The Hydrangeas in Kamakura are in full bloom!
Prepare for crowds! Early morning is your best bet!
I’ll introduce a route that explores hidden Kamakura with a focus on hydrangeas.
Hasedera Temple
Arrived at Hase-dera Temple at 8:30 AM.
During the hydrangea season, Hase-dera Temple usually has long lines, but we were able to visit at the perfect time when the flowers were in full bloom.
I was the first to arrive in the morning! I was able to enter without having to wait in line at all.
Beautiful! Taking time to fully enjoy Hase-dera Temple.
We moved to the parking lot in Ōgigayatsu and headed towards Genjiyama Park.
↓12min（4.5km）
Genjiyama Park
10:30 AM: After walking from the parking lot, we arrived at the statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo via the Kewaizaka entrance of Genjiyama Park. The weather is perfect!
What might Minamoto no Yoritomo, the samurai of Kamakura, be gazing upon?
↓ walk 7min（350m）
Zeniarai Benten Shrine
10:15
After passing through the tunnel, there was a Zeniarai Benzaiten.
Seeing so many people washing their money is quite an extraordinary sight.
↓ walk 11min（650m）
Sasuke Inari Shrine
Passed through numerous torii gates and climbed the stairs. The sheer number of scattered Inari shrines is overwhelming.
↓walk 6min（400m）
Sasuke Cafe
11:30 early lunch
A delicious lunch to recharge my energy!
↓ walk 17min（1.3㎞）
Jufukuji Main Gate
12:45
After lunch, we took a leisurely walk to Jufuku-ji Temple. The path leading there is rich in nature and very soothing.
Eishoji Temple
I enjoyed a relaxing break in the beautiful bamboo grove at Eishō-ji Temple.
↓walk 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）
Kaizoji Temple
It’s a truly soothing temple. So quiet, rich in nature, and beautiful! Plus, it’s full of interesting sights!
https://tabijun.com/kaizoji/
↓ 🚙22分（7.8㎞）
Jōsen-ji Temple: Taya Caves
3:00 PM: Arrived. The closing time is 4:00 PM.
I’m fully enjoying the extraordinary experience, just like an explorer.
https://tabijun.com/taya-cave/
↓🚙51 sec（300 m）
Taya Hot Spring Yukai Sokai Taya
Completely refreshed, I headed home. Thanks for today—it was another fun-filled day!
Summary
I was hesitant to visit this famous hydrangea spot due to the crowds, but I’m so glad I came! It was a day filled with beautiful flowers, stunning scenery, and the rich history and nature of Kamakura. Next year, I hope to visit Meigetsu-in Temple.
