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Ajisai (Hydrangea) in Kamakura 💠 ​

Where and when to see ajisai (紫陽花，hydrangeas) in Kamakura during the June rainy season, plus tips to beat the crowds.

When to go ​

  • Hydrangea season runs from late May to early July, with the peak around mid-June.
  • The season overlaps the tsuyu (梅雨) rainy season, so embracing the rain is part of the experience.
  • Right after a rain shower is the best time to see the flowers at their most vibrant, with raindrops on the petals.
  • The most famous temples are busiest in the weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday.
  • Most places in this guide close after 16:00, so plan to arrive early or come later in the afternoon.
  • Check weather forecasts before heading out: tenki.jp's Kita-Kamakura forecast

Hydrangea spots ​

Tip: Google Maps list of hydrangea spots

All the spots mentioned below are pinned in Ajisai hydrangea spots Google Maps list.

The three great hydrangea spots ​

  • Meigetsu-in Temple / 明月院
    • Known as the "Hydrangea Temple" for its roughly 2,500 himeajisai plants and the deep blue color nicknamed "Meigetsu-in Blue."
    • Look for the hydrangeas around the Hanaomoi Jizo statue in front of the Kaisan-do Hall.
    • Best time: mid-June to late June.
    • Admission: 500 yen (plus 500 yen for the rear garden).
    • Access: about a 10-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station.
  • Hase-dera Temple / 長谷寺
    • A "Flower Temple" with about 2,500 plants of around 40 varieties on the hillside walking path.
    • The upper path frames the hydrangeas against a view of Yuigahama Beach.
    • Best time: late May to late June.
    • Admission: 400 yen, plus a separate hydrangea viewing ticket.
    • Access: about a 5-minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden line.
  • Joju-in Temple / 成就院
    • A Shingon temple founded in 1219 and known as a power spot for romance and good relationships.
    • Hydrangeas remain near the entrance and along the stairs.
    • Access: about a 3-minute walk from Gokurakuji Station on the Enoden line.

Kita-Kamakura ​

  • Engaku-ji Temple / 円覚寺
    • The second of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, with mountain hydrangeas (yamaajisai) scattered across the grounds.
    • Best time: early June to late June.
    • Admission: 500 yen.
    • Access: about a 1-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station.
  • Tokei-ji Temple / 東慶寺
    • The former "divorce temple," with mountain hydrangeas along the stone steps to the main gate.
    • Best time: mid-June to early July.
    • Admission: None.
    • Access: about a 4-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station.
  • Jochi-ji Temple / 浄智寺
    • The fourth of the Five Great Zen Temples, quieter than the larger spots, with about 150 plants of around 40 varieties.
    • Best time: early June to mid-July.
    • Admission: 300 yen.
    • Access: about an 8-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station.
  • Kencho-ji Temple / 建長寺
    • The first of the Five Great Zen Temples. Look for white Annabelle hydrangeas along the approach to Hansobo Daigongen, as well as at Kaishun-in and Seirai-an.
    • Best time: early June to late June.
    • Admission: 500 yen.
    • Access: about a 15-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station.
  • Choju-ji Temple / 長寿寺
    • Built on the former residence of Ashikaga Takauji and open only on select days. Enjoy the hydrangeas in the back garden from the veranda of the kohojo.
    • Best time: early June to mid-June.
    • Admission: 300 yen. Open Wednesday to Sunday in June.
    • Access: about a 15-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station.
  • Kamegayatsuzaka Pass / 亀ヶ谷坂
    • A slope next to Choju-ji, counted among the "Seven Entrances of Kamakura," lined with clusters of hydrangeas. Cars are barred partway up, so it is a calm walk.
    • Best time: early to mid-June.
    • Access: about a 10-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station.

Along the Enoden line ​

  • Kosoku-ji Temple / 光則寺
    • A "Flower Temple" with about 200 hydrangea varieties from across Japan displayed in pots, plus blooms along the stone steps and beside the main hall.
    • Best time: mid-May to early June.
    • Admission: 100 yen.
    • Access: about a 6-minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden line.
  • Goryo Shrine / 御霊神社
    • Home to a "Hydrangea Path" behind the main hall and a classic spot for photographing the Enoden train passing the flowers.
    • Best time: early June to mid-June.
    • Access: about a 5-minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden line.
  • Inamuragasaki Seaside Park / 稲村ヶ崎海浜公園
    • A coastal park with views of Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji. The best hydrangea cluster is near the observation deck at the summit.
    • Best time: early June to mid-June.
    • Access: about a 5-minute walk from Inamuragasaki Station on the Enoden line.

Around Kamakura Station ​

  • Hongaku-ji Temple / 本覚寺
    • A Nichiren temple near the station with a small number of large hydrangea plants beside the main hall.
    • Best time: early June to late June.
    • Access: about a 5-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station.
  • Myohon-ji Temple / 妙本寺
    • The oldest Nichiren-sect temple, with large hydrangeas in front of the Nitenmon Gate that bloom a little later than most spots.
    • Best time: late June to early July.
    • Access: about a 9-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station.
  • Jomyo-ji Temple / 浄妙寺
    • The fifth of the Five Great Zen Temples, with an English garden, a cafe, mountain hydrangeas along the Yamaajisai Path, and white Annabelle hydrangeas by the Ishigama Garden Terrace.
    • Best time: late May onward.
    • Admission: 200 yen.
    • Access: from the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station, take bus number 4 to the Jomyoji bus stop, then about a 5-minute walk.
  • Genjiyama Park / 源氏山公園
    • Lacecap hydrangeas (gakuajisai) grow at the foot of the Minamoto no Yoritomo statue, with more in and around the adjacent Kuzuharaoka Shrine.
    • Best time: early June to mid-June.
    • Access: about a 25-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Kamakura Station.

Getting there ​

  • From Tokyo: JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station, or Kita-Kamakura Station for the northern temples.
  • Around town: Enoden line (Enoshima Electric Railway), plus walking routes between the temples.
  • Passes: cross-link to the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass.

Tips ​

  • Arrive early or on weekdays to avoid the heaviest crowds.
  • Bring small umbrellas (avoid damaging flowers)and footwear suited to wet stone paths and steps.
  • Some temples sell a separate hydrangea viewing ticket during the season, so carry small change.
  • Be mindful of temple etiquette: keep quiet, follow photography rules, and offer a donation where there is no admission fee.