Plum Blossoms at Egara Tenjinja (荏柄天神社)
The Beauty of Plum Blossoms at Egara Tenjinja
Egara Tenjinja is known as the earliest plum blossom spot in Kamakura. Particularly, the “Kankobai” (Cold Crimson Plum) starts blooming in early January, with its vibrant pink flowers heralding the arrival of spring amid the winter chill. Additionally, the bluish-white “Kodai Sejiku” plum and the weeping red plum at the Ehibitsuka monument offer a long-lasting seasonal spectacle steeped in history and charm.
History and Background
Egara Tenjinja (荏柄天神社) is a Tenmangu shrine in Kamakura dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a deity of learning. As Michizane loved plums, plum trees have been traditionally planted at Tenjin shrines across Japan. However, the plum blossoms at Egara Tenjinja are particularly renowned for their beauty.
Best Season to Visit and Highlights
- Early January to Early February: The “Kankobai” (Cold Crimson Plum) blooms, offering the first sign of spring amidst the winter chill.
- Early February to Mid-February: The “Kodai Sejiku” plum blooms, displaying its unique bluish-white petals.
- Mid-February to Mid-March: The plum-lined paths within the shrine reach full bloom, creating the most picturesque scenery of the year.
- Early March to Mid-March: The weeping red plum at the Ehibitsuka monument reaches peak bloom, captivating visitors with its elegant beauty.
In addition, from early to mid-March, the yellow flowers of Mitsumata bloom, adding to the vibrant colors of early spring. Visitors can also enjoy early-blooming cherry blossoms, making Egara Tenjinja a prime destination for seasonal flower viewing.
The Connection Between the Tenjin Deity and Plum Blossoms
Egara Tenjinja is one of Japan’s Three Great Tenjin Shrines and is revered as a shrine for academic success. Many students and visitors pray for success in their studies here. The plum blossoms, though not extravagant, exude an air of refined beauty fitting for the Tenjin deity, leaving a lasting impression on those who visit.
Conclusion
Egara Tenjinja’s plum blossoms can be enjoyed for an extended period from mid-January to mid-March. Each visit brings new discoveries—come and experience the beauty of Kamakura’s spring season.
Toshi’s Evaluation (2026)
| Evaluation Category | Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Scenery | 9 | With over 100 plum trees planted throughout the shrine grounds and along the approach, the red and white blossoms harmonize beautifully with the vivid vermillion shrine buildings, stone steps, and the valley setting. Especially during exam season, the scene is vibrant and highly photogenic. However, compared to large-scale plum orchards, the scale is somewhat modest. |
| Accessibility | 7 | About a 20-minute walk from Kamakura Station (鎌倉駅), or around 4 minutes on foot from the nearest bus stop if using the bus. While the location is reachable, it’s not directly connected to the station and includes slopes and stairs, making convenience moderate. |
| Historical Value | 9 | This historic Tenjin shrine honors Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, and is regarded as one of the three oldest Tenjin shrines in Japan. It holds strong cultural significance, though its international recognition is slightly below that of Kamakura’s major temples and shrines. |
| Comfort | 7 | The grounds are relatively compact, making for a short visit. While it can get crowded during plum season and exam periods, the flow of visitors is steady, and visiting at off-peak times allows for a more relaxed experience. However, facilities such as parking and rest areas are limited. |
| Reviews | 7 | Reviews on travel and map sites are generally positive, with favorable comments on the plum blossoms and academic blessings. That said, it does not quite reach the highest rating tier. |
Total Score: 39
Overall Evaluation
With its historical role as a shrine dedicated to the deity of learning and its stunning landscape of red-and-white plum blossoms set against vermillion buildings and valley terrain, this spot offers a quintessential Kamakura (鎌倉) experience during plum season. However, due to its distance from the station, presence of slopes and stairs, and limited on-site facilities, it’s best suited for visitors with ample time and physical flexibility.