is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kenchō-ji school in Kita-Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan. It is also known as The Temple of Hydrangeas (ajisai-dera). The main object of worship is goddess Shō Kannon (聖観音).
History
Meigetsu-in was built by Uesugi Norikata of the powerful Uesugi clan, and the name itself derives from Norikata's own posthumous name (Meigetsu). According to 350-year-old records it was originally just the guest rooms of a much bigger temple called which was closed by the government during the Meiji period.Mutsu:1995:165) Zenkō-ji was a temple of considerable prestige, being one of the Rinzai Zen temples classified as , which were second in importance only to Kamakura's so-called Five Mountains (. Zenkō-ji however didn't survive the anti-Buddhist clampdown (Haibutsu kishaku) that followed the Meiji Restoration. Meigetsu-in is the owner of a 13th century statue of Uesugi Shigefusa, founder of the Uesugi clan. He is dressed in the picturesque clothes of the dignitaries of the Kamakura period. The statue is a National Treasure.
Points of interest
The temple's garden contains one of the celebrated , the The karesansui, a garden of raked sand, rocks and plants representing legendary Buddhist Mount Shumi. The yagura cave dug on the side of a hill is the largest in Kamakura. The small tower at its center is thought to be Norikata's tomb Hōjō Tokiyori's grave The hydrangeas in the garden. The flowers are apparently just a recent addition. They were reportedly chosen because of the ease with which they grow.
Directions Get off at JR Yokosuka Line's Kita-Kamakura Station. Walk about ten minutes towards Kamakura on the left side of the train tracks following the signs. Meigetsu-in is on a side street to your left.
Gallery
Notes
References
Kita Kamakura, Kamakura Citizen Network accessed on March 29, 2008
External links Kamakura Trip website "Meigetsu-in Temple" page (in English)