Winter in Kamakura is a special season where the crisp air enhances the city’s quiet charm and warmth. As plum blossoms begin to bloom, they add a gentle fragrance and vibrant colors to the streets, heralding the arrival of spring even before the cherry blossoms.
The contrast between Kamakura’s tranquil, historic scenery and the delicate beauty of the plum blossoms creates a breathtaking sight. Why not take a leisurely stroll and enjoy this seasonal harmony at your own pace?
In this guide, we introduce the best spots in Kamakura to admire the beauty of plum blossoms.
Famous Plum Blossom Viewing Spots in Kamakura
1. Enjoy the Plum Blossoms and Enchanting Light-Up at Hase-dera
Hase-dera Temple, which can be reached on foot from “Kominka no Yado Kamakura Rakuan” and “Oyado Kamakura Rakuan Hanare,” is a beautiful temple where history and nature harmonize. During the plum blossom season, the temple grounds are adorned with vibrant blossoms, captivating visitors with their elegance.
Not only can you enjoy the stunning plum blossoms during the day, but at night, the plum blossom light-up creates a mesmerizing atmosphere, offering a completely different and magical experience. The softly illuminated plum blossoms in the quiet evening enhance their beauty, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into another world. The sight of the glowing blossoms alongside the temple’s statues and pond provides a truly special and soothing experience.
【Plum Blossom Light-Up Period】
Duration: Saturday, February 8 – Monday, February 24, 2025
Time: From sunset to 6:30 PM (last admission) / Closes at 7:00 PM
※The schedule may change due to weather or other circumstances.
Please check the official Hase-dera website for details.
2. Zuisen-ji – Plum Blossoms Blooming in Serene Tranquility
Zuisen-ji, known as the “Temple of Flowers,” is one of Kamakura’s most renowned temples, offering breathtaking seasonal blooms throughout the year. During the plum blossom season, the temple grounds are enveloped in vibrant blossoms, captivating visitors with their beauty.
The Largest Number of Plum Trees in Kamakura!
Zuisen-ji boasts the largest number of plum trees in Kamakura. The temple is home to a wide variety of plum trees, including red, white, and pink blossoms, which bloom in abundance from February to March. As you stroll through the temple’s peaceful setting nestled in the mountains, you can fully immerse yourself in the arrival of spring, surrounded by the sweet fragrance of plum blossoms.
Kamakura City’s Natural Monument: The “Golden Plum”
Zuisen-ji is also home to the “Golden Plum” (Ōbai), a rare variety of plum tree that blooms with striking yellow flowers. This unique species has been designated as a Natural Monument of Kamakura City, making it a must-see for visitors. The vibrant golden hue of these blossoms stands out beautifully against the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds, offering a truly special sight.
Best Time to View the Plum Blossoms：Mid-February to Early March
3. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu – Admire Plum Blossoms by the Genji Pond
Located in the heart of Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is another wonderful place to enjoy plum blossoms. Around Genji Pond, white and red plum blossoms bloom in abundance, creating a picturesque scene as their reflections dance on the water’s surface. Take a leisurely stroll through the shrine grounds and immerse yourself in the beauty of spring’s arrival.
Best Time to View Plum Blossoms: Early February to Early March
4. Unexpected Encounters with Plum Blossoms While Strolling Through Kamakura
One of the true charms of Kamakura is not only its famous plum blossom spots but also the unexpected moments of beauty you may encounter while simply wandering through the city. During the plum blossom season, you can find delicate blooms not only in temple and shrine gardens but also along quiet alleys, in the gardens of traditional homes, and even in the corners of public parks.
As you stroll through Kamakura’s backstreets and stone-paved paths, you may discover a hidden plum tree blooming in solitude. A single plum tree standing gracefully at a temple gate, another nestled in a moss-covered garden, or vibrant red and white blossoms adorning an ancient stone wall—all of these scenes quietly signal the arrival of spring.
Many temples in Kamakura feature plum trees planted along their gardens and pathways, offering a peaceful setting to admire the blossoms. When visiting Hase-dera, Zuisen-ji, Eisho-ji, or Egara Tenjin Shrine, take a moment to look down at the ground or to the edges of the gardens—you might find a small yet breathtaking display of plum blossoms.
The sight of these unexpected blossoms can warm the heart, and every step through Kamakura brings the possibility of a new discovery. This season, why not take a leisurely walk through the city, embracing the beauty of spring as it quietly unfolds before you?
When is the Best Time to See Plum Blossoms in Kamakura?
Plum blossoms in Kamakura typically reach their peak bloom from late January to early March each year. Since different varieties bloom at different times, visitors can enjoy the blossoms over an extended period. Mid-February is especially breathtaking, as many plum trees reach full bloom, creating the most picturesque scenery of the season.
Immerse Yourself in the Fragrance of Plum Blossoms and Enjoy Spring in Kamakura!
Kamakura, adorned with vibrant plum blossoms, is the perfect place to experience the arrival of spring. As you visit its historic temples and shrines, take a moment to enjoy the delicate beauty and gentle fragrance of the plum blossoms.
Enjoy a heartwarming journey through Kamakura’s best plum blossom spots and embrace the charm of the season!