Top 8 Temples in Kamakura for Autumn Foliage in Fall

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Department
 

Kamakura is a place that fits well into the rhythm of everyday travel. Its streets exude a leisurely and carefree charm, and there are many shrines dedicated to samurai families, filled with historical atmosphere. Come late November, autumn paints the gardens and mountain landscapes with patches of red, creating breathtaking scenery.

● Engaku-ji Temple

The name Engaku-ji comes from the Mahayana Buddhist scripture "Yuanjue Jing" (Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment). The entire area, surrounded by cedar woods, is a national historic site. Structures such as the mountain gate, main hall, and abbot’s quarters are arranged in a straight line. The second floor of the grand mountain gate enshrines the Goddess of Mercy and arhats. With its clean lines and elegant design, it has often been featured in the works of famous writers such as Natsume Sōseki and Yasunari Kawabata. The vast grounds feature many spots to enjoy autumn leaves.

● Tōkei-ji Temple
Tōkei-ji is one of the more unique temples in northern Kamakura. Established in 1285 by Kakuzan-ni, the nun-wife of Hōjō Tokimune, it primarily enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha and is famed as a nunnery that exclusively accepted women. Women who practiced here for three years or more could divorce their husbands, and this had legal validity at the time—earning it the nickname “Enkiri-dera” or “Divorce Temple.” It is also considered an auspicious spot that attracts happiness, making it a popular destination for good luck in recent years. In front of the main hall, you’ll find tall maple trees and gleaming golden ginkgo trees that are well worth seeing.
● Jakusho-ji Temple

Jakusho-ji still preserves many Buddhist statues dating back to the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Everywhere you look reveals traces of the past, giving visitors the feeling of taking a journey through time. The temple is also famous for its diverse types of autumn foliage, making it a well-known spot for fall colors.

● Jōchi-ji Temple
Located in northern Kamakura, Jōchi-ji is ranked fourth among the Kamakura Five Mountains. It belongs to the Engaku-ji school of the Rinzai sect, just like nearby Engaku-ji, and its full name is Kinpōzan Jōchi-ji. The maple and maple-like trees near the temple’s mountain gate and stone steps are especially captivating, adding to the serene and leisurely atmosphere perfect for a relaxing stroll.
● Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera houses Japan’s largest wooden statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Its garden, blooming with irises, is exceptionally elegant. Next to the Kannon Hall is a scripture depository that houses a revolving sutra pillar—turning it once is said to be equivalent to chanting a sutra. The Mountain View Platform (Kencho-dai) offers a full view of Kamakura’s cityscape and the ocean, while the tea house Shion-tei within the grounds even provides a view of the Miura Peninsula. The autumn leaves here are layered with noticeable variations in height, creating a uniquely three-dimensional effect.

● Zuisen-ji Temple

Zuisen-ji is also known as the “Flower Temple,” as it offers different flowers to enjoy throughout the year. Especially around the temple is an area called “Momiji Valley” (Red Leaf Valley), where maples turn brilliant red in the fall, presenting a dazzling array of colors that captivate the heart.