Kamakura Hike | Niche Beauty, Through the Ancient Temples and Natural Serenity of Kita-Kamakura

| Niche beauty, through the ancient temples and natural serenity of Kita-Kamakura. As one of Japan's three ancient capitals, Kamakura is more than just the Shonan Coast and the Great Buddha. In my opinion, Kita-Kamakura is the essence of Kamakura. It's a place full of historical and natural charm, perfect for hiking and visiting ancient sites. · This was my second time in Kamakura, and it happened to be the end of the fall foliage season🍁. I spent an afternoon hiking in Kita-Kamakura, and the experience far exceeded my expectations. So, combining culture, nature, and photo spots, I've put together this hiking guide for you. · 🚶🏻‍♂️Hiking Route Kita-Kamakura Station - Engaku-ji Temple - Meigetsu-in Temple - Kencho-ji Temple - Hansobo - Mount Shichimen Observation Deck - Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Komachi-dori Street - Kamakura Station · ⛳Hiking Route Description ✅Kita-Kamakura Station: If you're coming from Tokyo, I recommend getting off at Kita-Kamakura Station instead of Kamakura Station so you don't have to backtrack. The station is small, but the houses along the railway have a quiet, Japanese garden atmosphere. ✅Engaku-ji Temple: Only a 3-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station. It's said that Kawabata Yasunari's "Thousand Cranes" was set here. Engaku-ji Temple, built in 1282, is a typical Song Dynasty-style temple. The Shariden (reliquary hall) is a classic Zen-style building and the only national treasure building in Kamakura. Although the Buddha hall is newly built, the Shakyamuni Buddha inside dates back to the Kamakura period. ✅Meigetsu-in Temple: About a 10-minute walk from Engaku-ji Temple. Meigetsu-in Temple is famous for its hydrangeas and is known as the "Hydrangea Temple." The round window of the main hall is a popular photo spot, offering a view of the courtyard's changing beauty throughout the seasons. Unfortunately, the temple was not open when I went, so I plan to visit again during the hydrangea season. ✅Kencho-ji Temple: A 15-minute walk from Meigetsu-in Temple. Kencho-ji Temple and the mountain forest behind it are the essence of hiking in Kita-Kamakura. Built in 1253, Kencho-ji Temple is the head of the Kamakura Gozan (Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura) and also features a typical Song Dynasty-style. The most noteworthy ancient building in the temple is the Sanmon gate, one of the largest wooden temple gates in Japan. In addition, the temple also has an exquisite Karamon gate, meaning "Chinese-style gable," with black and gold decorations, which is very ornate. ✅Hansobo and Mount Shichimen Observation Deck: Located on the mountain behind Kencho-ji Temple. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Kencho-ji Temple to Hansobo, and about 10 minutes from Hansobo to the Mount Shichimen Observation Deck. Hansobo is named after a half-monk, half-layman practitioner. From here, you can overlook Kencho-ji Temple and the Shonan Coast. The autumn leaves at sunset are quite stunning, and the observation deck next to it offers a distant view of Mount Fuji. Personally, I don't think the Mount Shichimen Observation Deck at the top of the mountain is as beautiful as Hansobo, as there is more vegetation blocking the view. This is also a fork in the road where you can either return the same way or continue along the Tenen Hiking Trail and descend from Zuisen-ji Temple. ✅Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: About a 15-minute walk from Kencho-ji Temple. This is Kamakura's symbolic shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war, and is one of Japan's three great Hachiman shrines. During the cherry blossom season, there's a famous Dankazura cherry blossom tunnel to photograph. ✅Komachi-dori Street: A must-visit shopping street. After your hike, it's a great place to buy some local Kamakura souvenirs. ✅Kamakura Station: From here, you can return to Tokyo or continue to explore the Shonan Coast.