Hiking in Kamakura 鎌倉でハイキング
Genjiyama Park
The entrance to an atmospheric temple
The head of the Daibutsu among the treetops.
Credit: Celine
Hiking and History
Several hiking trails connect the all the main sites, transforming your visit to Kamakura into a real journey into the local nature and history.
Kamakura is a natural fortress surrounded by hills and cliffs. Today, despite the intense urbanization of the area, the city remains wrapped in a green setting. The hills have become parks, but the old access to the city by the cliffs still exist.
It's in these parks that visitors will find the hiking paths. They aren't completely removed from civilization, but rest assured you'll find nothing but peace and quiet here. Few foreigners know of their existence, and the Japanese generally avoid engaging in long walks in nature. These paths are a perfect opportunity to see small Buddhist temples and other forgotten monuments.
The Most Famous: The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) Path
Starting from Kita-Kamakura station, the path goes through Engaku-ji Zen and Jochi-ji temples, before venturing into the wild. A path taking at least 3 hours, if you go at a leisurely pace, sometimes with quite steep hills. After going through the parks and temples, you will reach the rear of the Giant Buddha and Hasedera temple. The trick is to return by train (from Hase station).
The Longest: The Tenen Path
This is the path for those wanting true immersion in nature. This path also begins at Kita-Kamakura Station, but from the other way. It takes a wide detour behind Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu temple and extends almost to the limits of the municipality of Yokohama. Allow at least 4 hours to cover it. You'll have the opportunity to stop at Kencho-ji, Kakuon-ji and Zuisen-ji temples. But the path is especially interesting for the dominating view over Kamakura. You'll climb up to 159 meters on Mount Ohirayama and continue to reach new heights.
The Most Central: The Gionyama Path
By taking this route, you will visit several small temples while tracing back parallel to the great avenue connecting Kamakura station to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu temple. Allow an hour for this walk, which is probably the most practical. The temples and ruins of the ancient capital are charming.
