5 Best Photogenic destinations in KAMAKURA


2017.01.31

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

5 Best Photogenic Spots in KAMAKURA

Only an hour away by train from Tokyo, Kamakura is one of ancient cities where the central government used to be located. Surrounded by the historical buildings and breathtaking nature, this town has countless photogenic opportunities! Flowers, beaches, shrines, temples and more... are you ready to capture the beauty of Kamakura?

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    1. For “SLUM DUNK” Lovers - Kamakura Kokomae Station

    If you are a big fan of "SLUM DUNK", the Railroad Crossing near Kamakura Kokomae Station is the place to be. "Slum Dunk" is a basketball themed manga series written by Takehiko Inoue. It was also adopted into animation and has been broadcasted worldwide. This railroad crossing apprears in the opening scene.

    Enoden x Ocean x Railroad crossing of Kamakura Kokomae Station

    Enoden x Ocean x Railroad crossing of Kamakura Kokomae Station

    A slope just in front of the Railroad crossing is another photogenic spot near Kamakura Kokomae.

    the view looking downhill

    the view looking downhill

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    2. "BLUE of Hydrangea" vs. "RED of Autumn Leaves" - Meigetsuin Temple

    Feeling blue? Come to Meigetsuin Temple to see "Meigetsuin-blue", and your glooming feeling will be blown away! Known as "Ajisaidera" (Hydrangea Temple), the whole temple is covered with blooming Hydrangeas during the rainy season in June. Most of Hydrangeas on the stairway to the gate are blue, that's why it's called "Meigetsuin-blue".

    blooming hydrageas of the stairway of Meigetsuin

    blooming hydrageas of the stairway of Meigetsuin

    If you are lucky enough to be in Kamakura in late November to mid December, you got to see autumn tints through "Enmado" (circular window) of the main shrine. The burning red maple leaves will take your breath away!

    Colorful Autumn leaves from Enmado

    Colorful Autumn leaves from Enmado

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    3. Take a Relaxing Dip in Bamboo Forest - Hokokuji Temple

    Found in 1334, Hokokuji Temple was the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. It’s best-known for the beautiful bamboo grove. Once you arrive in the forest, look up to the sky so you’ll see the gentle sunshine filtering through the bamboos. Forget the hustle and bustle of the city life, just immerse yourself in nature.

    In the bamboo forest at Hokokuji temple

    In the bamboo forest at Hokokuji temple

    After enjoying the forest bathing, take a break at a teahouse called “Kyukoan” to have a matcha green tea.

    sipping on matcha at Kyuko-an

    sipping on matcha at Kyuko-an

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    4. The Hidden Gem! Discover the Perfect Fall Colors - Shishimai Valley

    Located along Tensen hiking trail in Northern Kamakura, Shishimai Valley is a popular destination for leaf peeping. The best season to visit here is from early to mid December as tinted leaves cover the grounds of Shishimai Valley.

    walking over the Ginkgo leaves carpet!

    walking over the Ginkgo leaves carpet!

    Sunset in autumn forest of Shishimai Valley

    Sunset in autumn forest of Shishimai Valley

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    5. Sunset Panorama - Shichirigahama Beach

    7th stops away from Kamakura station by Enoden train, Shichirigahama Beach is Kamakura’s best place for Sunset. This stunning ocean view has been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful Beaches in Japan. Enoshima island and Mt. Fuji can be seen on a clear day, and many people visit here just to watch the scenery.

    sitting on a bench and looking at sunset

    sitting on a bench and looking at sunset

    Shichirigahama beach with Enoshima Island in the background

    Shichirigahama beach with Enoshima Island in the background

    Kamakura-kokomae
    place
    Kanagawa Pref
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    Meigetsu-in Temple
    rating

    4.0

    432 Reviews
    place
    Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 189
    phone
    0467243437
    opening-hour
    9:00-16:00[June.]8:30-17:00
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    Hōkokuji Temple
    rating

    4.5

    706 Reviews
    place
    Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Joumyouji 2-7-4
    phone
    0467220762
    opening-hour
    9:00-16:00
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    天園ハイキングコース
    place
    神奈川県鎌倉市
    phone
    0467-61-3884
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    no image
    Shichirigahama
    place
    Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Shichirigahama
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