Hase Dera Temple in Kamakura

In 721 the Buddhist Monk Tokudo Shonin discovered a large camphor tree in Hase village in Nara region. He carved two statues of eleven-headed Kannon from the tree.
The statue from lowar part of the trunk was enshrined to Hase dera temple in Nara and the other was thrown into the sea with the wish that it would reappear to save the people.
Fifteen years later it washed ashore on the beach near Kamakura and Hase dera temple in Kamakura was built for it.

Hase dera temple is my favorite temple in Kamakura.

This temple is also known for its beautiful garden.

The statue of Yakuyoke (Protector from the evils) is enshrined here which was made in 1194.

Kakigara Shinto shrine is for sea shells protecting the main statue when it had floated for 15 years.

＜Guide Memo＞

長谷寺は、人気の観光地ですが、写経、地蔵堂、墓地など仏教を説明しやすいので、ガイディングしやすいお寺です。ほとんどのゲストが、長谷寺を気に入ります。階段が多いので、歩けないゲストはNG。行事も多いので、行事チェックは必須。