Meigetsuin Temple

Meigetsuin Temple (明月院), founded in 1160, is a Rinzai Zen temple in Kamakura, also known as Ajisaidera or "Hydrangea Temple." During the rainy season, the temple grounds bloom with blue Hime Ajisai hydrangeas. This temple was originally built as a memorial for a son’s father, who died during the Taira-Minamoto conflict. It later became part of the Zenkoji complex before becoming independent after the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

The temple’s main hall features a circular window that frames the inner garden, famous for its irises. Visitors can enjoy the garden’s beauty in June and again in late autumn. Other highlights include the founder’s hall and a centuries-old tomb cave. Meigetsuin’s name, meaning “bright moon,” links it to the Japanese moon folklore, and rabbits are featured in its artwork and even kept on the grounds.