Hasedera Hydrangea Path in Kamakura

25 lovely hydrangea varieties along Prospect Road

Jessica A Paje Jun 24, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>This delicate, lilac hydrangea is also known as Seiyo Ajisai (Western type of hydrangea).</p>

<p>The entrance to Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura.</p>

<p>With paid admission, receive this adorable hand fan designed with photos of the hydrangeas in bloom.</p>

<p>Wonderful view of the City of Kamakura and Sagami Bay from the temple grounds.</p>

<p>Entrance to Prospect Road. Get your cameras ready!</p>

<p>Prospect Road is a narrow path of steep stairs situated alongside the hill.</p>

<p>At times the petals of hydrangeas remind me of butterflies.</p>

<p>An acidic or low pH will induce "blueness" of the flower.</p>

<p>With so many variations its difficult to choose a favorite.</p>

<p>Visitors stop to pose in front of the hydrangea garden along Prospect Road.</p>

<p>Hydrangea macrophylla, the common, big-leaf hydrangea has been known by gardeners in its native land of Japan for many hundreds of years and grown in its many forms.</p>

<p>The winding path on Prospect Road.</p>

<p>A higher or alkaline pH will induce the pinkness or redness of the flower.</p>

Don’t let the rainy season stop you from admiring another one of Japan’s most beautiful flowers: Ajisai (or Hydrangea). From mid-June to July, there are as many as 25 variations of hydrangeas located at beautiful Hase-dera (長谷寺) Temple in Kamakura. More commonly known as Hase-kannon (長谷観音), it is home to a massive wooden statue of Kannon. Behind the temple is the narrow path called “Prospect Road," which runs along the steep hill and blooms with hundreds of heavenly hydrangeas. In addition to the flowers in bloom, there are several spots to soak in the wonderful views of the City of Kamakura and Sagami Bay. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!

Admission fee is 300 yen. Access from Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway. Or, park in front of the temple for a nominal fee.

More info

Find out more about Hasedera Temple.

Jessica A Paje @jessica.paje

Originally from San Diego, California, I lived in Yokosuka, Japan, for 5 years. In 2010, I arrived with a new outlook on my future. Mainly, to refocus on family and let my curiosities take us to places we’ve only dreamt of. Along the way, we’d hopefully develop new friendships and simply collect ...