Kamakura

Kamakura lies in Kanagawa Prefecture about 1 hour south of Tokyo. When the Minamoto clan briefly took over Japan, this is where they ruled from, therefore briefly making it the capital of Japan from 1185 to 1333, until it moved back to Kyoto. Kamakura is one of the most culturally abundant areas outside of Tokyo; housing many temples and a few shrines it is similar to a mini-Kyoto. It is a favourite sightseeing spot among both locals and tourists. If you are in Tokyo for a couple of days and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city I would definitely recommend taking a day trip to Kamakura. Not only does it have a great deal of culture and history, but the atmosphere also feels like you have stepped back in time. Here you can shop, eat, and sightsee to your hearts content.

There are many spots in Kamakura that can easily be discovered on foot, but not all of them. Upon arriving in Kamakura there will be information available in English and some information giving a suggested itinerary for the day. For those places that cannot be reached on foot there is a comprehensive bus system.

Suggested Itinerary for a Day 

Get off at Kita-Kamakura Station:

Engakuji Temple: This temple was built in 1282 by Zen Monks, and was maybe used to pray for the lives of soldiers who lost their lives in battle. The grounds of this temple are vast. Enjoy walking around and taking in the abundant nature. There are also some fantastic stone carvings that should not be missed.

From Engakuji Temple you can walk to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in about 20 minutes. Coming from Kita-Kamakura you will enter the shrine from the back entrance, which is fine. However, when you exit make sure to take the main entrance, in order to catch the view from the front.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: The Minamoto Clan, which is the clan that governed Japan at this time, built this shrine. This shrine is the principal shrine in Kamakura. It is a brilliant reddish orange, which makes it stand out. It is definitely worth taking a look. After viewing this shrine stroll down the streets filled with little shops selling all kinds of souvenirs while heading back to Kamakura Station. From Kamakura Station take a bus to Daibutsu-mae.

Daibutsu: This literally means “Large Buddha”. This is one of the most popular spots in Kamakura and is definitely a must see. It was built in 1252. The Buddha is hallow inside, and therefore you can go inside. There are also large sandals for the Buddha displayed on the wall.

After viewing the Large Buddha, you can easily walk to Hase-dera Temple.

Hase-dera Temple: This temple is very interesting in that its grounds are more like gardens than the grounds of a temple. Depending on when you go, you can see many flowers in bloom. There are also many little statues of the god Jizo.

Access:

From Shinjuku Station: Shonan-Shinjuku Line

From Shinagawa Station or Shinbashi Station Yokosuka Line