Illuminate the late summer night of Kamakura
In the end of August night of 2015, another summer illumination event in Enoshima and Kamakura area was started at Hasedera Temple where is known for hydrangea [紫陽花 Ajisai] flower, in Hase town west of Kamakura.
In 2016, this Hase no Akari [長谷の灯かり] summer illumination event is significantly increase the venue to 8 historical place, temples and shrines in Hase and Gokurakuji area. Now it becomes one of the largest scale and rare summer illumination event in Japan.
Usually, these places are closed at night. So, it is a great chance to see the rare night views even if the local people!
About the festival
- When: The last week of August, 18:30 - 20:30
- Where: 8 places in Hase Town and Gokurakuji in west of Kamakura
- Hasedera Temple [長谷寺]
- Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) - Kotokuin Temple [鎌倉大仏 高徳院]
- Goryo Jinja Shrine [御霊神社]
- Kosokuji Temple [光則寺]
- Shugenji Temple [收玄寺]
- Amanawa Shinmei Jinja Shrine [甘縄神明神社]
- Kamakura Museum of Literature [鎌倉文学館]
- Gokurakuji Temple [極楽寺]
- Admission: Required at Hasedera Temple, Kamakura Daibutsu, Kosokuji Temple and Kamakura Museum of Literature.
- Last admission at 20:00 (8:00PM).
- It might be cancelled in case of rain or stormy night.
Hasedera Temple
A famous tourist spot in Hase west of Kamakura City, Hasedera Temple is the beginning place of this summer illumination event.When you go to the entrance of this old temple, a red large Chochin (traditional Japanese style lantern) like the one in Kaminari-mon gate in Asakusa (but it is much smaller than Asakusa's), illuminated at the main entrance gate of the temple and welcoming your visit.
At just inside the entrance gate, some staff of the event lending you a
handy sized Chochin lantern.Each parson bring this multi-colored illuminated lantern while walking in the lighted up precincts of Hasedera Temple.
This lending service is only held at Hasedera Temple. Try and enjoy it!
On the way to upper precincts of the temple, there is some Buddha statue lighted up
here and there along the way.
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In upper precincts, major buildings of the temple are illuminated, and
you can see and worship in the totally different atmospheres than usually
we look in the daytime.
The color of the illumination changes at regular intervals, and the atmosphere of the scenery changes each time, too.
The color of the illumination changes at regular intervals, and the atmosphere of the scenery changes each time, too.
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There is a viewing terrace in the upper precincts of Hasedra Temple and
able to see the night-view of near around and southern Kamakura.
Japanese garden and bamboo forest in the precincts of the temple are also
illuminated.
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Light and a shadow were emphasized more in illuminated "Kare-sansui"
garden [枯山水(dry-landscape garden)].
Water is atomized here at fixed intervals, so you can see a rare sight of Kare-sansui garden covered with the mist.
Water is atomized here at fixed intervals, so you can see a rare sight of Kare-sansui garden covered with the mist.
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Shugenji Temple
Shugenji Temple [收玄寺], a Buddhist temple that is close to Hase Station
was built in the site of Sijyo Yorimoto [四条頼基] a samurai of Kamakura era.Here is a small temple, but many trees and plants are planted at the garden and is some flower blooms throughout the year.
Kosokuji Temple
Kosokuji Temple [光則寺] is a Buddhist temple that is known as one of "The temple of
the flowers" in Kamakura.
The small candle lights that is placed in the garden will guide you to the main temple building which stands between the trees.
An old tree of aronia which has been planted more than 200 years is lighted up by pink colored illumination that imagine of the color of the flower and the light of the old temple building lining up are very impressive.
The small candle lights that is placed in the garden will guide you to the main temple building which stands between the trees.
An old tree of aronia which has been planted more than 200 years is lighted up by pink colored illumination that imagine of the color of the flower and the light of the old temple building lining up are very impressive.
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Goryo Jinja Shrine
In the tranquil mountain foot precincts of Goryo Jinja Shrine which stands aside of Enoden Line railway, many small candles are placed
on the ground and illuminations light up the shrine softly.
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Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha)
At Kotokuin Temple also known as Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha statue), yellow color illumination lighted up the great
Buddha statue, and the scene appeared which let you imagine the times,
when it was covered with gold.
And candles are illuminate the ground of the precincts.
* Note: This photo was taken at the time of another event.
And candles are illuminate the ground of the precincts.
* Note: This photo was taken at the time of another event.
Amanawa Shinmei-gu Jinja Shrine
This small Amanawa Shinmei-gu Jinja Shrine [甘縄神明神社] that stands in
the center of the residential area in Hase, is known as the oldest shrine
in Kamakura. It was founded in Nara era originally.
The straight stairway to the main shrine building is light up in the night dark.
The straight stairway to the main shrine building is light up in the night dark.
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Kamakura Museum of Literature
Normally, this Kamakura Museum of Literature [鎌倉文学館] that renovated old western-style house which was used as a villa
is closed before sunset and unable to see both inside an outside at night
time.
It is the only and rare chance to see at night during the event period.
The entrance path and tunnel is also illuminated.
It is the only and rare chance to see at night during the event period.
The entrance path and tunnel is also illuminated.
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Gokurakuji Temple
The venue of this illumination event is not only in Hase area, but also
in Gokurakuji area now.
Gokurakuji Temple [極楽寺] is lit-up by light pink color illumination that imaged a lotus flower.
During the event period, the temple is closed the entrance gate same as usual at 16:30, then open again around 18:10.
Gokurakuji Temple [極楽寺] is lit-up by light pink color illumination that imaged a lotus flower.
During the event period, the temple is closed the entrance gate same as usual at 16:30, then open again around 18:10.
