Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) is the best way to go to Hasedeta Temple. It is only 5 minutes' ride from Kamakura to Hase station. Passing through the main gate and climbing up the stairs, more than 1,000 stone statues of guardian deities of children welcome you. The statues are here to comfort the souls of unborn children.
On the top of the temple site, there are Amida-do Hall, Kannon-do Hall, and Daikoku-do Hall from the right to left side. In Kannon-do Hall, the magnificent statue of Hase Kannon is enshrined. Gold leaf is applied to the statue, and it has eleven heads in addition to its main one. Photographing is not allowed in the halls, so please take a look at the web site later.
In the Daikoku-do Hall, Daikoku deity is housed. Daikoku deity is one of the seven Japanese deities of Fortune, and he is the deity of wealth, or of the household, particularly the kitchen. You can touch this statue, touch him and good luck will come to you!
Buddha's foot mark stone is in front of Daikoku-do Hall. The observation platform is more ahead of Daikoku-do Hall and you can overlook the ocean. You can also take a rest at the restaurant. At the back side of the halls, hydrangea blooms very beautiful in June even it is rainy season.
Let's go to the lower level and go inside of Benten-kutsu cave.
According to the legend, a famous priest, Kobo Daishi had Buddhism training in this cave. Benzaiten (sea female deity of the seven Japanese deities of Fortune) and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Going more inside, many candles are offered to the deity in the solemn atmosphere.
Hasedera Temple is the MUST in Kamakura area!Hasedera Temple
3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa
TEL: 0467-22-6300
http://www.hasedera.jp/words/english/e1.html
Open:
Mar - Sep 8:00 to 17:00
Oct - Feb 8:00 to 16:30
Admission: JPY300
5 minutes' walk from Hase station
Experience Japan!
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