Kamakura | Gokurakuji Temple, Hydrangeas in Full Bloom at the Gate in June.

A rare tranquil spot in Kamakura, Gokurakuji Temple is located near Gokurakuji Station on the Enoden Line. Though not exactly close, visitors need to cross the railway and walk over Sakura Bridge above the Gokuraku Tunnel signboard to reach the temple, which takes about a minute on foot.

Legend has it that Gokurakuji Temple was established during the Kamakura period to pray for national safety. Initially, it was built to protect the poor and the sick, and it is said that the temple still houses a medicine bowl used for healing illnesses.

At Gokurakuji Temple, visitors can admire Western hydrangeas, which are native Japanese hydrangeas. These vibrant and colorful flowers are considered a poetic symbol of the rainy season in Japan. Within the temple grounds, there is also a tea house where visitors can enjoy refreshments while appreciating the hydrangeas, making for a leisurely and serene experience.

Post by Moutain | Aug 22, 2025