Tokyo Surroundings | Tourist Sightseeing Sites & Resorts
Kamakura
Kamakura is a famous, ancient city located in the Kanagawa prefecture, roughly 50 KM southwest of Tokyo, in the Kanto Region. Kamakura is situated along the coast of Sagami Bay and surrounded by mountains and was a natural fortress-city in Japan's early history.
View of Sagami Bay, Kamakura, Japan
In Japan's Heian period, Kamakura was a major city. From the 12th to the 14th century the Minamoto shoguns ruled this region and where known as the Kamakura Shogunate. Much of the architecture of the surrounding area reflects this ruling class. Kamakura has many temples and historical places and has the atmosphere similar to Kyoto, which is considered thespiritual capital of Japan. There is an area in Kamakura called Kitakamakura, just one train station from Kamakura, and is close to Shonan and the Enoshima area. Since Kamakura is a coastal city there is many fine beaches to visit too.
Kamakura Tourist Attractions
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu website (Japanese only)A very imporant historical cultural center in Japan. This place symbolizes Kamakura.
Meigetuin
This temple is very close to local people, named Ajisaidera, a temple of hydrangea's. In June, hydrangeas are in full glory. You can also see other flowers (camellia, crepe myrtle, narcissus etc.) through all seasons.
Koutokuin
This place is really famous for Daibutsu, a huge statue of Buddha. Fall could be the best time to visit because then you can see trees aflame with red's and yellow's.
Kenchouji (Kitakamakura) website (Japanese)
This is the very first Zen temple in Japan and was constructed in 1253. There are seven Juniper trees over 750 years old.
Other attractions in the city of Kamakura
Here are some other notable tourist attractions and historic sites in Kamakura.
Enkakuji website (Japanese only)
Zuisenji (a temple of flowers) and Zeniaraibenten (where people wash their money).
Kamakura Bungakukan website
This is a wonderful place to walk around. You might be able to find a nice attraction that is not on a tourist map.
Enoshima
Enosshima is another good place to visit in the Kamakura area. It takes about 25 minutes and costs 250 Yen from Kamakura via Enoshima Electric Railway. There is also Shin Enoshima Suizokukan (Enoshima aquarium) which is one of the most famous aquariums in Japan. Enoshima aquarium website (Japanese only)
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