Best Timing for the Winter Peony Season

To plan your trip, review Kamakura travel info.

For official information, visit Kamakura travel info.

Plan your garden visit for a sunny morning to enjoy the best natural lighting conditions. The bright sunlight makes the vibrant petals glow against the quiet and frozen winter landscape. Most visitors find that arriving around 10:00 AM provides the most pleasant viewing experience. This timing also helps you avoid the coldest temperatures of the very early morning.

The garden remains open daily throughout the entire blooming period for all curious international visitors. You can expect the flowers to remain in good condition for about six weeks total. Heavy rain or unexpected snow can sometimes affect the delicate appearance of the large petals. Always look at the local weather forecast before you depart from your hotel in Tokyo.

Early arrival is highly recommended if you want to take photos without many other people. The garden can become quite busy during the weekends and local Japanese public holidays. Visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday often provides a much quieter and more peaceful atmosphere. You will have more space to admire the flowers at your own relaxed pace.

Where to Find the Winter Peony Garden

The primary location for these flowers is the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in central Kamakura. This historic shrine is the most important religious site in the entire coastal city area. You can reach the main entrance by taking a short walk from Kamakura Station. The walk takes about ten minutes through the charming and busy Komachi-dori shopping street.

Follow the main stone path through the large red torii gates toward the main shrine. The peony garden is located on the right side near the scenic Minamoto-no-Yoritomo pond. Look for small wooden signs that point toward the "Botan-en" or the winter peony garden. This specific area is enclosed to protect the flowers and requires a small entry fee.

This traditional garden provides a peaceful escape from the busy streets of the modern city. The classic Japanese landscaping creates a perfect backdrop for the colorful and large winter blooms. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Kamakura during the early year. You can find more information on the Kamakura City Tourism Association website today.

The garden layout features winding paths that lead you past hundreds of individual peony plants. Each plant is positioned to allow for easy viewing and photography from the main path. You will feel transported back in time as you walk through this very historic space. It is a highlight for any winter itinerary in the Kanagawa Prefecture region.

Essential Tips for Your Floral Visit

Look closely at the small straw capes that cover each individual flower in the garden. These traditional handmade shelters are called "yokeyoke" and they protect the blooms from heavy frost. They look like tiny conical hats and add a very charming touch to the scenery. You should learn more about photography tips for winter flowers before you arrive.

Wear several warm layers because the entire peony garden is located in an outdoor area. Kamakura can experience very chilly winds coming off the ocean during the month of January. Comfortable walking shoes are also necessary because the garden paths are made of natural gravel. Keeping your feet warm will help you enjoy the outdoor experience for much longer.

Bring a high-quality camera with a zoom lens to capture the fine details of the petals. The contrast between the rustic straw and the delicate pink flowers is truly visually striking. Please remember to be respectful of other visitors while you are setting up your camera. Avoid using large tripods that might block the narrow walking paths for other garden guests.

Many people enjoy seeing other winter flowers to see in Kamakura during the same trip. You might spot early plum blossoms starting to bloom in late February near the shrine. Narcissus flowers also begin to appear in various temple gardens across the city at this time. Exploring multiple sites will give you a complete view of Japan's winter floral beauty.

Costs and Entry Details for 2026

Entering the main grounds of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is completely free for everyone. However, you must pay a separate fee to enter the specific winter peony garden area. The entrance fee for adults is typically 500 yen during the 2026 winter season. This small cost helps the shrine maintain the delicate flowers and the traditional straw shelters.

Children and students often receive a discounted entry rate at the small garden ticket booth. You can find the ticket counter right at the entrance to the peony garden area. Be sure to check the entrance fees and location guide for any sudden price changes. Most visitors find the small cost very worthwhile for the unique photo opportunities.

The garden usually opens its gates at 9:00 AM and closes them at 4:30 PM. You should try to arrive at least thirty minutes before closing to see everything. The staff will begin asking guests to exit the garden shortly before the final closing time. Give yourself plenty of time to walk through the entire loop of the garden.

Carry some Japanese yen in cash because many small shrine booths do not accept credit cards. While larger shops in Kamakura take cards, traditional sites often prefer small bills or coins. After your visit, you can find many warm cafes nearby for a hot drink. This is the perfect way to end your winter morning in beautiful Kamakura.