Top 8 Must-Visit Ancient Temples for Autumn Foliage in Kamakura

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

The long-awaited season of crimson leaves has arrived again. Japan's autumn foliage season runs from early October to the end of November, as rapidly dropping temperatures paint the country in enchanting hues of red, orange, and gold, offering people a magnificent visual feast. In addition to Kyoto, the famous destination for leaf-peeping, the historic city of Kamakura—equally renowned in Japanese history—preserves many serene warrior temples to this day due to its deep samurai heritage. Come late November, this ancient city is ablaze with vivid colors, transforming into a hidden gem for autumn foliage viewing. Below are the scenic charms of Kamakura’s 8 celebrated temples, each worth savoring in detail.

•Engaku-ji
Among Kamakura’s most famous ancient temples is Engaku-ji. Established in 1282, it serves as the head temple of the Engaku-ji sect of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and boasts a vast grounds. The temple architecture, with its interplay of wooden tones and white walls, is bright and solemn. Highlights include the ceiling white dragon in the main hall, the tranquil mountain gate, the elegant lay monks’ hall, and the grand bell. Both Natsume Sōseki and Shimazaki Tōson once practiced Zen here. The fiery red of the treetops intertwines with the brilliance of ginkgo leaves across the garden, adding even more elegance to this beautiful temple. Visitors feel as if they are inside a postcard.

•Tōkei-ji
Known widely during the Edo period as a nunnery, and also called the “Divorce Temple,” women who practiced here for three years could file for a divorce, thus earning a reputation for “cutting off bad karma and inviting happiness.” In recent years, it has also become a popular spot for attracting good fortune. The tall maple tree in front of Tōkei-ji’s main hall and the maple grove in the mountain cemetery behind are famous for their clear and stunning autumn scenery. In addition to enjoying the fall foliage, visitors can come in winter to admire plum blossoms or in summer to see hydrangeas greeting guests with their blooms.

•Jōchi-ji
Jōchi-ji is ranked fourth among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura. Upon entering the temple, the maples and Japanese maples near the mountain gate and stone steps are especially striking in vibrant red. The foliage within the temple grounds emanates a natural, rustic charm. Along the hiking trail up Genjiyama, visitors can be seen leisurely strolling through the red leaves, with the relaxed atmosphere complementing the surrounding sea of crimson.

•Zuisen-ji
Zuisen-ji is in full bloom with flowers all year round, hence its other name, the “Flower Temple.” Nestled deep within Kamakura, it sees relatively few visitors on regular days. The temple features a place known as “Momiji Valley,” which is famed for the beauty of the autumn foliage spread throughout its garden and surrounding forests.
It is widely celebrated for the breathtaking beauty of the dense autumn leaves both within the temple and the surrounding mountains, with its picturesque scenes enchanting all who see them.