Kamakura In June
It’s a peaceful reunification of the ethereal beauty of nature and the grandeur of history.
June is the month for Hydrangeas in Japan, and where else is the worthiest place to picture them than in the countryside of Kamakura.
Kamakura is a small city in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour from Tokyo. It’s a historical city that was established in the 12th century. It is also home to diverse sandy beaches good for swimming and surfing. But today, I visited Kamakura for its temples and shrines. And they are best known for their lovely and charming hydrangeas.
Hydrangeas
Many believe the hydrangea has originated in Japan. It has traditionally known to be significant to the country’s history. According to a Japanese legend, the hydrangea possesses an enormous range of meanings, from heartfelt emotion of gratitude for understanding, to sincere apology. It also comes in various shades, of pink, blue, purple, white and green. Every color acquires its diverse meanings. Pink is for heartfelt and intimate emotion, blue is for an apology or expressing regret, white is for purity and grace, purple is for deep understanding, and green is for renewal and rebirth.
Flower meanings taken from www.https://flowermeaning.com
Meigetsuin Temple
Meigetsuin Temple is equally known as the hydrangea temple. There are thousands of hydrangea plants blanketed the temple ground with brilliant hues ranging from baby blue to violet during its full bloom from mid-June to July. The delightful walk from the entrance to the temple hydrangeas blossoms all around feeling like a magical path burst in tranquility and calmness. It’s a peaceful reunification of the ethereal beauty of nature and the grandeur of history. The temple is just a 7-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura train station. An admission fee of 300 JPY is collected.
Engakuji Temple
Engakuji Temple is one of the most important Zen Buddhist Temple in Japan. This is more of a restful and solemn place compared to Meigetsuin Temple. It conveys the impression like you have stepped back in time during the Edo era. It provides spacious forested grounds with sacred sub-temples, towering sturdy trees with fragrant crisp air. So peaceful, I could stay forever. The magnificent temple is merely a few walks from Kita-Kamakura train station. An entrance fee of 400 JPY is collected.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is one of the most ancestral shrines in Kamakura. It is believed to be the heart and soul of the city. It’s nestled in lush greenery behind an arched bridge. Opposing sides of it is a large beautiful pond overspread with lotus blossoms. A stone staircase leads you to the broad shrine filled with unparalleled ambiance and magnificent views. The shrine offers a unique glimpse of Japanese history and culture. And it is appreciated for offering luck in love and good health to its worshippers. The shrine is a 10 to 15-minute walk from Kamakura train station. You can either walk along the pedestrian path of Wakamiya Oji Street or Komachi-Dori Shopping Street, which is lined with various shops of trinkets and souvenirs.
Kamakura is a place where you can genuinely enjoy the breathtaking scenery in every season. It provides many highlights, plenty of spots you can visit. These are but the few of them. Above all, it is merely an hour away from Tokyo.
Have you been to Kamakura yet? Don’t forget to include these amazing tourist spots on your itinerary and let me know how you feel about them.
