Founded in 1160, Meigetsuin Temple is part of the
Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism.
Its name means bright moon. ( 明月院 ).
In Japanese folklore, if is believed that when we look at the full moon we can see a rabbit pounding mochi (rice cakes), thus rabbits are associated with this temple. It is also called the Ajisaidera, because of its beautiful hydrangeas. The temple also has one of the largest Yagura (burial cave) in Kamakura and a garden in the back which is only open twice a year, in the spring when the irises are in the bloom and in the fall when the leaves are changing color. However, one can catch a glimpse of this garden through a beautiful circular window in the Hojo (main hall). There is also a small karesansu (Japanese rock garden) and one of Kamakura's 'celebrated' ten wells.
No comments:
Post a Comment