Out of 10 zen temples in Japan, 5 are in Kyoto and 5 are in Kamakura. We started at 8am from Shinagawa station and this was the itinerary we followed.
Itinerary
- 08:15–09:00 Shinagawa to Yokohama (Keikyu main line, 290 yen) to Kitakamakura station (JR Shonan-Shinjuku line, 290 yen)
- 9:00–9:30 Visit Engakuji Temple (2nd most important zen temple)
- 09:30–12:00 Western Daibutsu Hiking course from Jōchiiji temple (Fourth most important Zen temple) to Kōtokuin (Buddha temple) via Zeniarai Benten Shrine (excellent view and Shrine where visitors wash their money)
- 12:00–12:30 visit Hasedara temple, good view
- 12:30–02:00 lunch and relax at Yugihama beach
- 02:00–02:30 walk to kenchoji via shopping street (kamakura’s most important zen temple)
- 02:30–05:00 northern trail from Kenchoji to Zuisenji Temple (zen) via lots of caves on the way
- 5:00–5:30 Walk to Harakiri Yagura
- 5:30–6:30 Eastern Gionyama Hiking Course from Harakiri Yagura to Myohonji Temple via Yagumo Shrine and good sunset view
- 6:30–7:15 Travel back to Shinagawa
- 7:30 reach Shinagawa
Things we would have seen if there was more time
Meigetsuin Temple, hachimangu shrine, Ankokuronji Temple, jufukuji (too far)
Note:
- Wear shoes (the slopes might get slippery if it rains).
- These trails can be covered in 30–60 minutes each but it’s better to have extra time as the place looks too beautiful to walk without taking lots of pictures.