Autumn in the Valleys: Shishimai’s Ginkgo and Zuisen-ji’s Maples

Autumn color comes late to Kamakura, peaking from late November into December. Deep in the valleys, Shishimai is a little-known spot where ginkgo trees turn the whole valley gold. On a late-autumn day, walk the Valley Path all the way to the end.

The route

• From Wakaremichi, past Egara Tenjin to Kamakura-gu.
• Go past the site of Yofuku-ji and onto the mountain path.
• Shishimai: about 40 minutes on foot from the Kamakura-gu bus stop. Climb the path along the stream to where fallen ginkgo leaves fill the valley (usually best from late November to early December).
• Climb to Ten-en and follow the ridge a short way before coming down to Zuisen-ji, whose maples are at their best from early to late December.
• Walk the Valley Path back to Wakaremichi and go on to dinner.

A fork in the road

If you are not confident on mountain paths, go to Shishimai and back the same way, then visit Zuisen-ji on the way home.

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.