5 Best Locations to Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Kamakura

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Kamakura is easily accessible from Tokyo and is a popular tourist destination visited by many people from both within Japan and overseas. In autumn, there are many places where you can see beautiful autumn and yellow leaves. Here are five recommended spots to see autumn and yellow leaves in Kamakura...

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If you use the coupon code "MCM-20962" when applying, you can get a 5% discount and experience a professional photo shoot!

Check out some professional autumn foliage photos

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1. Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple is one of Kamakura's most popular tourist destinations, with its grounds decorated with different flowers each season and also featuring walking paths with panoramic views of the sea.

It is also famous for its beautiful autumn foliage, and special nighttime viewing is held during the autumn foliage season, making it the only place in Kamakura where you can see illuminated autumn leaves.

Hasedera Temple has many other things to see besides the autumn leaves. It is said that if you can find all three "smiling Jizo statues" in the temple grounds, you will be blessed with a good relationship, so be sure to look for them while enjoying the autumn leaves. It's quite difficult to find them all!

2. The Great Buddha of Kamakura and Kotoku-in Temple

Kotoku-in Temple is famous for being the home of the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a designated national treasure of Japan. Although the statue has been preserved almost entirely in its original form, little is known about it apart from the fact that it was first cast in 1252.

In autumn, the Great Buddha of Kamakura is also popular for its beautiful combination with the autumn leaves. This is the season when the statue, which is renowned for its beautiful features, looks even more beautiful.

3. Engakuji Temple

Photo by hanemiya<br>
Photo by hanemiya

Engakuji Temple is located right in front of Kita-Kamakura Station, making it very accessible for tourists. It is the temple where the leaves change color earliest in Kamakura, and there are many spots to see the autumn leaves scattered throughout the spacious grounds. The sight of the red maples reflected on the surface of the pond is a must-see.

This is a highly recommended tourist spot with many sights, including the opportunity to see not only the crimson autumn leaves but also the yellow ginkgo trees.

4. Meigetsuin Temple

Meigetsuin is a temple famous for its beautiful hydrangeas, but it is also a beautiful place to see the autumn leaves. During the autumn leaves season, the garden behind the main hall, which is usually closed to the public, is opened to the public.

You can also see beautiful autumn leaves on the way from Kita-Kamakura Station to Meigetsuin Temple, so be sure to enjoy a walk through autumn in Kamakura.

5. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Photo by omitsu<br>
Photo by omitsu

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shrine that represents Kamakura, and in recent years has become popular as a power spot that brings luck in winning and career advancement. The standard tourist route to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is to walk from Kamakura Station through Komachi-dori, which is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is crowded with tourists and local worshippers all year round, but is also popular in autumn for its beautiful autumn leaves. The combination of the vermilion-painted shrine buildings and bridge with the autumn leaves creates a beautiful scene that is typical of autumn in Japan.

However, around November, when the autumn leaves are at their most beautiful, there are also many visitors celebrating the traditional Japanese event of Shichi-Go-San, so please be careful not to get too engrossed in the autumn leaves and end up disturbing the visitors.

Best Timing for Autumn Foliage in Kamakura

The usual time for the leaves to change color in Kamakura is said to be between November and early December .

That said, the best time to see the leaves can vary depending on the type of tree, the location, and various weather conditions of the year, so we recommend checking the official website of the autumn foliage viewing spot to determine the best time to see the leaves.

Points to Note When Viewing 

Although autumn leaves are very beautiful, you should never break branches or tear off leaves . Just enjoy them with your eyes. If you want to take a photo with colored leaves, it's a good idea to use leaves that have fallen to the ground.

Depending on the location, there are areas where entry is prohibited. In some places, photography is also prohibited. If more people start being selfish and thinking, "It's okay to just take a little photo," entry to the surrounding areas may also be prohibited. Please enjoy yourself by following the local rules.

It's a great spot for photogenic of autumn leaves, but please remember to be considerate of your surroundings when taking photos . Selfie sticks and tripods may be a nuisance to those around you. In some places, their use is prohibited. Please be mindful of your surroundings and use with caution.

A big problem in Japanese tourist destinations is littering by tourists. This isn't limited to when viewing autumn leaves, but please be sure to take any trash you produce home with you.

Contact Capture My Japan for Best Autumn Photographs!

Why not ask a professional photographer to take a commemorative photo of you with the autumn leaves of Japan?

With " Capture My Japan ," you can shoot at any location in Japan you like. The photographer in charge will handle any permission applications for locations that are difficult to obtain in Japanese. The photographer who can speak English will communicate closely with you while shooting, so even those who are not confident in Japanese will have no problem.

The rate for "Capture My Japan" starts from 49,500 yen per hour (including 50 edited photos). Currently, you can get a 5% discount on your photography experience by entering coupon code " MCM-20962 " when applying. If you're considering requesting services from Capture My Japan, be sure to take advantage of this offer!

Official website: https://capturemy.jp/

Photographer: https://lovegraph.notion.site/Photographers-2e00aa4468c0438dafe5ce576dd39be7

Check out some professional autumn foliage photos

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"Capture My Japan " is a photography service for tourists visiting Japan from overseas by Lovegraph Co., Ltd, which operates one of Japan's largest on- location photography session businesses. Would you like to capture yourself along with the beautiful scenery of Japan with a professional photographer? You can experience shooting at your favorite travel destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Capture My Japan's photographers have bases all over the country and can handle shooting in a wide range of areas. We have photographers who have passed a strict screening process, so you can leave your shooting to us with confidence! Japanese photographers who have a good understanding of each region will take care of your needs. Why not leave your memories of your trip to Japan together in a wonderful way?

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