Kuzuharaoka–Daibutsu (Great Buddha) Hiking Trail
By Foot
The Kuzuharaoka–Daibutsu (Great Buddha) Hiking Trail, which stretches from Kita-Kamakura to Hase without passing through Kamakura’s downtown, encompasses places well known for their spiritual auras. It is a perfect trail for those seeking blessings, such as romantic luck at Kuzuharaoka Shrine, financial fortune at Zeniarai Benten Shrine , and career advancement at Sasuke Inari Shrine. It is a beginner-friendly trail, approximately 3 kilometers long with an estimated walking time of 2.5 to 3 hours. Take a pleasant mountain stroll while basking in the sunlight that filters through the trees.
(1)Jochiji Temple
(2)Kuzuharaoka Shrine
(3)Zeniaraibenzaiten Ugafukujinja Shrine
(4) Sasuke Inari Shrine
(5) Daibutsu (Great Buddha) of Kamakura
(1)Jochiji Temple
(2)Kuzuharaoka Shrine
(3)Zeniaraibenzaiten Ugafukujinja Shrine
(4) Sasuke Inari Shrine
(5) Daibutsu (Great Buddha) of Kamakura
1 Day
1Jochiji Temple
Ranked fourth among Kamakura's Five Great Rinzai Temples, Jochiji Temple, a Rinzai, Engakuji Sect temple, was built to pray for the repose of the soul of Hojo Munemasa (1253-1281), son of Hojo Tokiyori. More than 200 monks attended the 13 th anniversary of the death of Hojo Sadatoki, the ninth regent, held here in1323. Jochiji Temple is one of the largest temples after the three great temples of Kenchoji, Engakuji and Jufukuji. The statues of Amida-nyorai, Shaka-nyorai and Mirokunyorai, which are known as the Sanzebutsu, and which represent the past, the present and the future, are listed as important prefectural cultural assets. The temple precinct is a national historic site. Kamakura's tallest Japanese umbrella-pine tree stands in the temple precinct. Hakuunboku (styrax bassia) trees can also be seen. The grave of novelist Tatsuhiko Shibusawa is located in the temple precinct.
25 minutes min by foot
2Kuzuharaoka Shrine
Kuzuharaoka Shrine enshrines the court noble Lord Hino Toshimoto (d. 1332). Concerned about the deterioration of the Kamakura shogunate, Hino embarked on a plan to overthrow the shogunate on behalf of Emperor Go-Daigo (1288–1339) but was captured and brought to Kuzuharaoka, where he spent his final days. When translated into English, his death poems read, “I will die before autumn, but while my body disappears with the dew at Kuzuharaoka, my bitterness will remain in this world,” and “There is a phrase from ancient times: ‘A place with no death and no life, where there are no clouds in the vast sky and the waters of the Yangtze River are clear.’” To the left of the Shaden, the main shrine building, stands a gravestone that says, “The final resting place of Lord Toshimoto.”
15 minutes min by foot
3Zeniaraibenzaiten Ugafukujinja Shrine
During a famine, Minamoto no Yoritomo offered up prayers to save the people. Ugafukujin, the harvest and fertility deity, appeared to him in a dream and told him about this spring. Hojo Tokiyori also prayed to this god and washed money for prosperity. To this day the spring attracts crowds of people washing money.
15 minutes min by foot
4Sasuke Inari Shrine
After passing through dozens of torii gates decorated with red banners and climbing a flight of stairs, you’ll arrive at the Shaden, the main building at the shrine. According to shrine lore, while shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199) was exiled in Izu, he had a dream in which an old man who called himself an “Inari of the Hidden Village of Kamakura” urged him to raise an army; he would later give the man the nickname “Sasuke Inari” (“Helper Inari”) and enshrine him as a token of gratitude.
30 minutes min by foot
5Daibutsu (Great Buddha) of Kamakura
The Kamakura Daibutsu, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, is a National Treasure. It is basically in its original condition. Other than the fact that casting began in around 1252, not much is known about its creation. The statue was originally carved in wood and was later cast in bronze. Visitors may go inside the Daibutsu and see firsthand the sophisticated casting technology used in its construction. The Daibutsu used to be housed in a great hall, which was destroyed by typhoons and a giant tsunami after the Kamakura shogunate fell. Ever since, the Daibutsu has sat in the open air. The enormous size of the original hall can be deduced from the foundation stones which stud the precinct.
The trail hardly has any sections that can be described as challenging, aside from the initial gentle ascending stairs near Jochiji Temple. It is an easy-to-walk trail with few exposed tree roots or rocky areas. While much of the route winds through lush thickets, there are also scenic spots offering sweeping views of the sea and mountain ridgelines. The variety of landscapes is another highlight of the Kuzuharaoka–Daibutsu (Great Buddha) Hiking Trail.
*This hiking trail is a natural mountain path. Some areas are slippery or steep. Please come fully prepared, such as by wearing clothing that is easy to walk in and footwear suitable for hiking. Please use extra caution after rainfall as the path can become muddy and especially slippery.
*Do not enter the trail on a bicycle or motorcycle.
*You are responsible for any injuries sustained on the trail. Please use the trail at your own risk.
*Hornets are active from summer through fall. Please be careful not to provoke them.
*Open flames are not permitted.
*While trail running has become popular, please do not hold races on the hiking trail as they are very dangerous. In the case of solo trail running, please be fully aware of your surroundings to prevent accidents, such as by slowing down when passing others and sharing the trail with other hikers.
