Discover Kamakura Japan

Discover Kamakura

Kamakura is a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour from Tokyo Station. Kamakura became politically important in 1192 when Minamoto-no-Yoritomo made it his military capital and was the capital for 150 years. Kamakura was selected  because it was surrounded by wooded hills and the sea and easy to defend against attack.

Though its glory years are behind it, Kamakura remains a popular tourist destination due to its many temples and shrines, natural beauty, old wooden homes and location on the sea. There are 65 Buddhist temples and 19 Shinto shrines in the area, and most were built hundreds of years ago. You can also visit the sacred island of Enoshima where visitors can take in the various sights of the island.

Great Buddha of Kamakura 

Located in the Kotoku-in Temple, this bronze statue was cast in 1252. It was originally housed in a wooden enclosure that was destroyed by a tsunami (title wave) on September 20, 1498. It is the second tallest bronze Buddha at 13.35 meter (14.60 yards) in Japan and only surpassed by the Great Buddha in Nara’s Todaiji Temple.

Hasedera Temple 

This Jodo Sect temple is about a 5 minute walk from Hase Station and was built on the side of a hill. It is most famous for it of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. There is also a garden with ponds filled with koi fish (Japanese carp). There is also an observation deck which offers views of the city.

Engakuji

This Zen temple is located just a few steps from Kita-Kamakura Station. It was originally built in 1282 by Hojo Tokimune just one year after the second attempt of the Mongols to invade Japan. The Mongols were reverted and Engakuji was built to pay respect to the fallen soldiers.

Rediscover Travel Activity List

Contact us to start planning your tour to Japan