Neighbourhood in Kamakura
Hase
長谷
The seaside district west of central Kamakura, home of the Great Buddha and the hillside temple of Hase-dera, a short walk from the beach.
- places to see
- 4
- walk past the highlights
- 0.9 km
- Kanagawa
- Kamakura
Hase takes its name from Hase-dera, a hillside temple famous for one of the largest wooden statues in Japan, an eleven-headed Kannon. The temple has a cave with statues of the goddess Benzaiten and a terrace with an impressive view over Yuigahama beach.
A few minutes up the road is Kōtoku-in and the Great Buddha. The bronze statue dates from around 1252 and, with its base, stands 13.35 metres tall. Pilgrims to both temples kept the road busy for centuries. Hase Station on the Enoden line is the stop for all three sights, and more of the city is in our Kamakura guide.
Don't miss in Hase
Start with these, then wander the side streets.
1. Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
高徳院The Great Buddha of Kamakura, a bronze statue sitting in the open air since its hall was lost.
2. Hase-dera Temple
長谷寺Hillside temple with a huge wooden Kannon statue, a cave of Benzaiten and a view over the bay.
3. Goryo Shrine
御霊神社Tiny shrine where the Enoden train runs right past the torii gate.
Walk Hase in order
The highlights as one easy walk, about 0.9 km in all.
Stop 1
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
Start here
Stop 2
Hase-dera Temple
9 min walk
Stop 3
Goryo Shrine
3 min walk
More around Hase
Other places within walking distance. Each shows its Japanese name for maps and taxis.
Kamakura Museum of Literature
鎌倉文学館A museum in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
Hase on the map
Every place on this page. Tap a pin for directions.
Questions
How do I get to the Great Buddha of Kamakura?
Take the Enoden from Kamakura Station to Hase Station, then walk about seven minutes up the main road to Kōtoku-in.
How tall is the Great Buddha?
With its base it measures 13.35 metres. The statue dates from around 1252.
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources.
More areas in Kanagawa
- Komachi and Tsurugaoka HachimanguKamakura's centre: a busy snack and souvenir street from the station leading to the city's great shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū.
- Yokohama ChinatownJapan's largest Chinatown, a grid of colourful gates, temples and hundreds of restaurants a few minutes from Yokohama's harbour front.
