There is a temple in Nara and one in Kamakura which both have wooden, 11-headed Kannon statues carved from the same large tree. It is said that in 721 after they were carved in Hase, one was sent to Nara and the other thrown into the ocean.
Kannon at Hase-dera, Kamakura
In 736 it reappeared at Hase, glowing with light, so the temple was built to house and honor it. The Kannon is over 9 meters (over 30 feet) tall and has 11 heads with different expressions surrounding the one on its main body. It was covered in gold leaf in 1342.
Hase-dera
Hase-dera also has a small museum, sutra hall, sub-temples dedicated to the 7 gods of fortune and Jizo, and a cave with statues dedicated to Benten. There is a small restaurant with an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean.
長谷寺 – Hase-dera in spring
The Hase-dera gardens are beautifully maintained and have a variety of plants to enjoy throughout the seasons, most famous is its extensive display of hydrangea. With so much to see, this beautiful temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kamakura.
長谷寺 – Hase-dera pond and gardens
Hase-dera is open from 8 am to 5 pm March through September, and unto 4:30 pm from October to February. The entrance fee is 300 yen for anyone over 12 years old, and 100 yen for children. It is built on a steep hill with stairs, so not easily accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
It can be reached by taking the Enoshima Electric Railway from Kamakura Station in the direction of Fujisawa to Hase Station, about 7 minutes. The temple is about 10 minutes on foot from the station. For more information: http://www.hasedera.jp/words/english/e1.html
Hase-dera cave with statues dedicated to Benten
Hase-dera
Hase-dera buddhas!
photos by:
KimonBerlin &
Tamago Moffle,
FunkBrothers,
FunkBrothers,
FunkBrothers,
jeremydeades
