Kamakura Stroll Vol.8 – 鎌倉散策 明月院

「明月院」の「悟りの窓」です。
室町時代に関東管領・上杉憲方によって建てられた臨済宗建長寺派の寺院。「あじさい寺」としても有名で、参道沿いに群生する約2,500株のあじさいは「明月院ブルー」と呼ばれています。
本堂裏手の庭園は通常非公開ですが、年2回、ハナショウブ開花期と紅葉期のみ特別に公開されます。「悟りの窓」と呼ばれる丸窓からのぞく雅な風景は必見。日本の美です。

This is the “Window of Enlightenment” at Meigetsu-in.
Built during the Muromachi period by Uesugi Norikata, the Kantō Kanrei, this temple belongs to the Kenchō-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. It is also famous as the “Hydrangea Temple,” and the approximately 2,500 hydrangea plants growing in clusters along the approach are known as “Meigetsu-in Blue.”
The garden behind the main hall is normally closed to the public but is opened specially twice a year—during the iris blooming season and the autumn foliage season. The elegant scenery visible through the round window known as the “Window of Enlightenment” is a must-see. It embodies the beauty of Japan.

From Japan.
— WabiSabi Asobee