A walk in Kamakura

Kita-Kamakura temples

北鎌倉の寺めぐり

Best on a weekday morning · Meigetsu-in hydrangeas flower in June

3.9 km, about 3 h, 6 stops from Kita-Kamakura Station. Every stop with its Japanese name and what to look for.

Start Kita-Kamakura Station

Engaku-ji円覚寺
A big Zen temple a minute from the station. Its great bell is a National Treasure.
Meigetsu-in明月院
About 2,500 hydrangeas flower here in June, when it gets very busy.
Kenchō-ji建長寺
Founded in 1253, the first temple in Japan to call itself Zen.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangū鶴岡八幡宮
Kamakura's main shrine. Its hall, rebuilt in 1828, sits at the top of a stone stair.
Dankazura段葛
A raised path of about 500 m between cherry trees, first laid out in 1182.
Komachi-dōri小町通り
A street of food and craft shops. In the crowds, eat at the shop, not on the move.

Paths can be steep or slippery, and places close or change their hours. Check before you go.

Plan the rest

Sources

Our summary of the sources below, checked Nov 9, 2026