Kamakura, Japan is a coastal city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo. Known for its rich history, Kamakura was once the political center of medieval Japan and the seat of the Kamakura Shogunate from the 12th to 14th century. Today, the city is famed for its numerous temples, shrines, and historical monuments, nestled amidst beautiful natural settings, including lush mountains and sandy beaches, making it a popular tourist destination.
While Kamakura retains much of its historical charm, it also offers a relaxed and contemplative atmosphere, distinct from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Visitors to Kamakura can enjoy a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, surfing, and enjoying traditional Japanese cuisine. The city’s compact size makes it ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the serene and storied ambiance of Kamakura.
This is Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine, established by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1063. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of samurai in general. Located at the end of the city’s main approach, the shrine features a beautiful pond, museum, and several festivals throughout the year.
Famous for its great bronze Buddha statue, which stands approximately 13.35 meters tall, this iconic landmark of Kamakura is a symbol of the city. The statue dates back to 1252 and is housed in the Kotoku-in temple grounds. Visitors can even enter inside the hollow statue.
Known for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, Hasedera boasts stunning view of the coastal city from its mountaintop garden. The temple is also famous for its beautiful peony garden and the hundreds of small Jizo statues placed by parents mourning deceased children.
Often referred to as the ’Bamboo Temple’ due to its serene bamboo grove, Hokokuji belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Visitors can enjoy matcha (green tea) in a traditional tea house amidst the whispering bamboo.
One of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan, founded in 1282 to commemorate the fallen from both sides of the Mongol invasions. The temple features a large bell, designated as a national treasure, and offers Zen meditation sessions to the public.
Kencho-ji is the first-ranked of the five great Zen temples of Kamakura and is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. Its expansive grounds include a dragon-painted ceiling in the Hatto (lecture hall) and beautiful temple gardens.
Founded by a Zen master in 1327, Zuisen-ji is nestled in a scenic valley and renowned for its beautifully landscaped rock garden, designed by the temple’s founder himself, who was also a renowned garden designer.
One of the oldest Zen temples in Kamakura, founded in 1200. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, Jufukuji is not typically open to the public but its gate and the approach lined with beautiful maple trees make it worth visiting from the outside.
Dubbed the ’Hydrangea Temple’, Meigetsu-in is particularly popular during the rainy season in June when its numerous hydrangea varieties come into full bloom. The temple also offers lovely views of Kamakura through its circular windows.
A charming shrine known for its dozens of red torii gates and numerous fox statues, which are thought to be messengers of the gods. The shrine is hidden in a small valley and offers a quaint and mystical experience.