Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple)
Kanagawa Prefecture · Japan
The temple was originally a repose built by a son in memory of his father who had died in the struggle for power between the Taira and Minamoto clans in the late Heian Period. It later became part of a larger temple complex called Zenkoji, which was abolished during anti-Buddhist movements soon after the Meiji Restoration, leaving only Meigetsuin to remain as an individual temple today.
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:38
Step into the hushed, verdant world of Meigetsuin, a temple of the Rinzai Zen sect located in the historic heart of Kamakura. While Kamakura is often called the 'Kyoto of Eastern Japan,' Meigetsuin offers a specialized form of…
Listen in the app2The Approach and the Hydrangea Path1:26
The journey into Meigetsuin begins with a narrow path lined on both sides by dense bushes of hydrangeas. In early to mid-June, this approach becomes a tunnel of soft, glowing blue, as the 'Hime Ajisai' or 'Princess Hydrangeas'…
Listen in the app3Satori no Mado: The Window of Enlightenment1:25
Perhaps the most famous architectural feature of Meigetsuin is the 'Satori no Mado,' or the circular window located in the Hojo, the temple’s main hall. This perfectly round aperture frames the view of the inner garden, creating…
Listen in the app4The Inner Garden and the Iris Pond1:27
Beyond the 'Satori no Mado' lies the inner garden, which is typically closed to the public except during two specific times of the year: the iris blooming season in June and the autumn foliage season in November. This garden is a…
Listen in the app5The Yagura Cave Tombs1:25
As you explore the hillside behind the main buildings, you will encounter the 'Yagura'—unique cave tombs carved directly into the soft sandstone cliffs. This type of burial is a characteristic feature of Kamakura’s medieval…
Listen in the app6The Bamboo Grove and Stone Bridges1:27
In a secluded corner of the grounds, a small but dense grove of 'Moso' bamboo rises toward the sky. Walking through the bamboo is a profoundly sensory experience; the tall, green stalks sway in the breeze, creating a rhythmic…
Listen in the app7The Tea House and Seasonal Wagashi1:24
Near the entrance, a small tea house offers visitors the opportunity to experience the 'Way of Tea,' or Chado, in an authentic Zen setting. Sitting on the tatami mats and looking out at the garden, you can enjoy a bowl of whisked…
Listen in the app8Final Reflections1:22
As we conclude our exploration of Meigetsuin, let us take a moment to reflect on the 'Meigetsuin Blue' that defines this sanctuary. We have seen how this temple uses the hydrangea not just as a decoration, but as a teacher of…
Listen in the app9Closing0:50
As you step back into the streets of Kita-Kamakura, the memory of Meigetsuin’s blue hydrangeas and its silent stone tombs will likely linger. This temple stands as one of the most poignant examples of how human devotion can…
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What is Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple)?
Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple) is a place in Kanagawa Prefecture · Japan with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kanagawa Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Total length | 12 min 24 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.3349, 139.5514 |
| Last updated |
