Kamakura Hasedera Temple: Plum Blossoms and Illuminations

Kamakura’s Hasedera Temple is now in bloom with plum blossoms, see them by day through February and enjoy free night illuminations from February 6–15, 2026.

Written by

Kate_T

Tokyo,Japan

Assistant editor at MATCHA since 2023, Kate is a photographer who enjoys traveling Japan's hidden gems and adventuring off the beaten path. Living in Japan since 2018, she has traveled across different areas of Japan. From indulging in Aomori’s apple pies and fiery festivals to exploring the quaint charm of Nagasaki’s cat-filled streets she is always searching for new areas full of atmospheric beauty, festivals, and seasonal events to capture on camera.

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Hasedera Temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, is currently holding a limited‑time Plum Blossom Illumination across its lower garden until February 15, 2026.

The nightly illumination runs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and admission to the illuminated hours is free. The event will proceed in light rain but may be canceled in severe weather.

The temple grounds feature eight varieties of plum that bloom in sequence from early- to late-season types, creating an extended period for daytime viewing beyond the illumination dates. Visitors who miss the evening light‑ups can still enjoy the plums in daylight during and after the illumination period and can keep an eye on the flowers blooming status on the official website as well as keep updated through Instagram.

During the illumination the entire lower precinct is open, allowing access to Bentendō and Daikokudō, but worship at the temple’s principal image (the honzon) is not available in the illuminated hours. This year’s illumination includes a special lighting of the Benten cave (Benten‑kutsu). On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during the event, warm drinks such as amazake and coffee will be available.

Practical information for daytime visitors remains unchanged, regular visiting hours begin at 8:00 a.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m.; the temple generally closes at 5:00 p.m. Daytime admission is ¥400 for adults and ¥200 for elementary‑school students. Tripods are not permitted on pathways during nighttime illumination. Please check Hasedera’s official website for the latest bloom updates and any weather‑related changes.

About Kamakura Hasedera

Hasedera (commonly called Hase-dera or Hase Kannon) is a well-known Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple in the Hase district of Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. The temple traces its origins back many centuries and is traditionally said to have been founded in the early Heian period, serving as an important local religious site.

Hasedera is famous for its large wooden statue of the Eleven‑Headed Kannon (Kannon Bosatsu), a striking and venerated image that draws both pilgrims and visitors. Perched on terraced slopes, the temple features extensive gardens and seasonal plantings—most notably plum blossoms in late winter to early spring and hydrangeas in early summer—along with scenic views over Yuigahama and Sagami Bay; a small Benten (Benzaiten) cave on the grounds is a notable feature and is sometimes specially lit during events.

Hasedera is also one of the temples on the Bandō 33 Kannon pilgrimage circuit and welcomes many pilgrims and tourists year‑round.

Kamakura Hasedera Temple Plum Blossoms and Illuminations

Event:Kamakura Hasedera Temple Plum Blossoms and Illuminations
Dates:
Plum blossoms: Until early march
Illuminations: February 6 (Fri)–February 15 (Sun), 2026 (10 days).
Illumination hours: 17:00 - 19:00 p.m.
Area open: Lower precinct garden only; main image/honzon cannot be visited during illumination.
Admission during illumination: Free.
Daytime admission: Adults ¥400, children ¥200.
Special features: Benten-kutsu cave specially lit; warm drinks sold on weekends/holidays.
Information and picture source: PR TIMES

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Written by

Kate_T

Tokyo,Japan

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