Hase-dera Temple (Kamakura)

長谷寺（鎌倉）

Hase-dera is a historic Buddhist temple in Kamakura, founded in 736 to enshrine a statue of Kannon. The wooden Kannon statue is 9.18 meters tall, one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan. Visitors can walk through halls, the Benten-kutsu cave with carvings, and a garden with flowers all year. The observation platform has one of the best views in Kamakura, and in June the path is known as the "Hydrangea Path".

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Visitor information

Opening hours: April–June 8:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00); July–March 8:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30).
Admission: Adults 400 yen; children aged 6–11: 200 yen. Reservations are not accepted.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Photos and video are not allowed inside the Kannon-do hall and the Kannon Museum. Smoking is prohibited (smoking area in the parking lot).
The restrooms near the parking lot are barrier-free and include an ostomy-care toilet. Coin lockers are near the parking lot, and Wi-Fi is available in some areas.
Kaikoan Restaurant (10:00–16:00) offers vegetarian curry and vegan meat pasta. No halal certification is stated.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The temple's Kaikoan restaurant offers vegetarian curry and vegan meat pasta. No halal certification is stated.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kanagawa and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.