The Hydrangeas in Kamakura are in full bloom!
Prepare for crowds! Early morning is your best bet!
Hello, fellow travel lovers!
This time, I’m introducing a day-trip plan to enjoy Kamakura during peak hydrangea season, focusing on the hidden gems of "Ura-Kamakura" (Hidden Kamakura).
While visiting hydrangea spots, I also enjoyed Kamakura's beautiful temples, shrines, and relaxing spots.
Let’s dive into the route!
- 1. Hase-dera Temple | Early Morning Hydrangea Target
- ２．Genjiyama Park | Paying Respects to Minamoto no Yoritomo
- 3. Zeniarai Benzaiten | Boost Your Luck by Washing Money!
- 4. Sasuke Inari Shrine | Passing Through the Torii to the Inari Shrine
- 5. Sasuke Café | Energy Boost with a Tasty Lunch!
- 6. Jufuku-ji Temple Main Gate | Searching for Jufuku-ji Along the Scenic Path
- 7. Eisho-ji Temple | A Moment of Calm Among the Bamboo Groves
- 8. Kaizo-ji Temple | A Nature-Rich, Healing Sanctuary
- 9. Josen-ji Temple, Taya Cave | Ending with an Adventure!
- 10. Taya Onsen Yukai Sokai Taya | Fully Relaxed and Ready to Head Home
- Summary
1. Hase-dera Temple | Early Morning Hydrangea Target
First up is Hase-dera Temple!
During hydrangea season, long lines are typical, but this time I arrived first thing in the morning. Thanks to that, I was able to enter without any wait at all!
It was perfectly timed for full bloom, and I was blown away by the sight of blue and pink hydrangeas stretching as far as the eye could see.
I moved the car to the parking lot in Ogigayatsu and set off on foot toward Genjiyama Park.
↓12min（4.5km）
２．Genjiyama Park | Paying Respects to Minamoto no Yoritomo
Next up is Genjiyama Park.
Starting from the entrance at Kewaizaka, I walked up to reach the statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo under clear blue skies!
His proud, warrior-like stance brings the rich history of Kamakura to life.
↓ 🚶min（350m）
3. Zeniarai Benzaiten | Boost Your Luck by Washing Money!
Exiting the tunnel, I arrived at... Zeniarai Benzaiten! The sight of everyone earnestly washing their money left quite an impression.
I gave my money a good wash—here’s hoping it multiplies nicely!
↓ 🚶11min（650m）
4. Sasuke Inari Shrine | Passing Through the Torii to the Inari Shrine
Climbing the steps and passing through countless torii gates, Sasuke Inari Shrine comes into view.
The shrine grounds are filled with numerous Inari statues scattered around, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. I prayed for success and good fortune!
↓🚶6min（400m）
5. Sasuke Café | Energy Boost with a Tasty Lunch!
With hunger kicking in, I headed to Sasuke Café.
I enjoyed a stylish and delicious lunch, fully recharging my energy.
The café was an oasis, perfect for soothing a tired body after all the sightseeing!
↓ 🚶17min（1.3㎞）
6. Jufuku-ji Temple Main Gate | Searching for Jufuku-ji Along the Scenic Path
Next, I headed to Jufuku-ji Temple.
Passing through the main gate of Jufuku-ji, I set off on a “Jufuku-ji hunt”! Enjoying the gate and the scenic approach along the way♪
↓🚶2min（130ⅿ）
7. Eisho-ji Temple | A Moment of Calm Among the Bamboo Groves
Just a short walk from Jufuku-ji, Eisho-ji Temple greeted me with its impressive bamboo groves.
In the cool, quiet bamboo grove, I took a break from all the walking and enjoyed a peaceful, relaxing moment.
↓🚶6min（400m）
Returned to the parking.
In this area, there are several parking lots where you can park for 500 to 1,000 yen per day.
↓ 🚙2min（450m）
8. Kaizo-ji Temple | A Nature-Rich, Healing Sanctuary
You can’t miss Kaizo-ji Temple, one of Kamakura’s hidden healing spots!
The beautiful gardens and tranquil atmosphere make it a place where your spirit feels refreshed. With so many sights to take in, it’s a spot you’ll find yourself lingering in.
↓ 🚙22分（7.8㎞）
9. Josen-ji Temple, Taya Cave | Ending with an Adventure!
Finally, I embraced my adventurous side at Josen-ji Temple's Taya Cave!
As I ventured deeper into the dark cave, I felt like a true explorer.
↓🚙51 sec（300 m）
10. Taya Onsen Yukai Sokai Taya | Fully Relaxed and Ready to Head Home
I relaxed and rejuvenated in the onsen, washing away all the travel fatigue and heading home feeling completely refreshed. Mind and body reset—what a fantastic day!
Summary
Usually, I tend to avoid crowded places, so I hadn’t ventured to the famous hydrangea spots before.
But going was absolutely the right choice! Beyond the beautiful flowers and scenery, I fully enjoyed Kamakura’s rich nature and history, making it a wonderfully fulfilling day.
A fulfilling day trip packed with Kamakura’s hydrangeas and hidden gems along the scenic back route.
Wear comfortable shoes and dive into all that Kamakura has to offer!
The journey continues... Wishing you all a wonderful trip! – TabiJun
Tabijun
