learn/[id]

季節
3 分で読める
鎌
SEASONAL
Kamakura Autumn Foliage 2026: Peak Season Guide & Dog-Friendly Half-Day Route
A complete guide to the five best autumn foliage spots in Kamakura and Kita-Kamakura, peaking from mid-November to early December. Includes a detailed half-day route, dog-friendly temple information, and tips on avoiding the crowds.
暦
Author
Koyomi
| Seasons & Customs
Contents
MOKUJI
一
Peak Season Overview
›
二
Top 5 Spots at a Glance
›
三
Half-Day Route from Kita-Kamakura Station
›
四
Dog-Friendly Tips
›
五
What to Bring
›
Kamakura and Kita-Kamakura are home to some of Kanto’s finest autumn foliage, typically peaking from late November to early December. Here is a practical half-day guide for first-time visitors, couples, families, and dog owners.
Peak Season Overview
The best viewing window is roughly November 20 through December 5, though this varies by year. Engakuji and Kenchoji start coloring around November 18, while Meigetsuin tends to peak a few days later, around November 25. Mornings from 8 to 9 AM offer the quietest, most atmospheric experience; weekday visits are strongly recommended if possible.
Top 5 Spots at a Glance
Temple
Peak Period
Admission
Dogs Allowed
Engakuji
Nov 20–Dec 5
¥500
Yes (leashed)
Kenchoji
Nov 18–Dec 3
¥500
Yes (leashed)
Meigetsuin
Nov 25–Dec 5
¥500
Yes (leashed)
Tokeiji
Nov 20–Dec 1
¥200
Yes (leashed)
Jochiji
Nov 20–Dec 3
¥200
Yes (leashed)
Half-Day Route from Kita-Kamakura Station
Start at Jochiji (7 min walk from the station), then Tokeiji (3 min), Meigetsuin (5 min), Engakuji (7 min back toward the station), and finish at Kenchoji (10 min). Allow 4 to 5 hours in total.
Dog-Friendly Tips
All five temples listed above welcome leashed dogs in the main grounds. Keep your dog on a short leash in crowded areas, bring 300–500 ml of drinking water for your pet, and always clean up before entering the grounds.
What to Bring
Camera with a full battery, pocket warmers (mornings can drop below 5°C), coins for offertory boxes, a foldable umbrella, and sturdy walking shoes for stone paths and steps.
Related spots: Engakuji, Kenchoji, Meigetsuin, Tokeiji, Jochiji, Hasedera, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Engakuji main gate — peak foliage from late November to early December
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Kenchoji approach — beautiful contrast between ancient juniper trees and crimson maples
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Meigetsuin — the famous circular window framing autumn garden views
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Tokeiji — quiet precincts bathed in soft morning light, foliage peak in late November
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Hasedera — elevated temple offering views of Sagami Bay and autumn foliage together
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — autumn foliage in its precincts remains a symbol of Kamakura\'s fall
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
── 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.
›
This article was
♡ Helpful
⤴
詣
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
›
2. Kenchoji
Japan's first full-scale Zen training monastery, founded 1253 by Tokiyori — head of Kamakura's Five Mountains
›
3. Meigetsuin
World-famous as Kamakura's 'Hydrangea Temple' — the circular 'Window of Enlightenment' is its signature view
›
4. Tokeiji
Founded by Kakuzan-ni, wife of Regent Tokimune — 600 years as Japan's sanctuary for women seeking divorce
›
J
5. Jochiji
Founded by Hojo Tokimune to mourn his brother — Kamakura's 4th Zen temple, enshrining Hotei in a quiet valley
›
6. Hasedera
Japan's largest wooden Kannon (9.18m) — Bando Pilgrimage Station 4, famed for hydrangeas and ocean views
›
7. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Kamakura's guardian shrine since Yoritomo's 1180 relocation — site of Sanetomo's assassination by the great ginkgo
›
Pilgrimage Course
Japan Top 100: Kanto
Visit 17 sites
›
Pilgrimage Course
100 Temples ② Kanto
Visit 20 sites
›
Related Articles
M
共通のスポット
Meigetsuin and Kamakura Hydrangea Pilgrimage: Rainy Season Visiting Guide
A pilgrimage guide to Kamakura's finest hydrangea spots centered on Meigetsuin. Covers the history o
›
K
共通のスポット
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 te
›
K
共通のスポット
Kamakura Hydrangeas: June Bloom Guide for Meigetsuin and Hasedera
Every June, Kamakura turns blue and purple with hydrangeas. This guide covers the best spots — espec
›
I C H I G O I C H I E
📱
Explore pilgrimage with the app
Download on the App Store
✕