Shojoken Observatory deck — Attraction in Kamakura

This time I tried connecting via the huge Kenchoji 建長寺 temple complex to the Kamakura Ten-en hiking course, in good weather. I parked the scooter at "Kitakamakura Cycle Park" for 260 yen, then proceeded about 1km up the hill to Kenchoji. Paid the 500 yen entrance fee, then marveled at the beautiful grounds and buildings while I made my way to the back, following the signs to "Ten-en Hiking Course" 天園ハイキングコース.

At the back of the complex, there are stairs, lots and lots of stairs, that go up quite a ways to the ridge where trailhead to the hiking course is. Once you get to the top, there's a nice view of the temple grounds, and Kamakura proper out to the seaside. Today was good weather and Mt Fuji was clearly visible.

While it's possible to go to the Ten-en rest area and onward to the Kamigo or Kanazawa Bunko areas on this course, or, loop back and around so you come out in the Jomyoji area, I chose to turn right at the fork and head toward Kakuonji 覚園寺, then on to the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu 鶴ヶ丘八幡宮 shrine. Kakuonji is beautiful and serene. Hachiman is impressive as always.

The trail is typical to the area, after the stone stairs from Kenchoji up to this observation platform, it's single track with open areas, basically hard pack dirt, worn stone, or roots. Iirc there was an area with a rope to help with the ascent or descent. That day wasn't muddy but this trail probably gets muddy after rain. Shoes with grip are a must, like trail running shoes or hiking boots.

Also, a PSA: Autumn is "murder hornet" season but I did not see or hear any thankfully. The rules are, stay quiet, no cologne or perfume, and avoid black clothing if you can since they seem to be...

I reached there through Kencho-ji temple (admission fee is required even if you just pass through Kencho-ji). The steep stairs were really exhausting but it deserved to visit. You can see not only wide view of nature and temples but also sea in the direction of Yuigahama beach. Unfortunately, ｔhe sky was not so clear, but maybe you can also see Mt. Fuji on a sunny...

『勝上巚～しょうじょうけん』と称します。 今回は建長寺半僧坊から『山頂へ5分・150段』との案内板を見ての登頂。 是非、立ち寄られるとよいかと思います。 しかし『5分・150段』にしてはなかなか険しく、幅細い石段の手摺(鎖)を握りながらやっとやっと登ってゆきます。途中、下りの方々と道を譲りながら、やっとやっと… 足元には充分にご注意を！ 山頂部分は広くないながらも、半僧坊からの眺めよりも文字通り一段と開けた眺望です。 建長寺の伽藍を眼下に、正面には伊豆半島と伊豆大島、相模湾が広がります。緑濃い鎌倉の山々が雄大に感じられます。 江ノ島は鎌倉山が重なり、西鎌倉のタンクの左手に展望灯台(シーキャンドル)部分だけがわずかに見受けられます。 山の裏手(北側)からは横浜ランドマークタワーをはめ横浜の高層ビル群が見受けられます(樹木の整備は手付かずですので、茂みをわけて覗きます…) 望遠レンズを通すと、スカイツリーとおぼしき塔がかすかに浮かんでおります。 富士山の姿は、生い茂った樹木のかげになり、半僧坊『富士見台』からの方がよく見えました。 こちらのスポットから天園ハイキングコースへと通じており、案内板も設置されています。また、天園ハイキングコースから建長寺方面へ下る場合には、半僧坊寺務所にて500円の入...