{"id":4245,"date":"2025-02-10T00:19:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-09T15:19:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/?page_id=4245"},"modified":"2026-04-04T22:23:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T13:23:53","slug":"engakuji-ume","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/engakuji-kamakura\/engakuji-ume\/","title":{"rendered":"Engakuji Plum Blossoms (\u5186\u899a\u5bfa)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video preload=\"none\" poster=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/\u5186\u899a\u5bfa\u306e\u6885%20pixta_6751849_M.jpg\" height=\"720\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1280 \/ 720;\" width=\"1280\" autoplay loop muted src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/\u5186\u899a\u5bfa\u306e\u6885.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Charm of Engakuji&#8217;s Plum Blossoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Engakuji Temple is a renowned plum blossom viewing spot in Kamakura, where the entire temple grounds are enveloped in the delicate fragrance of red and white plum blossoms. From the Sanmon Gate to the Buddha Hall, the Zen Meditation Hall, and Ryuo-in, visitors can enjoy a variety of plum blossoms, each offering a unique expression of spring\u2019s beauty and serenity.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>History and Background<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Engakuji Temple was <strong>founded in the late 13th century by Hojo Tokimune<\/strong> as a Zen temple and holds the second rank among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura. The harmony between its historic structures and the blooming plum blossoms creates an enchanting spectacle that captivates visitors, marking the arrival of spring in Kamakura.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best Season to Visit and Highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mid-January to Early February<\/strong>: Wintersweet (Roubai) begins to bloom, filling the air with its sweet fragrance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Late February to Mid-March<\/strong>: The peak season for plum blossoms, where red and white blossoms create a stunning contrast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the entrance near the Sanmon Gate, vibrant red and white plums welcome visitors, making it a popular spot for photography. Around the Buddha Hall (Daikoumyou Hoden), the approach is lined with red plums, while white plums blooming deeper within the grounds enhance the solemn beauty of the temple. The white plum tree beside the Buddha Hall harmonizes beautifully with the historic architecture, offering a picturesque scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In front of the Hojo Hall, the Hyakukannon Pilgrimage Site features a striking combination of central red plums surrounded by stone Buddhist statues. Additionally, at Oubai-in in the deeper part of the temple grounds, visitors can also enjoy Mitsumata flowers along with plum blossoms, creating a more diverse and vibrant spring landscape.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Serene Beauty of Ryuo-in\u2019s Plum Blossoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Zen Meditation Hall features elegant red plum blossoms, providing a striking contrast against the temple&#8217;s historical architecture. A must-see highlight is the plum blossoms around Ryuo-in, where white plums bloom beautifully in the tranquility, allowing visitors to fully embrace the arrival of spring. From Ryuo-in, one can overlook the entire temple grounds, enjoying breathtaking views of the plum blossoms intertwined with Zen temple structures.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Access and Visitor Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the great advantages of visiting Engakuji during plum blossom season is the relatively low crowds, allowing for a peaceful experience. Conveniently located <strong>just a 1-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station<\/strong>, the temple offers excellent accessibility for travelers.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The plum blossoms of Engakuji are not only a feast for the eyes but also a source of peace and renewal for the soul. When visiting Kamakura, be sure to explore Engakuji Temple and immerse yourself in the harmony of Zen tranquility and the fleeting beauty of spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Toshi&#8217;s Evaluation (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Evaluation Category<\/th><th>Score<\/th><th>Reason<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Scenery<\/td><td>9<\/td><td>Red, white, and wax plum blossoms are scattered from the main gate to the Butsuden Hall, Senbutsujo Hall, and Ryoin-an area. They harmonize with the Zen temple structures and stone Buddhas to create a calm and elegant plum blossom setting. However, since the temple grounds are not densely filled with plum trees, it does not reach a perfect score.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Accessibility<\/td><td>10<\/td><td>Located just about a 1-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Line\u2019s Kita-Kamakura Station (\u5317\u938c\u5009\u99c5), the temple\u2019s main gate is extremely easy to reach by train and on foot.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Historical Value<\/td><td>9<\/td><td>Founded in 1282, <a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/engakuji-kamakura\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"168\" title=\"Engakuji Temple (\u5186\u899a\u5bfa)\">Engakuji Temple (\u5186\u899a\u5bfa)<\/a> ranks second among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura (\u938c\u5009\u4e94\u5c71) and holds significant historical and cultural value, including its origin as a memorial for those who died in the Mongol invasions. However, as the plum trees themselves are not historical symbols, one point is deducted.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Comfort<\/td><td>8<\/td><td>The spacious grounds help disperse visitors, even during plum season, reducing the sense of crowding. However, there are many slopes and steps, which can be physically demanding.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reviews<\/td><td>7<\/td><td>While the quiet atmosphere and Zen ambiance are appreciated, some reviews point out signs of over-commercialization, preventing it from achieving top ratings.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Total Score: 43<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall Evaluation:<br>The plum blossoms at <a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/engakuji-kamakura\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"168\" title=\"Engakuji Temple (\u5186\u899a\u5bfa)\">Engakuji Temple (\u5186\u899a\u5bfa)<\/a> benefit from unparalleled access and refined scenery that blends historic Zen architecture with valley landscapes, making it ideal for travelers who want a quick yet authentic Kamakura (\u938c\u5009) experience. However, those expecting a hidden gem or large plum grove may be underwhelmed, so it\u2019s best suited for visitors with clear expectations in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"crp-list-container\"><h3 class=\"crp-list-title\">Nearby Plum Blossom Spots<\/h3><ul class=\"crp-list\"><li class=\"crp-list-item crp-list-item-image-above crp-list-item-has-image\"><div class=\"crp-list-item-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/tokeiji-kamakura\/tokeiji-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" style=\"max-width: 150px; height: auto;\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u6771\u6176\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\u9752\u7a7a\u306b\u6620\u3048\u308b\u7d05\u767d\u306e\u688523331287_l-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-150x150 size-150x150\" alt=\"\u6771\u6176\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u6771\u6176\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\u9752\u7a7a\u306b\u6620\u3048\u308b\u7d05\u767d\u306e\u688523331287_l-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u6771\u6176\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\u9752\u7a7a\u306b\u6620\u3048\u308b\u7d05\u767d\u306e\u688523331287_l-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u6771\u6176\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\u9752\u7a7a\u306b\u6620\u3048\u308b\u7d05\u767d\u306e\u688523331287_l-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u6771\u6176\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\u9752\u7a7a\u306b\u6620\u3048\u308b\u7d05\u767d\u306e\u688523331287_l-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"crp-list-item-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/tokeiji-kamakura\/tokeiji-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\">Tokeiji Plum Blossoms (\u6771\u6176\u5bfa)<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"crp-list-item crp-list-item-image-above crp-list-item-has-image\"><div class=\"crp-list-item-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/jochiji-kamakura\/jochiji-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" style=\"max-width: 150px; height: auto;\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/\u6d44\u667a\u5bfa\u306e\u6885 pixta_48289637_S.jpg\" class=\"attachment-150x150 size-150x150\" alt=\"\u6d44\u667a\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"crp-list-item-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/jochiji-kamakura\/jochiji-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jochiji Temple Plum Blossoms (\u6d44\u667a\u5bfa)<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"crp-list-item crp-list-item-image-above crp-list-item-has-image\"><div class=\"crp-list-item-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/meigetsuin-kamakura\/meigetsuin-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" style=\"max-width: 150px; height: auto;\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/\u660e\u6708\u9662\u306e\u6885-pixta_101736198_S.jpg\" class=\"attachment-150x150 size-150x150\" alt=\"\u660e\u6708\u9662\u306e\u6885\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"crp-list-item-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/meigetsuin-kamakura\/meigetsuin-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\">Plum Blossoms at Meigetsuin (\u660e\u6708\u9662)<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"crp-list-item crp-list-item-image-above crp-list-item-has-image\"><div class=\"crp-list-item-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/kenchoji-kamakura\/kenchoji-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" style=\"max-width: 150px; height: auto;\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa\u306e\u6885-pixta_6749689_M.jpg\" class=\"attachment-150x150 size-150x150\" alt=\"\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa\u306e\u6885-pixta_6749689_M.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa\u306e\u6885-pixta_6749689_M-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa\u306e\u6885-pixta_6749689_M-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"crp-list-item-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/kenchoji-kamakura\/kenchoji-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\">Plum Blossoms at Kenchoji (\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa)<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"crp-list-item crp-list-item-image-above crp-list-item-has-image\"><div class=\"crp-list-item-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kamakura-station-west\/kaizoji-kamakura\/kaizoji-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" style=\"max-width: 150px; height: auto;\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u6d77\u8535\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\u672c\u5802\u3068\u77f3\u7573\u679d\u5782\u308c\u6885pixta_16611290_M.jpg\" class=\"attachment-150x150 size-150x150\" alt=\"\u6d77\u8535\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u6d77\u8535\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\u672c\u5802\u3068\u77f3\u7573\u679d\u5782\u308c\u6885pixta_16611290_M.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u6d77\u8535\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\u672c\u5802\u3068\u77f3\u7573\u679d\u5782\u308c\u6885pixta_16611290_M-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u6d77\u8535\u5bfa\u306e\u6885\u672c\u5802\u3068\u77f3\u7573\u679d\u5782\u308c\u6885pixta_16611290_M-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"crp-list-item-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kamakura-station-west\/kaizoji-kamakura\/kaizoji-ume\/\" target=\"_blank\">Plum Blossoms at Kaizoji Temple (\u6d77\u8535\u5bfa)<\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Charm of Engakuji&#8217;s Plum Blossoms Engakuji Temple is a renowned plum blossom viewing spot in Kamakura, where the entire temple grounds are enveloped in the delicate fragrance of red and white plum blossoms. From the Sanmon Gate to the Buddha Hall, the Zen Meditation Hall, and Ryuo-in, visitors can enjoy a variety of plum [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4233,"parent":2675,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page__spot-detail-flowers.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"kamakura_cuisine":[],"class_list":["post-4245","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4245"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4245\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19784,"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4245\/revisions\/19784"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2675"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4233"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"kamakura_cuisine","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kamakura_cuisine?post=4245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}