The Ridge Path: Ten-en Hiking Course

The Ten-en hiking course links the ridges of the hills that surround Kamakura. It climbs from Kencho-ji in Kita-Kamakura, crosses Mt. Taihei, the highest point in Kamakura, and comes down at Zuisen-ji deep in the valleys. It is about 4 km, roughly three hours at an easy pace.

The route

• Kencho-ji: climb the long flight of steps to Hansobo to reach the ridge. This is the hardest part.
• Shojoken: the hill behind Kencho-ji, with the temple grounds and the town below.
• Juo-iwa: weathered stone Buddhas in the rock, with views over Wakamiya-oji and the sea.
• Mt. Taihei: at 159 m, the highest point in Kamakura.
• Ten-en: a pass with wide views, once called the Pass of Six Provinces.
• Zuisen-ji: come down from the ridge to Muso Soseki’s garden, then take the Valley Path slowly back to Wakaremichi.

A fork in the road

• From Ten-en you can also go down into the Shishimai valley, famous for golden ginkgo in autumn.
• Another fork along the way leads down toward Kakuon-ji.

This is a mountain trail. Wear good walking shoes and plan to finish well before dark. Sections sometimes close because of fallen trees, so check the City of Kamakura’s announcements before you set out.