History:

is a Buddhist temple located in Sakurai, Nara. The temple dates back to 736 AD and is the headquarters of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism. Its main object of veneration is the statue of the 11-headed Kannon Bodhisattva, the goddess of mercy, which is the largest wooden Kannon statue in Japan and one of the largest wooden statues in the world. Other important artifacts in the temple's collection include the wooden Nyoirin Kannon and Golden Kannon statues, and a carving of the Jataka tale murals (stories about the previous lives of the Buddha). The temple also holds approximately 400 colorful bronze Buddha statues and a collection of ancient Japanese scriptures. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Hase-dera is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Kamakura, Japan, having been built during the Nara period, some 1,400 years ago. 2. It is located on a hillside in the city of Kamakura and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. 3. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and is famous for its 11-headed Kannon statue. 4. The temple also houses a 500-year-old wooden statue of a Buddhist saint and a two-meter tall brass statue of Amida Buddha. 5. Every year on July 15th, the temple stages a grand festival, when pilgrims from around the world gather to chant prayers and offer lanterns and incense. 6. The site also offers other attractions, such as a beautiful Japanese garden, a large pond, and a traditional teahouse. 7. In addition, the temple can be reached by a ropeway which runs up the hillside from Hase Station. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

Hasedera Temple, in Kamakura, Japan is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo-shu school of Pure Land Buddhism. It is especially noted for its fine statuary and garden. Worship at Hasedera is primarily based on the chanting of the Nembutsu, the name of the Buddha of Infinite Life and the name of Amida, a deity of immeasurable compassion of Pure land Buddhism. The chant is done by reciting the name of Amida and chanting the praises of his grace and mercy. It is best done in a slow, calm rhythm, in a low, restrained voice. Chanting the Nembutsu helps to deepen one’s understanding and faith in the Buddha and to evoke his compassion. At Hasedera, the chant is usually conducted by the chief priest and sometimes accompanied by the chanting of sutras or shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) music. Generally, the Nembutsu chant is done in the morning and evening with different types of services in the middle of the day. Services may vary from time to time but usually involve prayers for the peace of the world and the protection of all sentient beings. The physical worship of the temple is generally done by bowing, clapping, and offering incense, flowers, or other offerings such as food or money. Bowing is done not only to express respect for the deity, but also to reflect one’s inner attitude of humility and gratitude. Clapping is also done as a way of offering prayer and paying respect. In addition to chanting and offering physical expressions of worship, it is also traditional at Hasedera to meditate or practice sutra recitation. Meditation helps to cultivate greater insight into the workings of the Dharma (law) and to sharpen the mind. Sutra recitation is often used as an aid in practice and also to express reverence to the words of the Buddhas. Overall, worship methods at Hasedera are designed to cultivate peace and balance and promote insight into the people’s faith and relationship to the Buddhas. Through this, followers are able to attain a greater understanding of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha, and to gain true peace and joy in their lives. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

Hase-dera temple in Kamakura, Japan is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Hase-dera can be reached from Namba Station on JR’s Kansai Main Line and Nankai Electric Railway in Osaka. The journey from Namba to Hase-dera Station takes approximately 40 minutes and is served by local trains only. Once at Hase-dera Station, the Hase-dera temple is located a short 10-minute walk away. You can also take the Nara-Kintetsu Line from Kintetsu Nara Station to Hasedera Station, which takes around 20 minutes. famous temples in Japan