🍁✨ Review: See the changing leaves in Kamakura

Kamakura (鎌倉), a small seaside town just an hour from Tokyo 🚆, is a popular destination for tourists fascinated by the tranquility, ancient temples, and beautiful nature of Japan. 🇯🇵🍃 It's especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season (mid-November to early December), when the entire city is illuminated in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows from the maple and ginkgo leaves that bloom across the valley. 🌾💛

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🍂 The Charm of Kamakura in Autumn

Kamakura, once the political center of Japan during the Kamakura Period (12th–14th centuries), is home to over 100 ancient temples and shrines. 🏯✨ During the autumn foliage season, the atmosphere of the ancient wooden temples and vibrant red maple trees contrast beautifully with the traditional Japanese tiled roofs. It's so beautiful it looks like a painting! 🎨

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🏞️ Must-see autumn leaves spots in Kamakura

🍁 1. Hasedera Temple (長谷寺)

A famous temple perched on a hill, offering sweeping views of Sagami Bay. 🌊✨ The temple grounds are lined with maple and ginkgo trees, which turn vibrant gold and red in November.
👉 The highlight is the "Inner Garden," featuring a fish pond, wooden bridge, and stone walkways covered in fallen leaves. It's a popular photo spot. 🍃

🚆 How to get there:
• From Kamakura Station (JR Line), take the Enoden to Hase Station, then walk for about 5 minutes.

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🍂 2. Kencho-ji Temple (建長寺)

This is Kamakura's oldest Zen temple and holds great religious significance. This temple is located in a small valley surrounded by mature trees. 🌳
During autumn, the Sanmon Gate and the path leading up to Hansobo Shrine on the mountaintop are lined with vibrant red maple leaves. You can also enjoy a stunning view of the ocean from the summit. 🌄

🚆 Access:
• From Kamakura Station, take the bus to the Kencho-ji stop, or walk for about 20 minutes.

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🌾 3. Engaku-ji Temple (円覚寺)

Located near Kita-Kamakura Station, it's one of the temples with the most beautiful autumn foliage in the Kanto region. 🍁
The entrance to the temple is through a large, old wooden gate, surrounded by hundreds of maple trees. The atmosphere is very peaceful and serene. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a cup of tea while enjoying the leaves in the small tea pavilion inside. 🫖

🚆 Access:
• Just a 2-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station

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🌅 4. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (鶴岡八幡宮)

Kamakura's main Shinto shrine, located in the heart of the city, is a popular spot for tourists to pray and take photos. 🏮
In autumn, the two large ginkgo trees in front of the shrine turn a striking golden yellow. 💛 When the sun sets, the leaves' reflections on the stone pavement are beautifully reflected.

🚆 Access:
• From Kamakura Station, walk straight along Komachi Dori for about 10 minutes.

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🍵 Recommended cafes for a relaxing break and a view.

After a walk and admiring the beautiful foliage, we recommend stopping by Café Terrace Itsuki Garden ☕, a hillside cafe with panoramic views of the changing leaves. They also offer green tea, sweets, and light Japanese cakes. 🍰 The atmosphere is peaceful and perfect for relaxing after strolling around the temples.

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🧭 Tips for enjoying autumn leaves in Kamakura
• 🍃 Visit mid- to late-November for the most beautiful colors.
• 👟 Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many temples have stairs and steep slopes.
• 📸 Get your camera ready! Every angle is a postcard-perfect photo.
• 🚆 Get the “Enoden Pass” for a great deal, offering unlimited all-day sightseeing train rides from the seaside to various temples.

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Kamakura in autumn is a city that blends the historic charm of traditional Japanese temples with the warm colors of nature. 🍂✨
Whether you're walking along the old samurai trails, visiting ancient temples, or sipping tea in a tranquil garden, you'll experience the unforgettable charm of classic Japan. 🍵🌾

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