鎌倉・紫陽花満喫！裏鎌倉日帰り散策ルートで気ままに楽しむ

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!

Contents

1. Hase-dera Temple | Early Morning Hydrangea Target

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.

Kamakura Hasedera Temple

Located in Kamakura, Hase-dera Temple offers seasonal natural beauty and a sense of peace, making it a popular destination. Known as the "Temple of Flowers," it attracts many visitors and worshippers. During hydrangea season, the temple distributes entry tickets and offers timed tickets for purchase online. Advanced reservations are recommended.

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.

Genjiyama Park

Genjiyama Park is a wonderful spot where you can experience the natural beauty and history of Kamakura. **Kewaizaka** Recognized as a Japanese Cultural Heritage site, Kewaizaka begins at the entrance and leads up to the park’s summit.

↓　🚶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!

Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Kamakura’s Zeniarai Benzaiten (official name: Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine) is a highly popular power spot. I arrived by taking the route downhill from Genjiyama Park. The entrance is a cave carved into a cliff, and passing through it reveals a torii gate.

↓　🚶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!

Sasuke Inari Shrine

Sasuke Inari Shrine, located in Sasuke, Kamakura, is an Inari shrine linked to Minamoto no Yoritomo. According to legend, the spirit of Inari appeared in Yoritomo’s dream, urging him to defeat the Taira clan. The approach to the shrine is lined with numerous red torii gates, creating a striking path up the mountainside to the main hall.

↓🚶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!

https://tabijun.com/sasuke-cafe/

↓　🚶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♪

Jufukuji Main Gate

The main gate of Jufuku-ji Temple is an important structure symbolizing Kamakura’s history and culture. Passing through it, you’ll find a long, serene path with a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Just as I was wondering where Jufuku-ji might be, I discovered that the main buildings were closed to the public.

↓🚶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.

Eishoji Temple

Eisho-ji Temple is the only remaining nunnery in Kamakura. It’s especially known for blessings related to women’s protection, family safety, and safe childbirth. Upon entering the grounds, there’s a small reception area where you pay the admission fee and receive a visitor’s guide.

↓🚶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.

A Hidden Healing Spot in Kamakura: The Flowers and Mysterious Wells of Kaizō-ji Temple

A Visit to Kamakura's Hidden Healing Spot: Kaizoji Temple Kaizoji Temple, known as the "Temple of Flowers" and "Temple of Water," offers a peaceful retreat away from the bustling crowds of Kamakura. Explore its meticulously maintained gardens, which provide a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation. One of the unique highlights of the temple is its mysterious cave, which adds an element of intrigue and wonder to your visit. Also, don't miss the Juroku-no-I, a historic spring that has been revered for centuries. Come to Kaizoji Temple for a tranquil escape into nature, where beauty and history come together in perfect harmony.

↓　🚙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.

Mystical Cave Adventure! Experiencing the Extraordinary at Taya Cave

Yokohama’s “Taya Caves” is a mystical space featuring 250 hand-carved reliefs by monks. Walking the entire cave is said to bring the same blessings as visiting all sacred sites. Enjoy an extraordinary adventure as you explore by candlelight and soak in the serene atmosphere!

↓🚙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!

https://tabijun.com/taya-hotspring/

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