Last weekend, I had the great pleasure of welcoming a group of travelers from Brittany for a day of exploration in Kamakura. Our adventure began in Kita-Kamakura, where the entrance to the Daibutsu Trail immediately immersed us in a world of peaceful forests and the gentle songs of hidden birds. This accessible, shaded hike winds through Kamakura’s lush hills. The rustling of leaves in the breeze and the occasional hidden views over the city invited us to slow down and fully enjoy this timeless journey.

But the Daibutsu Trail is more than just a hiking path: it is a route steeped in history. Once used by monks and samurai to connect temples and shrines, it gradually became a cultural discovery trail over the centuries. As early as the Edo period (1603–1867), Kamakura already attracted travelers and pilgrims in search of spirituality and natural beauty. In the 1950s, the trail was officially organized under the name “Daibutsu-Tenjoji-Benten course,” linking together some of the city’s most iconic sites.

After enjoying the serene energy of the forest, our walk led us to the mysterious Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, hidden in a rocky cave. According to tradition, washing coins in its sacred spring brings prosperity and good fortune. The next stop was Sasuke Inari Shrine, famous for its hundreds of red torii gates aligned in an almost magical atmosphere, where each step feels like entering another world.

Before reaching the seaside, we of course boarded the famous Enoden train and stopped at the unmissable Great Buddha (Daibutsu) of Kōtoku-in — standing majestically in the open air for centuries, an eternal symbol of Kamakura.

Our final stop was Inamuragasaki Cape. The salty sea breeze and the rhythm of the waves formed a perfect contrast with our morning in the forest. Even though Mount Fuji played hide-and-seek behind the clouds, the view over the horizon remained unforgettable.

This day on the Daibutsu Trail offered us much more than just a hike: it was an immersion into Japan’s feudal history, blending spirituality, culture, and nature. Sharing it with such an enthusiastic group — smiles on their faces and cameras full of memories — made the experience even more precious.

Discover our Secret Kamakura Tour.
Immerse yourself in the heart of Kamakura with a photographer.