At one time the sculpture, over 40 feet in height, was gilded. The hall in which it was originally housed was destroyed in a storm, as was a replacement. A third hall was swept away by the tsunami of 20 September 1498. Since then, the Buddha has remained in the open.

Hasedera Temple is located about halfway up Mount Kamakura. A view from its grounds takes in a portion of the city of Kamakura, with the sea visible from certain vantage points.

A view of the temple grounds

Hundreds of small Jizo statues have been placed around the temple grounds. The god is a guardian of children, especially of those who have died before their parents.

Buddha footprints

The temple is said to have over 2,000 hydrangea plants.

At left is the entrance to the Benzaiten Grotto on the temple grounds. The underground cave contains bas-relief sculptures carved into the walls, a few of which are seen in the following photos. They are dedicated to Benzaiten. In Japanese mythology, she is the goddess of—among other things—music, and of the sea.

Just before we left the temple, these friendly visitors appeared. Happily, they were quite pleased to have their picture taken in their colorful kimonos.