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Kamakura Autumn Foliage Guide — Top Temple Pilgrimage Course at Peak Season in November
Kamakura's autumn foliage peaks from mid-November to early December. A complete guide to the best temple circuit in Kita-Kamakura, with a recommended route and tips to avoid crowds.
暦
Author
Koyomi
| Seasons & Customs
Contents
MOKUJI
一
Top Autumn Foliage Sites in Kamakura
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二
One-Day Autumn Foliage Route
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三
Admission Fees and Hours
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四
Frequently Asked Questions
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Engaku-ji — autumn foliage at Kamakura's second Zen mountain temple
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Kamakura’s autumn foliage peaks from late November to early December — one to two weeks later than central Tokyo. The city’s basin topography, surrounded by hills on three sides, creates ideal conditions for maple and ginkgo to turn vivid red and yellow. The temples of Kita-Kamakura — Engaku-ji, Kencho-ji, Meigetsu-in, and Jochi-ji — are all within walking distance of each other, making a single-day autumn temple circuit both achievable and deeply rewarding.
Top Autumn Foliage Sites in Kamakura
Peak Season Calendar
Site
Typical Peak
Main Trees
Engaku-ji
Late Nov – Early Dec
Maple, ginkgo
Kencho-ji
Late Nov – Early Dec
Maple
Meigetsu-in
Late Nov – Early Dec
Maple
Jochi-ji
Late Nov – Early Dec
Maple, ginkgo
Hase-dera
Mid Nov – Early Dec
Maple
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Mid Nov – Early Dec
Ginkgo, maple
Kencho-ji — Kamakura's largest temple grounds, Fuji visible from Hansobo
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Engaku-ji — The Gateway Temple
Engaku-ji stands just outside Kita-Kamakura Station. Founded in 1282 by Hojo Tokimune to pray for those who died in the Mongol invasions, its broad grounds fill with brilliant maple color in late November. The corridor of maples between the great gate and the main hall is particularly admired — arriving at opening time (8:00) gives you the best chance of experiencing it in relative quiet.
Kencho-ji — Grandeur and Foliage
Kencho-ji, founded in 1253 and the top of Kamakura’s Five Zen Mountains, has Kamakura’s largest temple grounds. Red maples line the central axis from the Chinese gate to the lecture hall. A 20-minute uphill walk to Hansobo shrine rewards visitors with a panorama of Kamakura and, on clear days, Mount Fuji framed by autumn color.
Meigetsu-in — famous for hydrangeas and also the autumn round window
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Meigetsu-in — The Round Window
Meigetsu-in is famous for hydrangeas in June, but its back garden opens briefly in late November for the autumn foliage season (additional 500 yen). The circular “enlightenment window” (satori no mado) frames a view of crimson maples behind it — one of Kamakura’s most photographed autumn scenes. Arrive at 9:00 opening to beat the queues.
Jochi-ji — Quiet and Unhurried
Jochi-ji draws fewer visitors than its famous neighbors, making it the most peaceful foliage spot in Kita-Kamakura. Ginkgo and maple surround the thatched-roof gate in warm yellow and orange. The Hotei stone figure (part of the Shichifukujin pilgrimage) is also here, so a visit combines foliage and the seven gods course.
One-Day Autumn Foliage Route
Jochi-ji — thatched gate framed by autumn foliage, a quiet Kita-Kamakura gem
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Starting from Kita-Kamakura Station and working south toward Kamakura Station is the most efficient approach.
Order
Site
Getting There
Visit Time
1
Engaku-ji
Directly from Kita-Kamakura Stn
40-60 min
2
Kencho-ji
10 min walk
60-90 min
3
Meigetsu-in
15 min walk back
40-60 min
4
Jochi-ji
5 min walk
30-40 min
5
Hase-dera
Enoden 20 min + walk
40-60 min
6
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
15 min walk
30-40 min
Avoiding the Crowds
Peak foliage weekends in late November are among Kamakura’s busiest days. Key tips: arrive at Kita-Kamakura before 9:00; visit on a weekday if possible; travel north-to-south (Kita-Kamakura toward Kamakura Station) rather than the reverse; and visit Meigetsu-in right at opening to minimize wait times.
Hase-dera — autumn foliage with views of Yuigahama Bay
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Admission Fees and Hours
Site
Admission
Hours
Engaku-ji
500 yen
8:00-16:30
Kencho-ji
500 yen
8:30-16:30
Meigetsu-in
500 yen (+500 yen back garden)
9:00-16:00
Jochi-ji
200 yen
9:00-16:30
Hase-dera
400 yen
8:00-17:00
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Free
Always open
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly is the foliage peak in Kamakura?
Typically late November to early December — roughly one to two weeks after Tokyo. Exact timing shifts with temperatures each year. Check the Kamakura Tourism Association website or individual temple websites shortly before your visit for the latest conditions.
Is Meigetsu-in’s back garden open during autumn?
The back garden opens only twice a year: June (hydrangea season) and late November to early December (autumn foliage). An additional 500-yen fee applies. Since this window is brief, confirm the opening dates before planning your visit.
Can you see Mount Fuji from Kencho-ji?
On clear days, Mount Fuji is visible from Hansobo shrine above Kencho-ji — a 20-minute climb from the main hall. The combination of red maple and Fuji is considered one of Kamakura’s finest views.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
── 了 ──
暦
Author
Koyomi（こよみ）
Seasons & Customs
Toku editorial team — seasons and customs. Former travel-magazine editor delivering bloom timings, annual rituals and visit etiquette in sense-laden prose accessible to first-timers.
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This article was
♡ Helpful
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Visit Related Places
History truly comes alive when you visit in person. Choose your next destination from the related sites and pilgrimage courses below.
1. Engakuji
Founded by Hojo Tokimune to mourn Mongol War dead — Kamakura's 2nd Zen temple with a National Treasure Shariden
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2. Kenchoji
Japan's first full-scale Zen training monastery, founded 1253 by Tokiyori — head of Kamakura's Five Mountains
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3. Meigetsuin
World-famous as Kamakura's 'Hydrangea Temple' — the circular 'Window of Enlightenment' is its signature view
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J
4. Jochiji
Founded by Hojo Tokimune to mourn his brother — Kamakura's 4th Zen temple, enshrining Hotei in a quiet valley
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5. Hasedera
Japan's largest wooden Kannon (9.18m) — Bando Pilgrimage Station 4, famed for hydrangeas and ocean views
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6. Kaizoji
The 'Temple of Flowers' at Ogigayatsu's valley end — hiding the mysterious Sixteen Wells, a Kamakura hidden gem
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7. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Kamakura's guardian shrine since Yoritomo's 1180 relocation — site of Sanetomo's assassination by the great ginkgo
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8. Hokaiji
Built by Takauji on the site where 870 Hojo warriors fell — the 'Temple of Bush Clover'
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