Meigetsuin, a quiet temple nestled in Kita-Kamakura, is especially beloved during hydrangea season. The stunning blue landscape—known as “Meigetsuin Blue”—gently calms the hearts of its visitors. As a physician living a busy life, I, Ikebanadoctor, also find healing and peace whenever I come here. In this article, I’ll share my June visit to Meigetsuin, including tips on how to get there, the best time to go, and health advice from a medical perspective.
- 🏯What is Meigetsuin? — The Temple of Hydrangeas
- 🌿Why Ikebanadoctor Visits Every Year
- 🚶♂️How to Get There & What to See on the Way
- 🌄Why Early Morning Visits are Best
- 🪟The Zen Circle Window—“Window of Enlightenment”
- ☀️From a Doctor’s Perspective—Stay Hydrated!
- 🌼Peak Bloom and Garden Beauty
- 🍁Inner Garden, Jizo Statues & Seasonal Charm
- 🕘Hours, Admission & Official Information
- 🏡Bonus: Explore the Kominka Museum
- 🌿Bring Calm to Your Home with Flower Subscriptions
- ✍️Summary
- 🌼 Why don’t you start a life with flowers?
- 🌸 Explore More Floral Journeys
- 🌸 If this post inspired you to try ikebana, check out our recommended lessons here:
🏯What is Meigetsuin? — The Temple of Hydrangeas
Meigetsuin Temple, located in Kita-Kamakura, is affectionately known as the “Hydrangea Temple.” Founded during the Kamakura period, it is especially famous for its vibrant blue hydrangeas—“Meigetsuin Blue”—that fill the grounds in early summer.
🌿Why Ikebanadoctor Visits Every Year
As a physician, I make time every year to visit Meigetsuin. The sight of the vibrant blue hydrangeas helps me reset mentally and emotionally. In order to heal others, I must also find my own form of healing—and nature offers that generously.
🚶♂️How to Get There & What to See on the Way
Take the JR Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura Station. From there, it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk to Meigetsuin. You’ll pass Engakuji Temple on the way—another beautiful Zen temple worth visiting if you have time.
🌄Why Early Morning Visits are Best
I arrived 15 minutes before the 8:30 opening and still found a queue. Morning light pairs beautifully with the hydrangeas, and the famous stone stairway is closed off briefly—giving photographers a rare opportunity to capture an empty, serene scene.
🪟The Zen Circle Window—“Window of Enlightenment”
The round “Window of Enlightenment” offers a breathtaking view of the garden framed like a painting. I waited about 15 minutes to photograph it, but by 10 a.m., the queue had grown significantly. Be mindful of the heat if visiting later in the day.
☀️From a Doctor’s Perspective—Stay Hydrated!
On hot days, emergency transport cases for heatstroke rise dramatically. Please bring water, wear a hat or carry a parasol, and take breaks in the shade. Enjoy, but don’t forget to protect your health.
🌼Peak Bloom and Garden Beauty
The hydrangeas were in full bloom, and every corner offered a picture-perfect view. I even found myself imagining how healing it would be for patients if I could open a clinic in such a beautiful space. For anyone seeking peace of mind or the healing power of nature, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting.
🍁Inner Garden, Jizo Statues & Seasonal Charm
The inner garden behind the main hall (¥500 admission) is open to the public only during specific seasons. When I visited, the irises were past their peak, but I was able to photograph the Red and Blue Jizo statues. The garden is also exceptionally beautiful during the autumn foliage season, making it a place I’d love to return to.
🕘Hours, Admission & Official Information
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Early opening during hydrangea season)
Admission Fee: ¥500 (Additional ¥500 for the inner garden behind the main hall)
Closed: Open year-round (no holidays)
Official Website: Meigetsuin Official Page
Best Viewing Time: Check here
🏡Bonus: Explore the Kominka Museum
On the way from Kita-Kamakura Station to Meigetsuin, you’ll find the Kita-Kamakura Kominka Museum, which is currently hosting a Hydrangea Exhibition from May 22 to July 6, 2025. The exhibition features over 100 varieties of hydrangeas as well as floral-themed art pieces, offering a different perspective on these beloved flowers. With half a day, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll that includes both Meigetsuin and the museum.
🌿Bring Calm to Your Home with Flower Subscriptions
Why not bring the same kind of healing floral atmosphere found at Meigetsuin into your everyday life?
With the flower subscription service “andplants”, even busy people can effortlessly enjoy beautiful blooms at home.
Please note: This site contains some affiliate links.
✍️Summary
Meigetsuin, a renowned spot for hydrangeas, is a place I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking to restore balance in mind and body. I truly believe that the healing power of nature is something irreplaceable—even in the medical field. I hope you too will have the chance to experience the calming embrace of Meigetsuin Blue.
🌼 Why don’t you start a life with flowers?
Perhaps it is in these hectic days that we need flowers that bloom softly.
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You don’t have to do ikebana right off the bat, just a quick display of flowers in a vase at hand will do.
A simple bouquet can bring peace to even the busiest days.
That’s what makes flower subscriptions so appealing.
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🌸 Explore More Floral Journeys
If Meigetsuin’s hydrangeas moved you, why not explore more seasonal flower destinations around Japan?
As a physician, I share reflections on how nature and flowers help restore inner balance.
Take a mindful stroll through blooms and beauty:
▶︎ See more floral journeys here
🌸 If this post inspired you to try ikebana, check out our recommended lessons here:
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