Things to See – Shrines & Temples
Myohonji Temple
Omachi / Zaimokuza Area
The Hiki clan served Minamoto no Yoritomo but was crushed by Hojo T…
Seasons
Enjoy the many faces of Kamakura, which showcases the beauty of nature across all four seasons
Kamakura’s landscape changes across the seasons, so there’s always something new to see. The average annual temperature is around 17°C (63°F). Enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas and sandy beaches in summer, and colorful autumn foliage in fall. With its warm winters, Kamakura is a great place to visit any time of year.
Spring
In March, Kamakura is still a little chilly, with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F), so you’ll need to wear a coat or jacket. Meanwhile, in April, temperatures rise and the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. April also brings the Kamakura Festival, a major event featuring various lively performances, including the dance known as the “Shizuka no Mai.” April and May are pleasant, with average temperatures being around 16°C (61°F) in April and around 19°C (66°F) in May. With fresh verdure all around, spring brings a feeling of calm for many.
Recommended for Spring
Summer
Average temperatures in summer are around 22°C (72°F) in June, 27°C (81°F) in July, and 29°C (84°F) in August. The annual rainy season spans June and July, so an umbrella is a must. In June, the hydrangeas begin to flower. July and August are scorchingly hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). During this time, you should take measures to avoid heat stroke, such as sightseeing in the morning when temperatures are lower, spending time in cooler places like museums in the daytime, and having your dinner at an umi no ie, a temporary beachfront restaurant or store, in the evening, once the heat of the day has settled down. Beaches and umi no ie in Kamakura are open from July 1 to August 31. As for festivals, the Kamakura Fireworks Festival, one of the three major events organized by Kamakura City Tourist Association, is held in July.
Recommended for Summer
Fall
It rains frequently from late August through October, with typhoons bringing in strong winds and other inclement weather.
The summer heat persists in September. While the average temperature is about 23°C (73°F), some days see temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F). On the 16th, you can watch yabusame horseback archery at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. October, meanwhile, is enveloped in an autumnal mood, with an average temperature of around 19°C (66°F), so don’t forget to bring a jacket or light coat. In November, the average temperature is 14°C (57°F), sometimes dropping as low as 10°C (50°F) on the coldest days. This is also the time of year when the Kamakura Takigi Noh performance, one of the three major events organized by Kamakura City Tourist Association, is held at Daitonomiya. Those who are sensitive to the cold should take care to dress warm. The autumn leaves are at their most impressive from late November through early December, making it the perfect season for hiking.
Recommended for Fall
Winter
The weather gets colder in December as the year comes to a close. The average temperatures are about 10°C (50°F) in December and about 7°C (45°F) in January and February. While daytime temperatures rarely drop below freezing, we highly recommend wearing a warm coat, gloves, a hat, and the like to protect against the cold. In January, many people visit Kamakura for hatsumode, the first temple or shrine visit of the year.
