2026 Full-Day Course: Autumn Leaves at Hase-dera Temple

Spend a day immersed in late-autumn foliage at Hase-dera Temple (長谷寺) in Kamakura. The best viewing period is typically late November through mid-December. The sight of maples and ginkgo reflected in Myochi Pond (妙智池) and Hojo Pond (放生池) within the temple grounds is one of Kamakura's finest autumn scenes. Admission is 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary school children. Viewing hours are normally 8:00-16:30 (gates close at 17:00), extended to sunset-19:00 during the special night viewing period. Hase-dera's autumn leaf illumination is the only one of its kind in Kamakura and has typically run from late November through early December (in 2025 it ran November 22-December 7; the 2026 schedule has not yet been confirmed, so please check the official website before you go). In the morning, walk from Enoden Hase Station to Yuigahama Beach for a morning seaside stroll with the sound of the waves. In the afternoon, take your time enjoying the autumn leaves reflected in the ponds at Hase-dera, and if it's an illumination day, staying until the evening lighting is also recommended.