Japan Kamakura Travel Guide, Tailor-made Japan Tour Packages

Kamakura

Kamakura is a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo. Although Kamakura proper is rather small, but it is a very popular tourist destination. It is often described in history books as a former de facto capital of Japan as the seat of the Shogunate and of the Regency during the Kamakura Period. Sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, offers many historically significant Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, some of them, like Sugimoto-dera, over 1,200 years old. In addition, Kamakura's sand beaches attract large crowds during the summer months.

Kotoku-in Temple and the Great Buddha

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 13.35 meters.

Hasedera Temple

Hasedera is a temple of the Jodo sect, that is most famous for its statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Hokokuji Temple

Secluded in the hills of eastern Kamakura, Hokokuji was the family temple of the ruling Ashikaga Clan.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Tsurugaoka Hachimangū) is Kamakura's most important shrine. It was founded by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063, and enlarged and moved to its current site in 1180 by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura government.

Enoshima

Enoshima (江ノ島) is both a small island and a small seaside town next to the island in Kanagawa prefecture, to the south of Tokyo. It's a popular beach destination and, on a nice summer day, has a bit of a laid-back California surfer vibe.

Enkakuji Temple

Engakuji is one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the number two of Kamakura's five great Zen temples.

Meigetsuin

Meigetsuin Temple is a temple of the Rinzai Zen Sect, It is known as Hydrangea Temple because hydrangea bloom in abundance on the temple grounds during the rainy season around June

Ugafuku Shrine

Zeniarai Benten Shrine, where Ugafuku God is enshrined. It is said the water of the spring inside the cave has the power to bring prosperity in business and good luck with money when money is washed in the holy water.

Kenchoji Temple

Kenchoji is one of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. The oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, Kenchoji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era after which it was named.