About
Caption: Representative image from Wikimedia Commons - Meigetsuin's signature blue hydrangeas or the iconic Window of Enlightenment. (51 freely-licensed images available)
Fugenzan Meigetsu-in (福源山明月院) is a Rinzai Zen temple founded in 1160, originally established as the guest rooms of a much larger temple called Zenkō-ji. 🔗 The temple was built by Uesugi Norikata of the powerful Uesugi clan, and the name derives from Norikata's posthumous name (Meigetsu, meaning "bright moon"). 🔗
The temple's fame stems from two distinctive features: its extraordinary collection of 2,500+ hydrangeas and the iconic circular "Window of Enlightenment" (Satori no Mado) in the Main Hall. The window's round shape symbolizes completeness and perfection in Buddhist philosophy, framing the inner garden to create a living picture that transforms with the seasons. 🔗
Approximately 95% of the hydrangeas are of the Hime Ajisai variety, producing distinctively clear blue flowers that create the unified color landscape known as "Meigetsuin Blue." 🔗 These hydrangeas have a poignant historical origin: following World War II, poverty-stricken people planted them on temple grounds to provide comfort. 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
Meigetsuin owns a 13th-century statue of Uesugi Shigefusa, founder of the Uesugi clan, designated a National Treasure. 🔗 The temple grounds contain the Kame no I (瓶の井), one of the celebrated Ten Wells of Kamakura from the medieval period. On February 9, 1984, the entire temple precincts were designated a National Historic Site. 🔗
The temple embraces the Japanese folklore of rabbits living on the moon. Visitors can find rabbit figurines throughout the grounds, a few real rabbits in cages, and rabbit designs on temple decorations. The circular window also pays tribute to the moon. 🔗
Visiting Information
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (may open at 8:30 AM during peak hydrangea season) 🔗
Admission:
- Main temple grounds: ¥500 (high school students and over)
- Inner garden (Honjoen): Additional ¥500 - only open during iris season (late May to mid-June) and autumn foliage (late November to early December) 🔗
Getting There: Take the JR Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura Station (approximately 50 minutes from Tokyo). The temple is a 10-minute walk from the station. Walk towards Kamakura on the left side of the train tracks, passing Engaku-ji Temple. 🔗
Best Timing:
- Arrive right at 9:00 AM opening (or 8:30 AM during hydrangea season) for peaceful viewing before crowds
- Hydrangea season: Late May to early July, with peak bloom mid-June to early July
- Autumn foliage: Late November to early December 🔗
The Experience
The Window of Enlightenment: The Main Hall features a perfectly circular window called "Satori no Mado" that frames the inner garden. During autumn, the entire garden glows in red and gold hues visible through this window, creating a living painting. 🔗 Long queues form to photograph this iconic feature during peak seasons.
Hydrangea Landscape: The stone steps' approach path is flanked by hydrangeas taller than most visitors, creating an immersive blue tunnel during peak season. 🔗 The hydrangeas take on an increasingly blue hue from mid-June onward. 🔗
Inner Garden (Honjoen): The inner garden, visible through the circular window, can only be entered during two special periods each year: June for blooming irises alongside outdoor hydrangeas, and late November to early December for spectacular autumn foliage. The additional ¥500 fee should not be missed during these periods. 🔗
Historic Features:
- Kame no I Well: One of the Ten Wells of Kamakura
- Meigetsu-in Yagura: A cave dug into the side of a large rock
- Rabbit motifs: Search for rabbit figurines and designs throughout the grounds
- Live rabbits: A few real rabbits are kept in cages on the temple grounds 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Seasonal Highlights:
- June - Hydrangea Season: Peak bloom mid-June to early July. Extremely crowded, especially weekends—waiting times can exceed an hour. Japan's rainy season—bring an umbrella. 🔗
- Late November to Early December: Inner garden opens for autumn viewing. Less crowded than hydrangea season with more peaceful atmosphere. 🔗
Crowd Avoidance:
- Weekdays rather than weekends (weekends can have 1+ hour waits during hydrangea season)
- Arrive at opening time (9:00 AM or 8:30 AM during peak season)
- Consider early June or late June rather than mid-June peak crowds
- First-time visitors might avoid June due to extreme crowds and rainy season 🔗
Photography:
- Photography welcome throughout the temple grounds
- Best lighting for circular window: early morning after opening
- The stone steps approach is a famous photo spot
- Respect the temple's quiet atmosphere while photographing 🔗
Cultural Etiquette:
- Maintain quiet contemplative atmosphere appropriate for an active Zen temple
- Wear comfortable shoes for stone paths and gentle slopes
- Be patient during peak season queues for circular window photographs
- Respect the National Historic Site designation
Weather Preparation:
- June: Bring umbrella for rainy season, wear waterproof shoes
- Autumn: Layer clothing for cool November/December temperatures
- Stone paths can be slippery when wet
Nearby Attractions:
- Engaku-ji Temple (1-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station)
- Jochiji Temple (across the train tracks, a few hundred meters away)
- Kenchoji Temple (10-minute walk along Prefectural Highway 21)
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (10 minutes on foot from Kenchoji) 🔗
All temples are within a 15-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station, ideal for a half-day walking tour.
Important Notes:
- Inner garden access is limited to iris season and autumn foliage periods only
- Extreme crowds during mid-June hydrangea peak—strongly consider weekday visits
- June hydrangea viewing coincides with Japan's rainy season—prepare accordingly
- Stone paths can be slippery when wet—wear appropriate footwear
- Active Zen temple—maintain respectful behavior
- Entire precincts designated a National Historic Site in 1984
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/kamakura/meigetsuin-hydrangea-temple.md