Hiking Kamikura

Hiking the Gionyama Trail – Kamakura

Kamakura, Japan, is a beautiful seaside town on Honshu, the main island of Japan. It’s famous for the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu), the train crossing immortalized in the sports anime Slam Dunk (a must-visit photo spot for fans), and its network of scenic hiking trails.

For those looking to explore Kamakura on foot, there are three main hiking routes: the Daibutsu Trail, the Ten-en Trail, and the Gionyama Trail. The Daibutsu and Ten-en trails either begin or end near the Great Buddha, making them popular with visitors and often quite crowded.

The Gionyama Trail, however, is more secluded. It takes hikers through a fascinating variety of terrain—quiet backstreets, forested ridges, eerie caves, and even the serene grounds of Myohon-ji Temple.

This is the trail we chose, specifically for its sense of solitude. We wore our trusty Mativ-8 hiking shoes (which I reviewed previously) and, thankfully, brought our trekking poles—gear that turned out to be invaluable on this route.

A Note on Hiking in Japan

One thing I’ve discovered about hiking in Japan is that their trail ratings can feel a bit different from what I grew up with. My Boy Scout Den leader might have called this a level 3 hike but a Japanese trail marked as difficulty level 1 can leave you questioning some of your life choices.

The 1–5 Hiking Difficulty Scale

For context, here’s a generalized 1–5 rating scale you can use when evaluating trails across Japan:

1 — Very Easy

Gentle walk, city park, Temple stroll seaside promenade

Distance: ≤3 km

Time: 0.5–1.5 h

Elevation gain: minimal

Terrain: Smooth, paved, well-maintained

Access: Very easy

2 — Easy / Leisurely

Short wooded path, light trail, minor stairs

Distance: 3–6 km

Time: 1–2 h

Elevation gain: small hills

Terrain: Mostly good path, occasional obstacles

Access: Still quite easy

3 — Moderate

Half-day hike with a climb

Distance: 6–10 km

Time: 2–4 h

Elevation gain: several hundred meters

Terrain: Natural trail, roots/rocks, uneven footing

Access: Trailhead may require travel

4 — Challenging

Full-day hike, sustained climbing

Distance: 10–15 km

Time: 4–6 h

Elevation gain: steep sections

Terrain: Rough trail, possibly ladders or chains, some exposure

Access: Less frequent transport

5 — Very Hard / Expert

Multi-day or alpine trek

Distance: >15 km

Time: 6 h+ (or multi-day)

Elevation gain: 1,500+ m

Terrain: Scrambling, technical sections

Access: Remote, requires preparation

Where Gionyama Fits

On this scale, Gionyama is considered to be a 1 due to the amount of time to complete the trail. It’s relatively short, and very accessible, but its remoteness still gives you a satisfying “real hike” feeling thanks to its wooded paths, narrow stairs, vertical trails covered with tree roots and a few rocky sections. It’s a perfect option for the senior hiker looking for a challenge.

Tips for Your Gionyama Hike

• Best Season: Spring and autumn are ideal for mild weather and colorful scenery.

• Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Something with plenty of grip and ankle support. This is still a trail, not just a stroll.

• Bring Water: There are no vending machines on the trail but here are some along the way, so come prepared.

• Combine with Temples: Start or finish your hike with a visit to Myohon-ji Temple for a peaceful moment.

Would you take the Gionyama Trail over the more famous Daibutsu course, or do you enjoy a livelier trail with more fellow hikers? Share your thoughts in the comments!