Kenchoji Temple to Shishimai Valley - The Complete Guide to Hiking in Kamakura

Enjoy the Kamakura Alps and the Nikaido River

Starting from JR Kitakamakura Station, we will enjoy the serenity of Kenchoji Temple, get dirty on the stairs up to Hansobo, and enjoy the view of Kamakura overlooking the sea from the Katsujo-ken.
This course is a walk to the highest peak in Kamakura.
You can enjoy the cool air as you walk along the Nikaido River stream.

Course Outline

JR Kitakamakura Station – 15 minutes – Kenchoji Temple – 20 minutes – Hansobo – 5 minutes – Shojo-zen Observatory – 5 minutes – Juuo-iwa – 30 minutes Taheizan summit – 15 minutes – Shishimai-no-Tani branch – 6 minutes – Shishi-iwa rock – 40 minutes – Eifuku-ji temple ruins – 1 Kamakura-gu Shrine – 6 minutes – Branch road bus stop

Walking time

Walking distance

degree of difficulty

The Tenen Hiking Course follows the ridges of the northern mountains known as the Kamakura Alps.
There are entrances to Imaizumiguchi, Myogetsuin, Kenchoji, Kakuonji, Eifukuji ruins, and Zuisenji.
You can choose according to distance and time, and enjoy different courses with different atmospheres.
There are many superb view points, and you can look over Yuhigahama from Wakamiya-oji Avenue.
The course from Kenchoji Temple to the ruins of Eifukuji Temple allows visitors to enjoy the coolness along the Nikaido River and the autumn leaves in fall.

From Kenchoji Temple to Katsushojo-zen, Taiheizan, Shishimai-no-Tani (Valley of Lion Dance), Kamakura-gu Shrine

Kenchoji Temple, Hansobo and Shojo-zen to Juo-iwa and Shishimai-no-tani (valley of lion dance)

Tenen Hiking Trail, recommended.
The trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
We will visit Kenchoji Temple, take a break in the Hansobo Temple, and enjoy the view from the Katsushojo-Men offering just above.
From Juo Iwa, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Wakamiya-oji Avenue can be seen.
After the summit of Mt. Taiheizan, the highest peak in Kamakura, the trail descends to the Shishimai Valley.
Walking along the Nikaido River stream, you can enjoy moss-covered rock surfaces, ferns, and the charm of the forest.

Kenchoji Temple to Hanzoubo and Shoujo-ken Observatory

First, enjoy Kenchoji Temple.

Kenchoji Temple Official HP

Entrance fee: 500 yen
Viewing hours: 0830~.

If you enter at the beginning of the visit, you can stroll in the dignified air while listening to the sound of the bell of the bell tower.

To the Half Monk

The stone steps go on and on.
The view from the half-monks’ quarters is pleasant.
Kenchoji Temple can be seen from above, Sagami Bay can be seen in the distance, and if the air is clear, Mt.

Tea is available at the rest area in Hansobo, so take your time and enjoy the spectacular view. You can also purchase Hanzobo’s omu-fuda and red seals. Prayers are also available without reservation.

View of Wakamiya-oji Avenue and Yuigahama Beach with Kenchoji Temple in the foreground

Sheng Shang Deng Observatory

Go backward in front of the Hansobo main hall and you will find the Katsushojidake Jizo Hall.
A steep stone staircase on the side of the mountain for about 5 minutes leads to a spectacular view.
On a clear day, the Izu Peninsula and Mt.

There are benches on the observation deck for resting.
This is the junction of Imaizumiguchi and Tenen direction, and an information board has been installed.

From Shengliangmen Observatory to Juwangiwa and Taiping Mountain

Ohirayama to Shishimai-no Tani, Eifukuji Temple Ruins

Note the junction point.

If you go straight through the square with this information board, you will go toward Sakae and Kanazawa wards.

On the opposite side of the information board, there is a staircase to go down.

There is a sign for the highest point in Sakae Ward. Do not go straight here.

Where to Buy Beverages

JR Kitakamakura Station vending machine
Vending machine in front of the entrance to Hanshobo in Kenchoji Temple
Walking about 5 minutes from the station, verga café

About the return trip

You will come out to the entrance of the hiking trail at the Eifukuji ruins.
From there, walk in the direction of Kamakura Palace for about 15 minutes and you will arrive at the Daitomiya bus stop.

This is the first bus stop, but the number of buses is low.
It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the Gikaido bus stop on the Kanazawa Kaido Road.