Enjoy Japanese Lotus in Kamakura

Hachimangu Shrine in summer will take your breath away

Larry Knipfing Aug 10, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The lotus pond at Kamakura's Hachimangu Shrine</p>

<p>The pond on the right features pink lotus at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>The leaves of Japanese lotus are large and soft at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>One lotus that is half-way open at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>Lotus pod and flower side-by-side at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>When the flower blooms and is fully open, it is breathtakingly beautiful at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>Pod, closed lotus, and leaf at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>Doves taking a bath in front of the lotus pond at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>Beautiful pink lotus at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>Lotus, leaves, and banners in the background at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>And idylic corner at at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

<p>Lotus and bridge at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura</p>

If you happen to be in Kamakura in the summer, especially from mid-July to mid-August, be sure to drop in at Hachimangu Shrine, not to see the shrine, but to see the lotus ponds! There are two ponds near the entrance to the shrine grounds from the street. The pond on the left is the smaller of the two and has only white flowers. I would recommend the pond on the right, which is much larger, has a pretty bridge, and which features mainly pink lotus. Last year, there weren't many lotus to be seen, but this year is much better, although not as it was, say 5-10 years ago. Find a place to sit and relax for 30 minutes or so, or if you are a serious photographer, at least an hour.

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Find out more about Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...