Must-visit ancient temples for autumn foliage in Kamakura

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

The highly anticipated season of crimson leaves has arrived again！Japan's autumn foliage season runs from early October to the end of November, and the rapidly dropping temperatures paint the country in enchanting hues of red, orange, and gold, offering people a magnificent visual feast; besides the famous Kyoto, another historic city equally renowned for leaf-peeping is "Kamakura." Its deep samurai history has preserved many serene warrior temples to this day. Come late November, this ancient capital is set ablaze by vibrant colors, becoming a hidden gem for foliage viewing. Below are eight notable temples in Kamakura that are well worth a leisurely visit.

•Engaku-ji
The most famous ancient temple in Kamakura is undoubtedly Engaku-ji. Built in 1282, it serves as the head temple of the Engaku-ji sect of the Rinzai school and boasts a vast site. The temple structures, with their interplay of wood tones and white walls, present a bright and solemn atmosphere. Highlights include the white dragon on the ceiling of the main hall, the tranquil mountain gate, the elegant lay practitioners’ hall, and the grand bell. Both Natsume Soseki and Shimazaki Toson once practiced Zen here. The fiery red foliage on the treetops intermingles with the brilliance of ginkgo trees throughout the garden, adding even more elegance to this beautiful temple, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a postcard.

•Tokei-ji
Known during the Edo period as a well-known nunnery, also called the "Divorce Temple," women who practiced here for three years could apply for a divorce, thus earning a reputation for “cutting off bad ties and inviting happiness.” In recent years, it has also become a popular spot for good fortune. The tall maple tree in front of the main hall at Tokei-ji, along with the maple grove in the cemetery on the back hill, have long been famed for their crisp and stunning autumn scenery. In addition to enjoying the foliage in autumn, visitors can enjoy plum blossoms in winter and admire hydrangeas in summer at Tokei-ji.

•Jochi-ji
Jochi-ji is ranked fourth among the Five Great Temples of Kamakura. Upon entering the temple grounds, you’ll find especially vivid red maples near the mountain gate and stone steps. The maple leaves in the courtyard exude a natural simplicity. Along the hiking trail up to Genjiyama, visitors can be seen strolling leisurely through the sea of red leaves, where a carefree atmosphere perfectly complements the vibrant mountain hues.

•Zuisen-ji
Zuisen-ji is in bloom with flowers all year round, hence its nickname “Flower Temple.” Nestled deep within Kamakura, it usually sees fewer visitors on regular days. The temple features a place known as the “Maple Valley,” celebrated for the beauty of the foliage in the garden and surrounding woods.
It is widely renowned for the exquisite beauty of the red leaves densely covering the temple and the surrounding mountains, with enchanting views that captivate the heart.