Tourist Attractions and Activities
Hase Temple in Kamakura City is known as the birthplace of the Kamakura Shogunate and the cradle of the samurai government in Japan. It is a city steeped in rich Japanese history and culture.
Welcome to my blog! Today, I am delighted to share with you one of the places I have had the pleasure of visiting multiple times and truly enjoy.
The New Year’s events at Hase Temple are incredibly solemn and captivating, drawing one’s heart closer to the traditions and spirit of Japan.
Hase-dera Temple
One of Japan’s iconic Buddhist temples, Hase-dera Temple, graces the city and attracts numerous tourists. Among its notable events, the “Mantoh Kigan E (Ten Thousand Lantern Prayer Festival)”—a captivating event held during the New Year season—stands out as a captivating experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance of Hase-dera Temple.
This festival, also known as the “Ten Thousand Lantern Prayer Festival,” offers a multitude of delights, including the resonating sound of the New Year’s Eve bell, the gentle glow of countless lanterns, and the awe-inspiring first sunrise of the year.
Furthermore, Hase-dera Temple is surrounded by numerous attractions and picturesque scenery, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area.
Mantoh Kigan E
Immerse yourself in the captivating “Mantoh Kigan E” prayer event at Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura City.
This event offers a captivating experience on New Year’s Eve. The temple gate opens at 23:00, and the bell rings 108 times, symbolizing purification and the arrival of the new year, resonating through Kamakura City.
As you wander through the temple grounds during the event, you’ll be enchanted by the thousands of lights that adorn the surroundings, creating a truly magical atmosphere.In front of the main hall near the observation deck, prayer candles are already placed, illuminating the area until the morning of New Year’s Day, allowing visitors to engage in peaceful prayer.
Moreover, on the day of the event, you have the opportunity to make a donation and light candles to offer your personal wishes (500 yen per wish). To fully embrace this enchanting experience, it’s recommended to arrive early and make the most of the event’s offerings.
Please keep in mind that in the event of rainy or windy weather, the event may be rescheduled to one of the three days of the New Year, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand.
Given the potential chilliness of the nights and early mornings, it’s essential to dress warmly and ensure your comfort throughout the event.
New Year's Sunrise
If the weather allows, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking first sunrise from the observation deck in front of the main hall where the “Mantoh Kigan E” ceremony is held.
As you eagerly await the sunrise, I recommend paying a visit to Kotoku-in Temple, located adjacent to Hase-dera Temple and famous for its iconic Great. Buddha of Kamakura.
Architectural Marvels Within the Grounds
Hase-dera Temple, perched on the mountainside, boasts a magnificent three-story structure.
At the foot of the mountain, you’ll discover the temple gate, Benten cave, and a delightful Japanese garden, among other captivating features.
As you make your way up the stairs, a world of wonders unfolds on the mountainside, including the Kyo-do hall, Kannon-do hall, Kannon Museum, and an observation deck. Follow the path beside the Kyo-do hall, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Yuigahama Beach.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Kamakura Shogunate
Kamakura city played a pivotal role in Japan’s medieval history. In the late 12th century, the Kamakura Shogunate established its headquarters in Kamakura, establishing a powerful military government that lasted until the mid-19th century.
The city’s profound legacy as a hub of samurai culture is beautifully reflected in its abundant collection of historic temples and shrines.
The Foundation of Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera, renowned as one of the most iconic temples in Kamakura, boasts a stunning Nara-period architecture that originated in 736. Emperor Shomu (701-756) personally bestowed upon it the honorable status of being a symbol of peace and prosperity for the imperial family and the nation.
Throughout the Kamakura period, Hase-dera held profound significance as a sacred sanctuary for the esteemed Hojo clan and other esteemed samurai.
Its captivating history includes the fascinating account of a Kannon statue that was discovered on the shore and enshrined within Hase-dera, signifying the temple’s ascent to eminence.
Seven Lucky Gods
In Kamakura, you’ll find several shrines dedicated to the Seven Lucky Gods, which reflect a long-standing belief that originated during Japan’s Muromachi period (1336-1573).
These esteemed deities include Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Ebisu, Jurojin, and Hotei. The tradition of embarking on a pilgrimage to visit these gods gained significant popularity during the Edo period (1600-1868), particularly as a cherished
New Year’s activity. Today, this tradition remains alive and well. As you explore each shrine, be sure to collect a unique seal called “Goshuin” as a delightful keepsake and proof of your visit.
If you’re planning a trip to Kamakura, why not indulge in the city’s vibrant culture and history by embarking on the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage?
It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local traditions and spend a fulfilling day exploring the various shrines. Don’t miss the chance to collect the unique Goshuin seals from each shrine, which can serve as cherished mementos of your journey and add a touch of beauty to your room.
For additional details on the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage and the specially crafted seals, please visit the external website.
Dining Guide
Kamakura is a popular tourist destination, known for its diverse selection of traditional Japanese restaurants and izakayas.
Within Kamakura city, you’ll discover a wealth of eateries and souvenir shops nestled in hidden alleyways, away from the bustling main streets. It’s not uncommon for some of these establishments to have early closing times, a customary practice in many small towns across Japan, especially during the New Year holiday period.
While it may require some effort to locate your desired restaurant or shop, conducting online research or reaching out to them by phone during your trip to Japan can add an enjoyable element to your travel planning process.
For those seeking vegetarian and Muslim-friendly dining options, two vegetarian restaurants near Kamakura Station’s west exit are worth considering.
Vegetus requires advance reservations and exclusively serves dinner, while SOIL specializes in lunch service only. Given their limited operating hours and days, it’s advisable to contact them in advance to ensure availability.
Additionally, near the Temple, you’ll find a Japanese restaurant called “KONDO” that caters to vegetarians and Muslims, offering both lunch and dinner options.
Accommodation
There are various accommodation options available in Kamakura and the nearby tourist spots, such as Enoshima.
You can choose from traditional Japanese inns, budget-friendly guesthouses, and mid-range hotels, all of which can be easily found and booked online. If you’re looking for a wider range of choices, you can also consider staying in nearby cities like Tokyo and Yokohama.
However, if your plan is to visit Kamakura during the New Year period, it’s advisable to stay within the city itself for convenient access to accommodation facilities.
It’s important to note that all areas tend to be crowded during this time, and prices may increase. To secure your preferred accommodation, it’s recommended to make early reservations.
Transportation
To travel to Hase in Kamakura from Tokyo and Yokohama, the most convenient option is by train.
You have the choice of taking either the JR East‘s JR Tokaido Line or JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station via Yokohama Station. If you opt for the JR Tokaido Line, you will need to transfer to the JR Yokosuka Line at Ofuna Station, which is two stations prior to Kamakura Station.
Once you arrive at Kamakura Station, you can transfer to the Enoshima Electric Railway and get off at Hase Station, which is just a short walk away.
If you’re traveling from Tokyo Station, the journey typically takes around 90 minutes, and the fare is approximately 1,200 yen. During the New Year period, there are special trains available, and you can find detailed timetables on the website.
While driving to Kamakura is an option, it’s worth noting that the route can be complex, and you may encounter traffic congestion and difficulties finding parking spaces along the way.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Hase-dera Temple and Beyond
The entrance fee for Hasedera Temple is 400 yen per adult. However, during the period from New Year’s Eve until 8 am on New Year’s Day, admission is free of charge. In addition, there is an extra fee of 300 yen per adult for entry to the Kannon Museum.
Nearby Kotokuin Temple has an entrance fee of 300 yen per adult.
If you’re planning to visit Kamakura on a day other than January 1st to 3rd, you can take advantage of a special ticket priced at 900 yen. This ticket offers discounts on tourist attractions, transportation fees, and even souvenirs .
Another great option is the 800 yen set ticket, which provides unlimited access to various transportation systems in the city for an entire day.
These options are designed to help you make the most of your visit to Kamakura while keeping your expenses in check.
Special Promotional Ticket
Furthermore, foreign tourists who visit Japan for sightseeing purposes can opt to purchase the “JAPAN RAIL PASS,” a special promotional ticket that provides unlimited access to JR trains for a designated period of time.
This pass allows them to save on transportation expenses and conveniently explore various destinations across the country.
Kamakura's Street Food
When it comes to food, opting for local street food options such as dumplings, fried chicken, sweet bean paste baked goods, and pork buns can help you save money.
These delectable dishes can be easily found at shops near shrines, temples, and the east side of Kamakura Station. Not only are they delicious, but they are also offered at affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly choice for a delightful culinary experience.
Weather Guide
From New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, the weather at the Temple is typically cool, with temperatures ranging from around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and occasionally dropping below freezing.
In Kamakura City, January sees an average temperature of 5.1 degrees Celsius, with highs of 9.6 degrees Celsius and lows of 1.0 degrees Celsius.
To ensure your comfort in the cold, it’s essential to dress warmly. As the event takes place halfway up the mountain, it can feel even colder. Although it’s often sunny, the proximity to the sea can bring strong winds, so it’s advisable to wear layers and protective clothing.
If you’re concerned about the weather, checking the forecast in advance is a wise decision.
