Jewel of Shonan Illumination 2026

To plan your trip, review Kamakura official info.

For official information, visit Kamakura travel info.

The illumination usually runs from late November until the end of February each year. Visitors should arrive before sunset to watch the thousands of lights flicker to life at once. The garden entrance fee is approximately 500 yen for adults during the 2026 winter season. Expect much larger crowds during the weekends and special holiday dates throughout the month of January.

Walking through the glowing tunnels creates a truly romantic atmosphere for all visitors to enjoy. The sea breeze can be quite chilly during the evening hours on the island summit. You should wear warm layers and comfortable shoes for the long walk up the island. You will find many great photo spots located near the main lighthouse tower area.

The event also includes special light shows synchronized to beautiful seasonal music for your entertainment. These performances happen every thirty minutes starting from five in the evening until the park closes. You can find many small stalls selling hot drinks and snacks near the main entrance. The view from the top of the tower is absolutely breathtaking during the clear winter nights.

New Year Traditions and Hatsumode

Hatsumode is the first shrine visit of the new year for people living in Japan. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu serves as the main center for these traditional activities in the city. Thousands of people gather here to pray for good luck and health in the coming year. This is a significant part of Kamakura New Year shrine visits for many local residents.

The shrine stays open throughout the night on January 1st to welcome the many visitors. You can buy lucky charms and wooden tablets called ema to write your personal wishes. Many food stalls line the main approach to the shrine during the first holiday week. Try some hot snacks while you wait in the long line for your traditional prayer.

The atmosphere is very lively and filled with the scent of burning incense smoke. Many visitors wear traditional silk kimonos to celebrate this important cultural event in style. You should plan for long wait times at the main shrine building during the daytime. Early morning visits on January 2nd or 3rd are usually much quieter for international tourists.

You can also witness the traditional bell-ringing ceremonies at various temples around the local area. These events happen at midnight on New Year's Eve to ring out the old year. Many people find the deep sound of the temple bells to be very peaceful and grounding. It is a wonderful way to start your winter journey through this historic Japanese city.

Winter Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

The winter peony garden is a hidden gem located in the center of the city. These delicate flowers bloom beautifully under protective straw capes called yuki-yoke during the cold months. The straw covers protect the blossoms from heavy frost and potential winter snow in January. Seeing these flowers is a highlight of Kamakura Winter Events 2026 for nature lovers.

The garden is located right next to the famous Minamoto-no-Yoritomo shrine in the main complex. You can see over 100 different varieties of peonies during the peak of the winter. The contrast of bright petals against the brown straw is very striking for your photos. Photographers often spend hours capturing the perfect shot of these unique and seasonal winter blooms.

Entry to the peony garden costs about 500 yen per person for all adult visitors. It is open daily from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM during the winter season. The garden offers a peaceful escape from the busy city streets located just outside the gates. Take your time walking along the narrow paths to enjoy the view of every flower.

You will find several benches where you can sit and admire the garden in peace. The staff members work very hard to keep the flowers healthy in the cold weather. Information signs are available to help you identify the different types of peonies on display. This garden provides a quiet and colorful experience during the middle of the winter.

Setsubun Festival Bean Throwing Events

Setsubun marks the beginning of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar every February. This festival takes place on February 3rd at several major local temples across the city. Priests and famous guests throw roasted soybeans to drive away any evil spirits for spring. It is one of the most energetic Kamakura Winter Events 2026 to attend.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Hasedera Temple host the largest bean-throwing events for the general public. Crowds gather to catch the small packets of lucky beans for health and safety. You will hear people shouting "demons out, luck in" during the official ceremony. This event is free to watch and very fun for young children and families.

After the ceremony, many people eat a special sushi roll called eho-maki for good luck. You must eat the entire roll in silence while facing the lucky direction for 2026. Local shops sell these rolls throughout the city during the entire festival week in February. It is a great way to experience authentic Japanese seasonal culture during your trip.

Many temples also feature traditional dance performances and music during the afternoon hours. You can see performers dressed as red and blue demons throughout the temple grounds. Children often enjoy throwing beans at the demons to help the priests drive them away. This festival creates a very joyful and community-focused atmosphere for everyone who visits.

Mount Fuji Viewing and Winter Photography

Winter offers the clearest skies for viewing Mount Fuji from the Kamakura coastline. The snow-capped peak is often visible across the blue water of the Sagami Bay. Inamuragasaki Park is the best spot for sunset views of the mountain in winter. This location is a favorite for best Fuji viewpoints in Kamakura during the year.

The cold air removes the haze that often hides the mountain during the summer months. You can see the volcano clearly from the Enoshima Sea Candle observation deck as well. Early mornings provide the most stable light for high-quality landscape photography of the peak. Bring a sturdy tripod if you plan to capture the sunset over the ocean.

The beaches at Yuigahama also offer wide views of the distant mountain peak in winter. You can walk along the shoreline while enjoying the crisp and fresh winter air. Many surfers continue to catch waves even during the coldest days of January and February. The combination of ocean and mountain creates a stunning visual experience for all travelers.

Check the weather forecast for clear and sunny days to ensure the best possible visibility. Mount Fuji is most visible when the humidity is low and the wind is calm. You should also consider visiting the Hasedera Temple observation deck for a high vantage point. The view from the temple hills provides a unique perspective of the entire coastline.

Winter Street Food and Warm Snacks

Exploring the city in winter requires plenty of warm and tasty snacks to stay active. Komachi-dori street is the perfect place to find delicious local treats for your walk. You can try freshly grilled rice crackers or warm sweet potato cakes from local stalls. This area is essential for a Kamakura winter street food guide experience.

Many cafes serve hot amazake, which is a sweet fermented rice drink for visitors. This traditional beverage helps keep you warm while walking between the various ancient temples. You should also look for steamed buns filled with savory local ingredients and spices. These snacks are affordable and usually cost between 200 and 500 yen each.

Restaurants near the station offer hot pots and seasonal seafood dishes for a full meal. Try the local shirasu or whitebait served in a warm rice bowl for lunch. Winter is the best time to enjoy rich and hearty Japanese comfort food dishes. Make sure to stop for a break in a cozy traditional teahouse.

You can find many shops selling roasted chestnuts during the peak of the winter season. The smell of the roasting nuts fills the air around the busy train station. These warm treats are perfect for sharing with friends while you explore the city. Don't forget to check the Kamakura winter weather travel tips before you head outside.