Top Reasons to Visit Kamakura
Kamakura is a beautiful coastal town located just an hour from Tokyo. It’s a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, and for good reason. Kamakura has a rich history, stunning scenery, delicious food, and unique culture.
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should visit Kamakura:
- The history: Kamakura was once the capital of Japan, and it’s home to many historical sites, including the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and the Kotoku-in Temple (home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura).
- The scenery: Kamakura is located on the coast, and it offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The town is also home to several beautiful parks and gardens.
- The food: Kamakura is known for its fresh seafood and its delicious street food. You can find everything from sushi to tempura to mochi in Kamakura.
- The culture: Kamakura is a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture. You can visit temples and shrines, watch traditional performances, and learn about Japanese history and art.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or food, Kamakura has something to offer everyone.
Attractions
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Specialties:
- Beautiful architecture
- Large vermilion torii gate
- Important Shinto shrine
Description:
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It was built in 1063 and is dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and its large vermilion torii gate.
Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
Specialties:
- Iconic landmark
- Bronze statue of Buddha
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Description:
Kotoku-in Temple is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan: the Great Buddha of Kamakura. The bronze statue of Buddha is over 13 meters tall and weighs over 120 tons. The temple was built in 1252 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hase-dera Temple
Specialties:
- Beautiful hydrangeas
- Over 2,500 hydrangea plants
- Blooms in a variety of colors
Description:
Hase-dera Temple is known for its beautiful hydrangeas. There are over 2,500 hydrangea plants on the temple grounds, and they bloom in a variety of colors from June to July.
Hokokuji Temple
Specialties:
- Bamboo forest
- Over 2,000 bamboo plants
- Serene atmosphere
Description:
Hokokuji Temple is known for its bamboo forest. The forest is made up of over 2,000 bamboo plants, and it creates a beautiful and serene atmosphere.
Enoshima
Specialties:
- Beautiful scenery
- Temples
- Shops
Description:
Enoshima is a small island located just off the coast of Kamakura. It’s a popular tourist destination for its beautiful scenery, its temples, and its shops.
Delicacies
Shirasu
Description:
Shirasu are small white fish that are caught in the waters off of Kamakura. They can be eaten raw, boiled, or fried. Shirasu are a popular ingredient in many Japanese dishes, including sushi, tempura, and salads.
Kamakura Tempura
Description:
Kamakura tempura is a type of tempura that is made with fresh seafood and vegetables. It’s a popular street food in Kamakura. Kamakura tempura is typically made with shrimp, squid, and vegetables such as sweet potato, lotus root, and eggplant.
Daifuku
Description:
Daifuku are mochi rice cakes that are filled with sweet red bean paste. They’re a popular snack in Kamakura. Daifuku can also be filled with other flavors, such as green tea, strawberry, and mango.
Other Local Delicacies:
- Kamakura Vegetable Curry
- Zunda Shake (Soybean Milkshake)
- Enoshima Beer
Souvenir Guide
Kamakurabori
Description:
Kamakurabori is a type of lacquerware that is made in Kamakura. It’s known for its beautiful designs and its high quality. Kamakurabori is often used to make bowls, plates, cups, and other tableware.
Kamakura Ningyo
Description:
Kamakura ningyo are traditional Japanese dolls that are made in Kamakura. They’re often made of wood or clay and are decorated with colorful fabrics. Kamakura ningyo are popular souvenirs for tourists from all over the world.
Kamakura Geta
Description:
Kamakura geta are traditional Japanese sandals that are made in Kamakura. They’re made of wood and have a thong strap. Kamakura geta are a popular choice for tourists who want to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Other Souvenirs:
- Kamakura Crystal
- Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine Charms
- Kotoku-in Temple Buddha Statues
- Enoshima Lanterns
- Shirasu Snacks
Detailed Itinerary
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9:42 AM | Arrive at Kamakura Station | Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. The journey takes about an hour. |
| 9:45 AM | Start walking along Komachi Street | Komachi Street is a popular shopping street located just outside of Kamakura Station. It’s a great place to find souvenirs, snacks, and restaurants. |
| 10:00 AM | Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine | Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It’s known for its beautiful architecture and its large vermilion torii gate. |
| 11:00 AM | Visit Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura) | Kotoku-in Temple is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan: the Great Buddha of Kamakura. The bronze statue of Buddha is over 13 meters tall and weighs over 120 tons. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant | There are many great restaurants in Kamakura. You can find everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to Western food. |
| 1:00 PM | Visit Hase-dera Temple | Hase-dera Temple is known for its beautiful hydrangeas. There are over 2,500 hydrangea plants on the temple grounds, and they bloom in a variety of colors from June to July. |
| 2:00 PM | Visit Hokokuji Temple | Hokokuji Temple is known for its bamboo forest. The forest is made up of over 2,000 bamboo plants, and it creates a beautiful and serene atmosphere. |
| 3:00 PM | Take the Enoshima Electric Railway to Enoshima | The Enoshima Electric Railway is a small train line that connects Kamakura to Enoshima. The journey takes about 15 minutes. |
| 4:00 PM | Explore Enoshima | Enoshima is a small island located just off the coast of Kamakura. It’s a popular tourist destination for its beautiful scenery, its temples, and its shops. |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner at a local restaurant | There are many great restaurants in Enoshima. You can find everything from fresh seafood to traditional Japanese cuisine. |
| 7:00 PM | Return to Kamakura Station | Take the Enoshima Electric Railway back to Kamakura Station. The journey takes about 15 minutes. |
This is just a suggested itinerary. You can customize it to fit your own interests and time constraints.
コメント