In the quiet town of Kamakura, just an hour from Tokyo and a 10-minute walk from Kita Kamakura Station, you’ll find Meigetsu-in, also known as Hydrangea Temple.
Every June, thousands of vivid blue hydrangeas bloom across the peaceful temple grounds, creating a sea of soft color known as “Meigetsu-in Blue.” Most of them are Hime Ajisai, a traditional Japanese variety famous for its delicate, vivid blue petals. If you look closely, you might even spot a few heart-shaped petals hidden among the blossoms!
During peak season, the temple can get quite crowded, with wait times of 30 to 60 minutes or more. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
Meigetsu-in is beautiful all year round. In autumn, its maple leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange. The temple also features a tranquil Zen rock garden and the iconic circular “Window of Enlightenment," which perfectly frames the garden behind it, like a painting. If you look carefully, you’ll also find charming rabbit-themed decorations throughout the temple grounds - a subtle reference to the moon, as “Meigetsu” means “harvest moon” in Japanese.
