Kamakura, located in the Kanagawa Prefecture, is a small coastal city that was once the center of political power in Japan. Today, Kamakura is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful temples, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. If you’re looking for a unique and enriching day trip from Tokyo, here’s our detailed walking tour of Kamakura.
1. Start your day at Hasedera Temple
Hasedera Temple, also known as “The Temple of the Flowing Tide”, is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the hills overlooking Kamakura. The temple is famous for its 11-faced Kannon statue, which is said to bring happiness and good luck to those who pray to it. The temple grounds offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills, making it the perfect place to start your day.
History of Hasedera Temple
Hasedera Temple was founded in the 8th century, and it has undergone many renovations and expansions over the centuries. The temple was once an important center of Buddhist worship, and it was home to many renowned priests and scholars. During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the temple was at its peak of prosperity, but it fell into decline over the centuries. In the 19th century, the temple was restored to its former glory, and it has since become a popular tourist destination.
Stunning Architecture
One of the highlights of Hasedera Temple is its stunning architecture. The main hall of the temple is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture, with its wooden columns, tiled roofs, and intricate carvings. The temple is also surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are filled with colorful flowers, trees, and shrubs.
One of the most famous attractions at Hasedera Temple is the statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. This statue is one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan, and it stands at an impressive 11 meters tall. The statue is beautifully carved, with intricate details and a serene expression. Visitors can walk through the statue and admire its beauty from all angles.
The Hasedera Temple Museum is another must-visit attraction. The museum showcases a collection of Buddhist artifacts, including scrolls, statues, and religious texts. The museum also features exhibits on the history of the temple and the Kamakura period.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Hasedera Temple still retains its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Visitors can take a moment to reflect and meditate in the temple’s peaceful gardens, or participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Hasedera Temple is also a popular spot for viewing the cherry blossoms in the spring. The temple’s beautiful gardens are filled with cherry blossom trees, and the sight of the delicate pink petals against the backdrop of the temple is truly breathtaking.
2. Visit the Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha)
After exploring Hasedera Temple, make your way to the Kamakura Daibutsu, a bronze statue of the Amida Buddha that stands at 13.35 meters tall. The statue is housed in the Kotoku-in Temple, which was built around the statue in 1243. The Kamakura Daibutsu is one of the most famous landmarks in Kamakura and a must-see for any first-time visitor.
History of Kamakura Daibutsu
The Kamakura Daibutsu was cast in 1252, and it was originally housed in a temple called the Kotoku-in Temple. Over the centuries, the temple was destroyed by natural disasters and wars, but the statue has remained standing and is one of the most well-preserved examples of Kamakura-era bronze casting.
The statue was originally painted and gilded, but over time the paint has faded, and the gilding has been lost. Despite this, the statue still retains its beauty and impressiveness, and it continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Size and Significance of Kamakura Daibutsu
The Kamakura Daibutsu is an impressive 11.4 meters tall, and it weighs approximately 121 tons. The statue depicts Amitabha Buddha seated in a meditative posture, and it is made of bronze. The statue’s size and craftsmanship are a testament to the skill and creativity of the Kamakura-era bronze casters.
The Kamakura Daibutsu is considered one of the most important Buddhist landmarks in Japan, and it is a symbol of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Kamakura. It is also a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims, who come to the statue to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Visiting Kamakura Daibutsu
Visitors to Kamakura Daibutsu can enter the statue through a door located in its base. Once inside, they can admire the statue up close and walk around it to get a sense of its size and beauty. There is also a small museum at the site, which showcases the history of the statue and the temple it was once housed in.
In addition to visiting the statue, visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which is filled with temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese gardens.
3. Explore Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine located in the center of Kamakura. The shrine is dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman, and is considered one of the most important shrines in Kamakura. The shrine is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and its main gate, the Romon, is a symbol of Kamakura.
History of Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine was founded in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, a powerful warrior and leader in the Heian period. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Kamakura, but it was moved to its current location in 1180 by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate.
Over the centuries, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine has been a center of spiritual and cultural activity in Kamakura, and it has been revered by the people of Kamakura as a place of great spiritual significance. The shrine has also been a place of pilgrimage for visitors from around Japan, who come to offer prayers and seek blessings.
The Shrine Today
Today, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine is a beautiful and peaceful destination that combines traditional Japanese architecture and design with lush gardens and scenic views. The shrine is surrounded by a large park, and visitors can walk along a path lined with cherry blossom trees to reach the main gate of the shrine.
Once inside the shrine, visitors can admire the beautiful architecture and design of the buildings and grounds. There are several shrines within the complex, and visitors can also enjoy exploring the gardens and other outdoor spaces.
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine is also a popular destination for festivals and events, and it is the site of several annual festivals and celebrations that attract visitors from around Japan. Some of the most popular events at the shrine include the Kamakura Matsuri, a festival that takes place in the spring and features traditional music, dance, and other performances, and the Hachiman Festival, which is held in the autumn and celebrates the harvest and the end of the growing season.
4. Have lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant
After exploring the shrine, take a break and indulge in a delicious traditional Japanese lunch. Kamakura is known for its seafood, and there are many restaurants in the area that serve fresh and delicious seafood dishes, including sashimi, sushi, and tempura.
From fresh seafood to traditional Japanese dishes, Kamakura is a food lover’s paradise. Here, we’ll explore some of the best restaurants in Kamakura that are definitely worth checking out.
5. Visit Engaku-ji Temple
Engaku-ji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple located in the hills of Kamakura. The temple was founded in 1282 and is one of the five great Zen temples of Kamakura. The temple grounds are beautiful, and the main hall houses a large bronze statue of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni.
History and Significance of Engaku-ji Temple
Engaku-ji Temple was founded in 1282 by a Chinese monk named Houn Jion, who came to Japan to spread the teachings of Zen Buddhism. The temple was built to honor the fallen soldiers of the Battle of Bun’ei, and it has since become one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. During the Kamakura period, Engaku-ji Temple played a significant role in the development of Zen Buddhism in Japan, and it remains an important center of Zen Buddhist teachings to this day.
Architecture and Grounds
The main hall of Engaku-ji Temple is a large and impressive wooden structure, with a beautiful and intricate architectural design. The temple also has several smaller buildings and structures, including the main gate, the hall of the temple’s founders, and several smaller shrines and statues. The temple grounds are beautifully landscaped, and there are several paths and walkways that lead through the gardens and forests surrounding the temple.
One of the most interesting and unique features of Engaku-ji Temple is its five-story pagoda, which was built in the 17th century and is considered one of the most beautiful pagodas in Japan. The pagoda is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and it is a great place to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Visiting Engaku-ji Temple
Engaku-ji Temple is open to visitors year-round, and it is a great place to experience the beauty and peace of Zen Buddhism. Admission is free, and visitors can explore the temple grounds and buildings at their own pace. There are several guided tours available, which can provide a more in-depth look at the history and significance of the temple.
6. Explore the Hasedera Cave
After visiting Engaku-ji Temple, make your way to the Hasedera Cave, a beautiful and mysterious cave located on the grounds of Hasedera Temple. The cave is said to have been created by the hand of the bodhisattva Kannon, and it is believed to have healing powers. The cave is a unique and fascinating place to visit, and it offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
History and Significance of Hasedera Cave
Hasedera Cave is believed to have been created more than 1,000 years ago, and it is considered one of the most important Buddhist sites in Japan. The cave is believed to be the birthplace of the goddess of mercy, Kannon, and it is said to have the power to grant wishes and bestow blessings upon those who visit. Over the centuries, Hasedera Cave has been a popular place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, and it remains a major site of Buddhist worship to this day.
Breathtaking Beauty of Hasedera Cave
The main attraction of Hasedera Cave is the statue of Kannon, which is located deep inside the cave. The statue is considered one of the most beautiful and important Buddhist artifacts in Japan, and it is said to be over 1,000 years old. The statue is carved from a single piece of camphor wood, and it is surrounded by hundreds of smaller statues and offerings. The light that filters into the cave from the entrance creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere, and it is a great place to meditate and reflect.
Visiting Hasedera Cave
Hasedera Cave is located in the grounds of Hasedera Temple, and it is open to visitors year-round. Admission to the cave is free, and visitors can explore the cave and the surrounding temple grounds at their own pace. There are several guided tours available, which can provide a more in-depth look at the history and significance of the cave and the temple.
7. End your day at Yuigahama Beach
Your walking tour of Kamakura ends at Yuigahama Beach, a beautiful and popular beach located on the coast of Kamakura. The beach is known for its clear waters, soft sand, and stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Take a stroll along the beach, relax on the sand, and watch the sunset over the ocean.
History of Yuigahama Beach
Yuigahama Beach has a rich history that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when it was a popular destination for samurai warriors and their families. Today, the beach remains a popular destination for visitors, who come to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Breathtaking Beauty of Yuigahama Beach
Yuigahama Beach is famous for its stunning beauty, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The beach is wide and sandy, and it is surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. There are several restaurants and cafes located along the beach, offering delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks. The water at Yuigahama Beach is clear and warm, making it a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and other water sports.
Visiting Yuigahama Beach
There is a large public parking lot located near the beach, and several public transportation options are available, including buses and trains. Visitors can enjoy the beach and the surrounding area at their own pace, and there are several rental shops where you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and other beach gear.
Summary
This one day walking tour of Kamakura offers a unique and enriching experience for travelers. The city is filled with beautiful temples, stunning natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Plan your visit to Kamakura with this tour plan, and book a private tour with HiddenWalks to learn more in depth about the places you visit!
