— Engaku-ji, Hasedera, and Ichijo Ekan Sanso: A Gentle Autumn Walk Through Kamakura —
November marks the time when Kamakura slowly begins to shift into autumn colors.
This year, perhaps due to the warm temperatures, the foliage was more subdued than usual, with some leaves showing slight dryness at the tips. Even so, the scenery within the temples and gardens still felt distinctly “Kamakura”—calm, atmospheric, and rich with subtle seasonal beauty.
In this article, I’ll share photos from my visits to Engaku-ji, Hasedera, and Ichijo Ekan Sanso, along with a real, unfiltered look at Kamakura’s autumn this year.
1. Engaku-ji — Gentle, Subdued Colors and Leaves Illuminated by Soft Light
At Engaku-ji, located just steps from Kita-Kamakura Station, the leaves had already begun to change.
Some trees, as seen in the photos, had slightly dried or curled leaf edges. But this “late-autumn texture” gives the scenery its own charm.
The orange and red leaves glowing through the sunlight felt delicate, proving that even soft, muted colors can create stunning scenes at Engaku-ji.
✔ Contrasts between slightly withered leaves and warm sunlight
✔ Gradients of green, yellow, and orange
Although the leaves weren’t the deep, peak-season red, the subtle transitions in color revealed intricate beauty up close.
2. Hasedera — A Mix of Vivid and Withered: This Year’s Unique Autumn Look
Because Hasedera is built along a valley, sunlight reaches different areas unevenly.
As a result, there was a clear contrast between trees that had turned vibrant red and others that were beginning to dry.
✔ Bright colors emerging under direct sunlight
✔ Leaves remaining muted and slightly dry in the shade
✔ The view of the temple grounds through autumn pampas grass
The maple trees with large clusters of red leaves—shown in the photos—looked completely different depending on the angle of the light.
Even without perfect color, Hasedera offered a photogenic landscape where each tree displayed its own personality.
3. Ichijo Ekan Sanso — Quiet, Soft Autumn Moments in a Peaceful Garden
At Ichijo Ekan Sanso, the yellow maples were especially beautiful.
Overall, the color was subdued here as well, but the deep green of the garden created a gentle contrast.
✔ Soft contrast between yellow leaves and surrounding greenery
✔ A peaceful garden perfect for slow, reflective strolls
✔ Accents of red umbrellas and green moss
Rather than striking red foliage, the atmosphere and softness of the garden stayed with me most.
The water basin decorated with floating roses—shown in the photos—added seasonal elegance beyond the autumn leaves themselves.
Reflections on Walking Through Kamakura in November
This year, Kamakura’s autumn colors were generally softer, with leaves showing dryness in parts.
However, at Engaku-ji, Hasedera, and Ichijo Ekan Sanso, the combination of temple architecture and foliage created scenes that never felt lacking.
When sunlight passed through the leaves, shades of red, orange, and yellow gently lit up, making me think, “This year’s autumn has its own beauty.”
Kamakura’s foliage varies greatly between trees and locations—some branches still bright and vivid, others muted and earthy.
This contrast makes walking and “searching for beautiful patches” part of the fun.
Rather than chasing the perfect, textbook autumn scene, it felt rewarding to capture moments where a single tree or branch looked its best.
For those who want to enjoy a quieter, more contemplative version of Kamakura’s autumn, this route—Engaku-ji, Hasedera, and Ichijo Ekan Sanso—is easy to recommend.
These photos were taken with my new DSLR, just after I began learning photography.
Yet even with limited experience, Kamakura’s autumn scenery offered beauty that shines beyond technique—a reminder of how special this place is.