Kamakura | Travel Guide
Kamakura is a small coastal city only a one-hour train ride away from central Tokyo that is loved by local and international tourists alike. The town used to be Japan’s capital city in the medieval time, and the many beautiful temples and shrines still remind of the heydays of Kamakura. Read our Kamakura travel guide that introduces the most famous sights in the town.
There are many samurai stories attached to the city’s popular sights, so if you are a Japanese history lover you are going to have a good time in Kamakura. People who like surfing or simply going to the beach also flock to the city, so there is always something going on.
Kamakura Kotokuin Temple
The statue is more than 11 meters high, and its widest circumference at the base is almost 30 meters. It weighs 93 tons. There are 656 stylized curls adorning his massive head...
Kamakura Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
In the very middle of Kamakura sits its most important shrine, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine. This is the shrine of the family that made Kamakura into the political capital city in the late 12th century.
Kamakura
Today, Kamakura is a very popular tourist destination. Located by the sea, Kamakura is a haven of peace and quiet. The beach will revive the spirits and relax the mind.
Kamakura Hasedera Temple
The whole precinct of the Hasedera is said to represent The Pure Land of Happiness in Buddhism and the corridor is like a holy path to the paradise of Buddhism. Along the corridor, seasonal flowers such as peonies in spring, hydrangeas, and clematises in summer always please visitors.
Enoshima
Enoshima is a small island, about 4 km long, at the mouth of the Katase River in the Sagami Bay, and is connected by a 600 m long bridge. It is situated right next to Kamakura, which makes it a popular destination for those visiting Kamakura. It is lively from spring to fall, and in the wintertime, you will find the island peaceful and quiet.