Season by season
Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossom lines the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in late March and early April, and the shrine’s spring festival follows in mid-April. Mild and fresh — one of the best times to walk the hills.
Summer (June–August)
Hydrangeas in June draw huge numbers despite the rain. July and August are beach season on the Shonan coast: hot, lively and crowded, with fireworks on some evenings.
Autumn (September–November)
Warm seas linger into September, then comes the best walking weather. Maples colour the temples late, from late November into early December, with far fewer visitors than Kyoto.
Winter (December–February)
Crisp and clear, with the year’s best views of Mount Fuji from Enoshima and the coast. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is packed in the first days of January; otherwise this is the quietest season.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 1°C | 60 mm | Busy |
| February | 11°C | 2°C | 57 mm | Quiet |
| March | 14°C | 5°C | 116 mm | Busy |
| April | 19°C | 10°C | 134 mm | Very busy |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 140 mm | Very busy |
| June | 26°C | 19°C | 168 mm | Very busy |
| July | 30°C | 22°C | 156 mm | Very busy |
| August | 31°C | 24°C | 155 mm | Very busy |
| September | 28°C | 20°C | 225 mm | Busy |
| October | 22°C | 15°C | 235 mm | Busy |
| November | 17°C | 9°C | 96 mm | Very busy |
| December | 12°C | 4°C | 58 mm | Quiet |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages; individual years vary.
Festivals & events
- 1–3 January: New Year visits to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, among the busiest in the region
- Second to third Sunday of April: Kamakura Festival, with dance and horseback archery at the shrine
- June: hydrangea season at Hasedera and Meigetsu-in
- July–August: beach season; summer fireworks off the Kamakura and Enoshima coast (dates vary)
- 14–16 September: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu’s annual festival, ending with yabusame horseback archery
- December–February: evening illuminations on Enoshima
Our advice
Go on a weekday and arrive early. In June, visit the hydrangea temples at opening time or accept the queue. In winter, save Enoshima for the afternoon: on a clear day, Fuji at sunset from the island is one of the great views near Tokyo.
