Hase Temple (Hasedera)

What to know

Hasedera (長谷寺) is a Jodo sect temple renowned for its eleven-headed Kannon statue, the goddess of mercy. This 9.18-meter-tall gilded wooden figure is among Japan's largest wooden sculptures and is housed in the main hall, Kannon-do. Legend says it was carved from the same tree as the equally tall Kannon statue at Hasedera Temple in Nara Prefecture.

Next to the main hall is the Kannon Museum, a small museum with an extra admission fee. It displays more temple treasures, including Buddhist statues, a temple bell, and a picture scroll. Signs are in Japanese, but an English pamphlet with basic explanations is available. Across from the main hall stands the Amida-do Hall, featuring a nearly three-meter-tall golden statue of Amida Buddha.

Hasedera is built on a wooded hillside. The main buildings sit on a terrace halfway up, offering nice views of the coastal city of Kamakura. There is also a small restaurant serving Japanese sweets, meals, and drinks. Along the stairs up the slope is the Jizo-do Hall, surrounded by hundreds of small Jizo statues that help the souls of deceased children reach paradise.

The temple entrance is at the base of the hill. A pretty garden with ponds welcomes visitors as they enter. A small hall in the garden is dedicated to Benten (Benzaiten), goddess of feminine beauty and wealth. Sculptures of Benten and other gods can be found in a small cave (Benten-kutsu) next to the hall.

Hasedera is a five-minute walk from Hase Station, the third stop from Kamakura on the Enoden railway line—a streetcar-like train connecting Kamakura with Enoshima and Fujisawa. Its terminal in Kamakura is right next to JR Kamakura Station.