Meigetsu-in Temple

Meigetsu-in is a Rinzai Zen temple in the Yamanouchi district of Kamakura, Japan. The grounds include several wooden buildings with thatched and tile roofs, surrounded by maintained garden areas with paths of packed gravel.

Uesugi Norimasa established the site in 1383 as a subsidiary temple of a larger monastery. After the Meiji-era reforms of the 19th century, it became an independent house of worship.

The round viewing frame in the main hall is known as the Window of Enlightenment, and visitors sit quietly facing it during morning meditation sessions.

The site is roughly a ten-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station. An inner garden section opens in June and is otherwise accessible only in late autumn.

Over 2,500 hydrangeas bloom here during the rainy season and fill the pathways with different shades of blue. Many travelers visit specifically in June when the plants reach full flower.

Location: Yamanouchi

Inception: 1160

Founders: Uesugi Norimasa

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Charge: 500 JPY;300 JPY

Part of: 33 Sacred Sites of Kannon in Kamakura

Address: 鎌倉市山ノ内189

Opening Hours: July 01-May 31 Monday-Sunday 09:00-16:00; June 01-June 30 08:30-17:00

Phone: +81467243437

Website: https://trip-kamakura.com/place/japanheritage/230.html

GPS coordinates: 35.33486,139.55139

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:29