha while gazing at the blue blooms—then grab the hydrangea‑charm goshuin nearby as a calming keepsake

Post by Claire’s Adventures | Jul 29, 2025