Located just an hour by train from Tokyo, Kamakura is a charming city steeped in Japanese history and culture. Once the seat of the Kamakura shogunate, established in 1185, the city flourished as the cradle of samurai traditions, architectural wonders, and a tranquil atmosphere distinct from Kyoto’s grandeur. Kamakura offers an enticing mix of rich history and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for both day trips and extended stays.
This guide highlights the unique experiences Kamakura offers during the winter months from December to February.
Why Visit Kamakura in Winter?
1. Immerse Yourself in History
As the birthplace of samurai culture, Kamakura boasts numerous temples and shrines, each with its own captivating story. These historic sites showcase traditional Japanese architecture, and many host special New Year’s events in winter.
2. Enjoy Seasonal Beauty
Kamakura’s winter landscapes offer a serene charm. The autumn foliage lingers into early winter, painting the temples and shrines in vibrant hues from late November to mid-December. As winter deepens, peonies bloom from January to February, their delicate beauty enhanced by straw coverings used to protect them from frost.
3. Experience Local Traditions
Whether it’s visiting shrines for New Year blessings, savoring matcha tea in traditional tearooms, or strolling through exquisite gardens, Kamakura provides a calming retreat into Japanese culture.
Must-See Winter Spots in Kamakura
North Kamakura : Northwest Kamakura Area
Choju-ji Temple
Founded in 1336, Chojyuji is a historic temple known for its serene atmosphere. The well-maintained temple grounds are covered with moss, with carefully laid paths weaving through the greenery, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. From late November to early December, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of autumn foliage at its peak. While the temple is usually not open to the public, it is accessible during specific seasonal periods.
- Access: 10-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Line’s North Kamakura Station
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed on rainy days)
- Fee: 300 yen
Seasonal Openings
Spring
- April and May: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
- June: Wednesdays through Sundays
Autumn
- October to mid-November: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
- Late November to early December: Open daily
Engakuji Temple
A historic gem tied to the Kamakura shogunate and the Mongol invasions, Engakuji Temple offers breathtaking views of late autumn foliage blending harmoniously with its ancient architecture.
- Access: 1-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Line’s North Kamakura Station
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Fee: 500 yen
Meigetsuin Temple
Known as the “Hydrangea Temple,” it transforms into a peaceful haven in early winter, with beautiful foliage and a chance to see squirrels up close.
- Access: 9-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Line’s North Kamakura Station
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Fee: 500 yen
Jochiji Temple
Established around 1281, this tranquil temple exudes a serene atmosphere. From late November to early December, as you pass through its charming main gate and ascend the temple path, you’ll be welcomed by golden ginkgo leaves shimmering in the sunlight.
- Access: 6-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Line’s North Kamakura Station
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Fee: 200 yen
Hase : West Kamakura Area
Hasedera Temple
Visit during New Year’s Eve for its candlelit prayer event, or enjoy the temple’s serene grounds, known as the “Flower Temple,” year-round.
- Access: 5-minute walk from Enoden’s Hase Station
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Fee: 400 yen
Kotoku-in Temple
Home to the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura, this site offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with colorful trees surrounding the statue, all fitting perfectly within the same frame in late November.
- Access: 7-minute walk from Enoden’s Hase Station
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Fee: 300 yen
Kamakura Station East Exit Area
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
The spiritual heart of Kamakura, this shrine is surrounded by seasonal beauty, with golden ginkgo trees in late autumn to early winter and blooming peonies in the winter.
- Access: 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station East Exit
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Fee: Free (Peony Garden: 500 yen)
Nikaido : Northeast Kamakura Area
Ichijo Ekan Sanso
- Access: 10-minute ride from JR East’s Yokosuka Line, Kamakura Station East Exit, from Keikyu Bus Stop 4 to “Jomyoji” Bus Stop, then a 2-minute walk.
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Fee: 500 yen
This villa was built by the early Edo period court noble, Ichijo Ekan (1605-1672), and was relocated from Kyoto to Kamakura after WWII. The garden, taking advantage of the natural terrain, is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season. You can get real-time updates on the foliage on Instagram.
Hokokuji Temple
There’s a large ginkgo tree in the middle of the grounds that turns vibrant yellow from late November to early December. The temple also features a compact bamboo grove with a nearby café where you can enjoy matcha tea in peaceful surroundings. Get real-time updates on the autumn foliage via Instagram.
- Access: 12-minute ride from JR East’s Yokosuka Line, Kamakura Station East Exit, towards Kamakura Cemetery Front Gate or Highland, get off at Jomyoji Bus Stop, then a 3-minute walk.
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Fee: 400 yen
Kakuonji Temple
Founded in 1218, Kakuonji Temple became prominent in 1296 to pray for protection against further Mongol invasions. Known for its stunning autumn foliage, photography is restricted inside the temple grounds, making it a hidden gem worth visiting. You can see the beautiful foliage on YouTube.
- Access: 10-minute ride from JR East’s Yokosuka Line, Kamakura Station East Exit, from Bus Stop 5 to “Kamakura-gu (Daitonomiya)” Bus Stop, then a 10-minute walk.
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Fee: 500 yen
Egara Tenjin Shrine
Dedicated to the deity of learning, this small shrine offers a unique appearance and color scheme different from other shrines. From late November to mid-December, a ginkgo tree estimated to be around 900 years old and 25 meters tall with a 10-meter girth lights up the surroundings. The plum trees here are the earliest to bloom in late January to early February.
- Access: 3-minute ride from JR East’s Yokosuka Line, Kamakura Station East Exit, from Keikyu Bus Stop 5 to “Tenjin-mae” Bus Stop.
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Fee: Free
Zuisenji Temple
Founded in 1327, Zuisenji Temple is known for its late autumn foliage, even later than most other Kamakura spots.
- Access: 10-minute ride from JR East’s Yokosuka Line, Kamakura Station East Exit, from Keikyu Bus Stop 4 on Kamakura 20 to Daitonomiya Bus Stop, then a 10-minute walk.
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Fee: 200 yen
Helpful Tips
1. Admission Fees
Most temples charge modest entrance fees (200–500 yen), while some shrines are free.
2. Cultural Souvenirs
Don’t miss the chance to collect goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) in a dedicated goshuincho notebook, available for about 2,000 yen. Each goshuin stamp typically costs around 300 to 500 yen, making it an affordable and meaningful way to commemorate your visit.
3. Photography Etiquette
Some sites, like Kakuonji Temple, restrict photography within their grounds, so be sure to check and respect these rules.
4. Local Cuisine
Indulge in Kamakura’s culinary delights on Komachi Street, where fresh seafood, matcha desserts, and rice crackers await.
5. Enoshima
If you’re visiting Kamakura between December and February, consider a side trip to nearby Enoshima. Enoshima features stunning illumination events in both summer and winter. For more details, check out this link.
A Glimpse Into Kamakura’s Rich History
Kamakura’s historical significance stems from its establishment as the center of the Kamakura shogunate in 1185 by Minamoto no Yoritomo. This marked Japan’s transition into a samurai-led government, and the city quickly grew as a hub of political power, cultural exchange, and Zen Buddhism. Temples like Engakuji and Kenchoji were founded during this period, reflecting Kamakura’s influence on both religious and architectural practices.
Even after the shogunate’s fall in 1333, Kamakura retained its cultural and spiritual prominence. During the Edo period, it transformed into a temple town, attracting pilgrims and preserving its historical identity. Today, Kamakura stands as a testament to the resilience of Japanese culture, where ancient traditions coexist with modern tourism.
