Meigetsuin

Meigetsuin

Encounter the dignified early summer tinted with blue hydrangeas at Myogetsuin Temple.

Meigetsuin Temple, famous as one of the best-known hydrangea viewing spots in Kamakura, attracts visitors in early summer when the entire temple grounds are covered with blue hydrangeas. The hydrangeas along the stone steps and approach to the temple are neat and beautiful, and their deep blue color blends with the tranquility of the temple grounds, creating a dignified atmosphere. The scenery is like a world apart from everyday life, and one can feel a sense of calmness just by stepping into the temple.

Key points for photography

The best time to take pictures is first thing in the morning. Immediately after the gates open, there are fewer people and the temple grounds remain quiet, so the blue of the hydrangea will appear deeper and more subdued. The soft morning light gives natural shadows to the petals and enhances the atmosphere of the stone steps and approach to the temple. The greatest attraction is that you can calmly take pictures of the dignified hydrangea scenery unique to Myogetsuin in the clear air before the crowds arrive.

Best viewing and photography timing

Best Season

early summer

Recommended times

Access & Basic Information (Check Before Shooting)

Item Details
Address 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
subject hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Admission fee Yes
Admission Time Yes
Parking lot None
Restroom Yes

The day I visited this place in the past

Route taken on June 7, 2025.

Year 2025

Meigetsuin|The Moss Garden and the Jizo Statue's Presence

This photograph captures both the moss carpet found in the garden extending deep within Myōgen-in Temple and the figure of a Jizō statue standing quietly.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin|Close-up of hydrangeas against a round window backdrop

This photograph was taken with careful composition to create a sense of depth: the hydrangeas in the foreground are sharply focused, while the circular window in the background is intentionally blurred, framing the view of the window beyond.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin|The Quiet Iris Garden at the Back of Meigetsuin

This photograph captures the iris garden located deep within Myōgen-in Temple. Though it was not the peak blooming season, the quietly blooming Japanese irises were quite impressive.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin|Composition of Round Windows and Hydrangeas

This photograph was taken from a slight distance away, capturing the round window at the rear of Myōgen-in Temple. I focused on the hydrangeas while carefully composing the shot to include the atmosphere of the foreground as well.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin|Stairway Path with Blurred Right Side and Hydrangeas

This photograph captures the stairway path and hydrangeas at Meigetsuin Temple, with the focus set on the left side in the background, while the flowers on the right are intentionally blurred to create a soft, dreamlike effect.
Year 2025

Myogetsuin|Round window and hydrangea in the foreground

In this photo, I tried to capture the round window at the back of Myogetsuin by focusing on the hydrangea in the foreground and softly blurring the window at the back.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin|Stairway Path and Hydrangeas on the Right

This photograph captures the terraced path visible immediately upon entering Myōgen-in Temple and the hydrangeas blooming along its sides, with the focus set on the flowers on the right.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin|Stairway Path and Hydrangeas in the Left Rear

This photograph captures the stairway path and hydrangea scenery just inside Myōgen-in Temple, with the focus set on the flowers in the far left background.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin Temple|Beautiful hydrangeas blooming before the gate

This photograph captures the beautiful hydrangeas near the gate of Myōgen-in Temple, taken from the entrance area.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin Temple|Gateway Scenery Highlighting Hydrangeas

This photograph focuses on the beautiful hydrangeas blooming just before the gate of Myōgen-in Temple, capturing them in a way that highlights their appearance.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin|Hydrangeas at Meigetsuin's Entrance and Depth

This photo was taken from outside before the gates opened, capturing the area near the entrance of Meigetsuin Temple. I focused on the hydrangea in the foreground on the right and tried to shoot with an awareness of depth.
Year 2025

Meigetsuin|Hydrangea Path Before Opening

This photograph was taken before the gates opened, capturing the hydrangea path near Myōgen-in Temple's entrance with the flowers on both sides balanced harmoniously within the frame.
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