Temple Path
Sugimoto-dera Temple
Said to be the oldest temple in Kamakura, reached by a flight of moss-covered stone steps.
Nikaido & Jomyoji, Kamakura Wakaremichi by night
Which path
today?
Which path
tomorrow?
East of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the road splits in two. Locals call the spot Wakaremichi, “the forking path.” Beyond it lie hidden valleys, old temples and a quieter Kamakura. Start your day here, at the fork in your journey. Once the day-trippers leave, Kamakura shows another face: valleys gone dark, old temples under the stars. This is a small way station where travelers change trains.
Here, the path divides.
TERA
Temple Path
Sugimoto-dera, Hokoku-ji, Jomyo-ji. Old temples strung along the Kanazawa Kaido road.
First thing tomorrow, to old temples before the crowds.
YATO
Valley Path
From Egara Tenjin to Kamakura-gu and Zuisen-ji, deep into the folds of the hills.
At night the valleys belong to insect song and stars.
UMI
Sea Path
Out of the valleys to the sea at Yuigahama and Zaimokuza. Afternoons belong to the sea breeze.
Tomorrow, the sea. How will you walk to the morning beach?
SHOKU
Food Path
A bowl in the morning, a drink at dusk. Places to eat around Wakaremichi, by time of day.
Tonight's drink, and tomorrow's breakfast.
SignpostsTomorrow's signposts
The quiet Kamakura within walking distance of Wakaremichi. Places around Wakaremichi worth walking to first thing.
Valley Path
Egara Tenjin Shrine
The god of learning, just inside the valleys from Wakaremichi, with a memorial built by manga artists.
Valley Path
Kamakura-gu Shrine
A shrine to Prince Morinaga, founded by order of Emperor Meiji. Locals call it Otonomiya.
DAY TRIP
A day with
a fork in the road
Plan tomorrow
tonight.
Our day trips are not one straight line. At each fork you choose where to go, depending on the weather and your mood.
- The Salt Road: From the Kanazawa Kaido to the Asaina Pass
- From Winter into Early Spring: Narcissus and Plum in the Valleys
- Autumn in the Valleys: Shishimai’s Ginkgo and Zuisen-ji’s Maples
- 9:00Start with breakfastDecide today's path over breakfast.
- 10:00WakaremichiThe path divides here.
-
If sunny → Valley Path
From Kamakura-gu to Zuisen-ji, walking between the hills.
If rainy → Temple Path
Hokoku-ji's bamboo garden is at its best in the rain.
- 13:00A midday detourCome down from the valleys and take a break.
- 17:00On to dinnerEnd the day back at Wakaremichi.
Breakfast and dinnerDinner tonight, breakfast tomorrow
MORNING ・ 7:00–10:00
BreakfastTomorrow's breakfast
Kamakura for early risers. A quiet breakfast while the streets are still empty.
- Mon Péché Mignon ― A bakery on the Kanazawa Kaido, right by Wakaremichi. Our pick: the wild casse-croûte.
EVENING ・ from 17:00
DinnerDinner
Kamakura after the day-trippers leave. A privilege of staying the night.
- Kadoya, Italian in an Old House ― Italian food in an old house just north of Wakaremichi. The pasta is excellent.
- Yae Sushi ― Wakaremichi’s neighborhood sushi shop. Start with the barachirashi, a real bargain.
TOMARU
Stay at the fork
in your journey.
Tonight,
stay at the fork.
Wakaremichi at night is a different place from Wakaremichi by day. Stay, and the early-morning valleys and the hushed temples at dusk are yours.
Telegraph
About Wakaremichi
Every journey has its forks.
Whichever way you go, the journey is yours.