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.
Just outside the exit of Hase Station on Enoden railway line. There's only one exit.
Kamakura Station.
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.
(What To Expect)
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.
If it rains a little, the tour is still to be carried out.
1. The fee doesn't include the tourists' transportation fees.
2. The fee doesn't include the tourists' meals or beverages.
3. The fee doesn't include admission charges for visiting places or charges for hands-on activities.
4. Tourists pay the guide's transportation fees.
“Polite and attentive ”
In spite of the unexpected bad weather of cold rain and wind, Takao did his best to provide convenient transportation and take us to most of the organized list of sights planned. He was very polite and attentive.
Takao M.
(13 reviews)Hi, Theodore and Liubou. Thank you for your nice review. I didn’t expect to get such a kind and warm words. Yes, it was a challenging day. We were in the clouds and fogs and nothing was visible. I didn’t realize we were past Amasake Chaya Tea House. I kept searching for words to explain things although I was able to see nothing around. Mr. Fuji took a day off and did not show her face. I really enjoyed talking with you. That helped me to change difficulties into happy memories. I’m happy I was able to see you from the country of Cyprus which I would have never had a chance to have connections in my life without you. Have a nice trip in Japan. Best regards, Takao Mizushima
“Wonderful Day , with Takao!!”
Takao made everything easy for us. He communicated beautifully before we even met him. We saw everything that you need to see in Hakone. He anticipated our needs finding elevators to avoid some steps when we were tired.. I would not hesitate to hire him. He was a joy!
Takao M.
(13 reviews)Hi, Larry and Ellen. Thank you for taking time to write a review for me although you’re tired after today’s tour. What a review! It sounds warm to me like today’s sunshine. Larry, you’re a master of jokes. I’d like to be a man like you who can make everyone happy. Ellen, thank you for showing respect to Japanese culture. The god of Hakone Shrine is pleased when he saw you bow even on your way back when you come under the shrine gates. Please keep traveling around the world. I want to try Turkish bath myself. Kyoto cherry blossoms, please welcome warmly these open-minded travelers. Best regards,
“Hakone Outdoor Museum”
Takao was very helpful in getting us from one place to another using the buses, ropeway and train. Our first stop was the Outdoor Museum which was wonderful, even in the rain. Our visit to the Amazake-chaya Teahouse was better than I imagined and the marquetry shop was a highlight. Takao’s English needs improvement but we managed.
Takao M.
(13 reviews)Hi, Genevieve. Thank you for your review and I deeply apologize for my shortcomings. I’m sorry we were not able to visit Narukawa Museum. When I talked with you at lunch time, we were going to visit both the museum and Amasake Tea House although it would be in a short time. But later I thought visiting a museum for a short time is meaningless and it would be too dark to see anything when we visit the old garden near the marquetry shop. I couldn’t help skipping the museum. I’m also sorry that I wasn’t able to book a taxi from Hakone Open-Air Museum to Sounzan Station. I made a telephone call a few days before the tour, but it was too late and all the taxies were occupied and none left. I’m sorry too that I told you that you could use detergent to wash your marquetry trays. The staff lady actually said that in Japanese you can use senzai, which means detergent. However, when I looked at the brochure provided by the shop, I found that you cannot use the material and I warned you against the use through GoWithGuide message. I don’t know why, but there’s difference between the clerk’s words and the instruction in the brochure. I believe I can improve my English by speaking and listening to my guests. I’d be happy if I could have more guests and more chances to practice English! I appreciate Gene’s balance story of judo. Best regards, Takao Mizushima