Meigetsu-in

Very sacred and very strict for non-photography area, because it's actually a shrine and there is garden inside. Even not allowed for pics in the restaurant. No blooming on August 12th 2025. Ticket is ¥500 and get a brochure. There is mini souvenir near to the shrine. Less people so it's good to enjoy and relax.

Day of visit: 26-06-2025 at around 13:30 When I got there the flowers were just starting to wither, but there were still some to see. Probably because of that I did not have to wait for the ticket, and the flow of visitors was not crowded as usual. However, you still need to wait just a little bit to have nice photos without other people. Apart from the main path which is famous and usually crowded, there are smaller pathways on the side as well. If you are not someone who can beat the crowd or queue from early morning during the peak period, then I highly recommend visiting on a weekday in late June, just as I did.

My purpose in visiting this temple was to see the hydrangeas during the rainy season. It’s within walking distance from a local station, and along the way you can enjoy the natural scenery. The only concern is that too many people were waiting for the round window (丸窓).

‘With flowers in hand and a quiet smile — even a stranger’s heart softens gently in that silent grace.’ This quote from the temple summarised it perfectly. It’s a temple with theme: bright moon 🌕, rabbits, and flowers.

I went in best season to go, so my review can be applied just in this season, the place is beautiful with the flowers and super organized, buuut.... do not expected SO MUCH and it is so busy, I could not walk for some moments But it is a place beautiful to go

The best temple in Kamakura with its own unique charm. Recommend to visit during flowering season when the hydrangeas are flowering and to visit the hidden garden. Its a bit out of the way but it was very tranquil. I really enjoyed it's unique figurines and statues. The garden behind the window of enlightenment was absolutely perfect & tranquil. With respect to the temple it's smaller compared to the other ones, but seemed to be better designed with points of interest along the way & especially with respect to crowd control and traffic flow.

June 2024 Came here to see hydrangeas People outnumbered the flowers it was really annoying with ppl everywhere and you can’t take a picture without ppl walking into your shot Never coming back here lolol

Tickets cost approx $5 per person and you do not have to buy them in advance. I visited during the hydrangea season so it was adorned by little blue flowers. Very pretty indeed! This is also a religious site but frankly speaking, even the locals are here just for pictures of the garden. There is a nice little bamboo tree section too. Also, being Japan, there is a strict one-way traffic / walking route which you have to adhere to. This means that you might end up having to walk really slowly if the tourists in front of you keep stopping for photos.

Meigetsuin is located near Kita Kamakura station. Please use Google Maps to get there in June. It is still walkable. In Kamakura, you have to walk around the city and temples. Meigetsuin is packed with tourists who want to see hydrangea. You should check the hours on the website. English info is available. In Japan, June is a rainy season. Please bring an umbrella.

This is one of the most stunning temples I have been to in Kamakura. I went in the fall so there was no koyo or hydrangeas, but still, even in fall on a rainy day it was pretty impressive. I like the resident temple cat....forget his name.