Our visit to Hokoku-ji Temple was a little bit of a consolation prize (and please know that when I say that, I am not demeaning this absolutely INCREDIBLE temple in ANY way); what I am saying is that, looking at our itinerary and realizing that a day trip to Kyoto (and by extension, the Arashiyama bamboo forest) was just not in the cards, but I still wanted to take my wife, sons, and myself, to see a magical bamboo forest.
Thankfully, Kamakura was already on our list of stops, and after learning that Hokoku-ji had a similarly impressive bamboo forest path, visiting here had become a foregone conclusion. Google Maps claims it's a 30-minute walk from Kamakura Station; in reality, it's closer to 20 minutes, but in the summer heat and humidity, it feels more like an hour. Even then, it was worth it.
There is an extremely modest entry fee to access the temple grounds (I believe it was around ¥500/person, so $3 USD or so), but once you are through the gates, you are almost immediately treated to one of the most gorgeous, verdant emerald cloisters you will ever encounter. Claustrophobic (in a good away), this narrow winding stretch of walkway winds about through the grounds of the temple, eventually terminating with a view of cliffside caves containing statues and shrines, ponds filled with koi, and cool, comforting, quiet, serene shade from the pervasive heat and humidity. It's a short path, but it'll stick with you.
Sure, it's a little out of the way, in a semi-remote part of the Kamakura (there is a bus that runs from the station to the temple, so utilize those Suica cards, and save yourself the walk!), but as I mentioned, it's a more than adequate substitute for the overly-trafficked Arashiyama, much closer to Tokyo, and located in a city that has more than enough reasons to visit all by itself. If that's all you're looking to experience, you're in for a treat. But if you're ready to immerse yourself in all that Hokoku-ji has to offer, you'll find so much more here than you might suspect, and you won't want to be anywhere else.
This is a famous tourist spot in Kamakura. The bamboo forest is shorter than expected, but it has a lovely atmosphere. You can also enjoy matcha tea in a teahouse in the bamboo forest. There is a paid parking lot nearby, and there is also a bus from Kamakura Station, so we recommend taking that. A rickshaw is also recommended.
If you do not go to Kyoto and want to see a nice garden with bamboo, I highly recommend coming here. It’s a nice day trip from Tokyo and you could easily spend an hour here. The garden is stunning! It is a bit out of the way but still easy to access. Not too many people but still quite a few. Great spot for photos.
This place was very cute and totally worth visiting, especially if you're already in the Kamakura district. I arrived right when they opened at 9 AM, and there was already a bit of a line forming so definitely get there early if you want a quiet, peaceful experience without the crowds.
I believe it was cash only, so I’d recommend bringing cash just in case. The grounds are small but lovely, with a really serene vibe that lets you take your time walking through and soaking everything in. Compared to the crowded bamboo forest in Kyoto, this one felt way more relaxed and enjoyable.
There’s also a tea experience available for an extra ¥1,000. I didn’t do it myself, but friends who have say it’s absolutely worth it and adds a peaceful touch to the visit.
If you haven’t done the Kyoto bamboo forest or found that one too hectic, this is a great alternative. Quiet, cute, and calming, definitely a place to slow down and just enjoy.
