Quiet Temple Tours in Kamakura

Stepping off at Kita-Kamakura Station, you're greeted by a quiet that's distinct from the bustle of the main tourist area. Turn left out of the gates and start walking, passing the main gate of Engakuji. The charm of this route lies in deliberately bypassing the famous grand temples and seeking out smaller, less-visited ones.

After passing through the Kamegayatsu-zaka pass, the road narrows noticeably. Walking beside moss-covered stone walls, you suddenly come upon a temple gate tucked away in a residential area. Inside, a beautifully maintained garden unfolds. Sit on a bench in the precincts and the only sound is birdsong.

The approach to Jufukuji is said to be the most beautiful in Kamakura. Zelkova trees line the straight stone path, casting dappled light on the ground. If you venture to the graveyard at the far end, you can see the cave-like tombs called yagura, one of which is traditionally attributed to Hojo Masako.