Through copying sutra in Hasedera Temple, you get the serenity of mind and feel ready to explore the secret world of Buddhism: Benzaiten in the cave and Hase Kannon on the hill. After watching the imposing Great Buddha, take train to Kamakura, where you can relax and have lunch at various kinds of restaurants to choose from. Then, visit Hachimangu Shrine. and enjoy shopping at Komachidori Street.
Check out what we are going to do.
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Just outside the exit of Hase Station on Enoden railway line. There's only one exit.
Hasedera Temple, sutra copying
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
Lunch at Komachidori Street
Hachimangu Shrine
Shopping at Komachidori Street
Kamakura Station.
①Sutra copying gives you peace of mind. When you grind the ink stick and trace the sacred scriptures in the quiet temple hall, you can relieve the stresses of modern life. ②Enter the neighboring cave and walk around, meeting the statues of gods within. In the darkness, pray to the gods to have your desires accomplished: Benzaiten, the goddess of eloquence, music, and art, of this temple, is said to have been carved by Kobodaishi, the 9th century great Buddhist saint, poet, artist and calligrapher, wishing for people’s success in life, and the power of this goddess is said to be miraculously wonderful. Beside her stand other statues, such as the god of enlightenment and salvation, the god of peace under law, the god of academic achievements, and so on. ③At the top of a small hill, Hase Kannon, the goddess of mercy, soar and gleam in gold. ④Seven minutes’ walk from Hase Temple will take you to the massive Great Buddha. This 13.4 meter-high statue is the image of Amida Nyorai, Buddha of infinite light and life, meditating on how to save people. ⑤Continue our trip to Kamakura, the third stop on the Enoden railway line, where we can take lunch at Komachidori Street, then visit the brightly colored edifices of Hachimangu Shrine. On our way back, enjoy shopping at Komachidori Street.
guide fee
tourist's transportation fee ￥190 (from Hase Station to Kamakura Station), guide's transportation fee ￥1600, tourist's meal, tourist's drink, tourist's entrance fee ￥1500 (￥2420, if Hase Temple museum ￥200, inside Great Buddha ￥20, Hachimangu Shrine museum ￥200 and garden ￥500 added), tourist's sutra copying fee ￥1000
For sutra copying, brushes, inks, and other things necessary for the activity are provided by the temple (not given) when you pay the fee. When copying, you can sit on a chair. Paying respect for Buddhas, you must be quiet in the hall. Photo‐taking is not allowed here. The sheet of paper in which you copy sutra is to be handled carefully with respect because it is considered to be a sacred thing.
I was looking to do something different and Takao's soul-exploring trip was perfect. It was fun doing something a little deeper while visiting the temple versus just walking around and admiring the beauty. I enjoyed the ritual of the Sutru coping and enjoyed having Takao as my guide. He spoke good English and is such a sweet person.
Thank you Meisha for your nice review. Your sutra copying was faster and more accurate than I had imagined. I respect your concentration and enthusiasm. I'm glad that I could have such a customer as you who really showed interest in Japanese culture. Your sincere attitude encourages me to study deeper about the culture of my own country. I'm sure you had a good time at Hokokuji Temple known as Bamboo Temple, too. Please keep enjoying your explaration of Japan! Bon voyage! Best regards, Takao Mizushima
Takao was a wonderful guide for our half day tour of Hakone. We saw several different sights and had lots of fun. He planned an excellent afternoon and was flexible about what we're wanted to do in the moment. His English is good. We had no real difficulties, but did need to clarify our meaning a few times. He really worked hard to make a special day for us!! Thanks Takao!
Hello, Melissa. Thank you for your nice review. I loved the shining ridges of the mountains surrounding Sengokuhara plain. Skunk cabbage and dogtooth violets flowers were beautiful. When I found a shellfish at the end of the line drawn on the surface of the mud under water and realized that the line was made by the creature, I had an affectionate feeling toward the shellfish. It is always my pleasure to show people around the beautiful and attractive wetland of Sengokuhara. Please say hello to Ilan, Yuda and Anat. Bon voyage!
Very good guide
Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kilachand. Thank you for your nice review. The unopening door of the Romance Car, and Hakone Free Pass which was too wide to go through the automatic ticket gate! I hope you'll remember these things as rare and interesting experiences. I was happy to step on the snow remaining at Owakudani volcanic valley. We were able to see the vast skirt of Mt. Fuji though he was hiding his face. The cherry blossoms through the bus windows in Miyagino district were beautiful. I wish I could see beautiful lotus flowers and roses in your country. I wish for your happy trips around the world evermore. Bon voyage!
Two elements made for our excellent day with Takao: his meticulous planning and the fantastic weather. Takao is a very considerate man, with good knowledge of the Hakone area. He arranged everything in great detail and we did everything in exactly 8 hours, having enough time to experience each place: Sengokuhara Garden, Owakudani Valley, Ashinoko Lake, Hakone Checkpoint, Motohakone Old Road through the forest. We highly recommend Takao for guided tours around the Hakone area. His patience and pleasant manner are great gifts to any traveler.
Hello, Ariana, Sorin, Matei. Thank you for your nice and warm-hearted review. I’m happy that Hakone welcomed you with the fine weather and attractive scenery. Starting with wetland flowers, fish and birds of Sengokubara, followed by wild volcanic valley of Owakudani and moving waves of Lake Hakone, finished with hundreds of years old Hakone path, partly along a shiny inlet and partly steep up and down slopes, covered with stone, walled by bamboo grass. I will always remember having a good time with you, along with these scenes. I wish for your happy trips evermore. Sincerely yours, Takao Mizushima