About
Caption: Genjiyama Park along the Daibutsu Hiking Trail in Kamakura, showing the forested mountain path that connects historic temples and shrines. Source: Wikimedia Commons
⚠️ TRAIL CLOSURE ALERT: As of October 2025, the Daibutsu Hiking Course is closed due to typhoon damage. Check the official Kamakura City tourism website (https://www.city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/kamakura-kankou/0511hiking.html) for current reopening status before planning your visit. 🔗
The Kuzuharaoka-Daibutsu Hiking Course is a 2.1-mile (3.4 km) forest trail that connects Jochiji Temple in Kita-Kamakura with the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in Temple, passing through Kuzuharaoka Shrine and Genjiyama Park. This trail represents one of Kamakura's historic mountain paths that once served as access routes to the ancient capital. 🔗
The trail follows ancient mountain paths that historically served as one of the seven main access routes to Kamakura, known as "Kiridoshi" or the Gates of Kamakura. During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), these mountain trails were vital connections between temples and strategic passages for the shogunate's capital. The route embodies the deep integration of Zen Buddhism and nature that characterizes Kamakura's spiritual landscape. 🔗
Cultural & Hiking Significance
Genjiyama Park: The trail's midpoint features Genjiyama Park, a 9.5-hectare green space developed in 1966 that commemorates the area's connection to the Minamoto clan. The park's name derives from two legends: "Genjiyama" (Genji mountain) references samurai Minamoto no Yoshiie (1039-1106), who placed a white flag on this peak to pray for victory during the Later Three Years' War, while the alternative name "Shirohatayama" (white flag mountain) commemorates the same event. At the park's center stands a 2-meter-tall bronze statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo, erected in 1980 to mark the 800th anniversary of the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. The park features approximately 300 cherry trees, making it a renowned hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot in spring. 🔗 🔗
Kuzuharaoka Shrine: Kuzuharaoka Shrine, established in 1887 during the Meiji Period, enshrines Hino Toshimoto, a court noble and close advisor to Emperor Go-Daigo who was executed at this site for his role in attempting to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate. Emperor Meiji ordered the shrine's establishment to honor Toshimoto's loyal spirit. Today, the shrine is renowned as a "power spot" for matchmaking and romance, featuring an "Enmusubi Stone" where visitors tie five-yen coins with red string between male and female stones to pray for love. 🔗 🔗
Trail Information
Northern Trailhead (Jochiji Temple - Kita-Kamakura):
- Starting point: Jochiji Temple, 1402 Yamanouchi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa 247-0062
- From Tokyo: Take the JR Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura Station (approximately 60 minutes from Tokyo Station). Jochiji Temple is a 10-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station's west exit. 🔗
Southern Trailhead (Great Buddha - Hase area):
- From Kamakura Station: Take a bus from Terminal No. 1 at the East Exit to Daibutsu-mae stop (approximately 10 minutes). After disembarking, walk toward the road tunnel; steep steps on the right side of the tunnel mark the trail entrance.
- Alternatively, from Hase Station (Enoden Line): 7-minute walk to Kotoku-in Temple entrance. 🔗
Trail Specifications:
- Distance: 2.1 miles (3.4 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated hiking time: 60-90 minutes without stops; allow 2-3 hours to explore Genjiyama Park, Kuzuharaoka Shrine, and photo opportunities
- Trail surface: Unpaved dirt paths, tree roots, exposed sandstone and red soil
- Elevation: Gradual ascent and descent through forested hills 🔗
Best Times to Visit:
- Spring (Late March-Early April): Cherry blossoms in late March-early April at Genjiyama Park
- Autumn (Late November-Early December): Peak foliage season with spectacular colors
- Winter: Clear views and possibility of seeing Mount Fuji on crisp days, cooler temperatures (5-12°C) and dry conditions
- Time of Day: Early morning for solitude and soft lighting; late afternoon for golden hour photography. Avoid midday on weekends when crowds peak. 🔗
The Trail Experience
Key Waypoints and Landmarks:
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Jochiji Temple (Starting Point): The fourth-ranking temple among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, founded in 1281. The temple's mysterious caves and serene grounds set the spiritual tone for the hike. 🔗
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Forest Path (First 30 minutes): Shaded dirt trails with steep stairs and slopes. Once past the initial climb, the trail becomes relatively gentle with scenic forest views. 🔗
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Genjiyama Park (Midpoint): Spacious park with picnic tables, benches, restrooms, and drink vending machines. Features the impressive Minamoto no Yoritomo statue and serves as an ideal rest stop. In spring, 300 cherry trees create spectacular hanami viewing. 🔗
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Kuzuharaoka Shrine: Romantic shrine known for matchmaking rituals. Visitors can participate in the Enmusubi Stone ceremony, write wishes on heart-shaped ema (votive plaques), and visit the Komorebi Plaza rest area. 🔗
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Final Descent: Narrow, sometimes muddy path descending toward the Great Buddha. The trail becomes steeper with root-covered steps requiring careful footing. 🔗
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Kotoku-in Great Buddha (End Point): The trail culminates at the iconic 13.35-meter bronze Buddha statue completed in 1252, one of Japan's most recognizable cultural landmarks. 🔗
Natural Features: The trail showcases the characteristic forest environment of Kamakura's hills: moss-covered stones and trees, dappled sunlight through the canopy (komorebi), the peaceful sound of rustling leaves, and occasional glimpses of the surrounding valleys. The mossy paths and tree roots create an ethereal, primordial forest atmosphere perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). 🔗
Practical Hiking Tips
Footwear and Clothing:
- Essential footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support and grip are mandatory. The trail cannot be walked in sandals, high heels, or casual sneakers. Root-covered paths and steep sections require proper traction. 🔗
- Avoid hiking after rain: Trail sections become dangerously slippery and muddy. The Kamakura tourism authority strongly advises against hiking on days following heavy rain due to safety concerns. 🔗
What to Bring:
- Water (no water sources along the trail; vending machines only at Genjiyama Park)
- Snacks or packed lunch for Genjiyama Park picnic
- Portable charger for phone (for navigation and photography)
- Small towel for wiping mud or sweat
- Cash for temple admissions and vending machines 🔗
Safety Considerations:
- The trail requires moderate fitness and stamina, especially for completing the full route with temple visits in one day
- Some sections feature chains or ropes for assistance on steep parts
- Navigation challenges: Signage improves after the halfway point, but early sections can have unclear markers. Download offline maps or use GPS tracking
- No cell service in some forested sections
- Restrooms available only at Genjiyama Park midpoint - plan accordingly 🔗 🔗
Crowd Avoidance Strategies:
- Start early morning (by 8:00 AM) from Jochiji Temple to have the trail largely to yourself
- Hike on weekdays rather than weekends
- Avoid Japanese national holidays when domestic tourism peaks 🔗
Best Photo Spots:
- Minamoto no Yoritomo statue in Genjiyama Park (central landmark)
- Mossy trail sections with dappled sunlight
- Kuzuharaoka Shrine's red torii gates and matchmaking stones
- Final approach to the Great Buddha with forest framing
- Panoramic views from elevated trail sections (potential Mount Fuji sightings) 🔗
Direction Recommendation: Most hikers prefer starting from Jochiji Temple (north) and ending at the Great Buddha (south) because:
- The main climb occurs early when energy levels are highest
- Genjiyama Park serves as a perfect midpoint rest area
- The trail descends toward the conclusion
- Ending at the iconic Great Buddha provides a satisfying conclusion
- Better public transport connections at Hase/Kamakura Station for onward travel 🔗
Nearby Attractions:
Within Kita-Kamakura:
- Engakuji Temple: Second-ranking temple among Kamakura's Five Mountains, 5 minutes from Kita-Kamakura Station 🔗
- Tokeiji Temple: Historic "divorce temple" with beautiful gardens, 7 minutes from Kita-Kamakura Station 🔗
Near Great Buddha (Hase Area):
- Hase-dera Temple: Famous for its eleven-headed Kannon statue and hillside gardens with ocean views, 5 minutes from Great Buddha 🔗
- Zeniarai Benten Shrine: Unique shrine where washing money is believed to multiply wealth, accessible via trail extension 🔗
Important Notes:
- ⚠️ CRITICAL: Trail Currently Closed - The Daibutsu Hiking Course is closed as of October 2025 due to typhoon damage. This is the second major closure in recent years (previously closed October 2019 to June 2020 after Typhoon Hagibis). Before planning any visit, check official status at https://www.city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/kamakura-kankou/0511hiking.html 🔗
- Even when officially open, avoid this trail for several days after heavy rainfall. The combination of tree roots, steep sections, and dirt paths becomes hazardous when wet.
- The trail requires reasonable fitness for 60-90 minutes of continuous walking, ability to navigate steep stairs and uneven terrain, and balance for root-covered paths. Not recommended for very young children, elderly with mobility limitations, or those with knee issues.
Location (Northern Trailhead): View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/kamakura/kuzuharaoka-daibutsu-hiking-course.md