This beautiful seaside city is nestled along the ocean bay and surrounded by picturesque mountains. After Minamoto Yoritomo ordered the establishment of his headquarters in 1180, Kamakura became the seat of the shoguns and the de facto capital of Japan for more than two centuries. The supreme military rulers patronized Buddhism, so over time the city became a major religious center with many beautiful temples.
In 1333, the Kamakura shogunate fell as a result of a siege by the imperial army of Shogun Hojo Takatoki. The city fell into disrepair for many years. Its revival began with the rise to power in 1868 of the enlightenment emperor Meiji.
Located 60 km from Tokyo, the city of Kamakura has become a favorite residence of local aristocrats, artists and writers. Now it is the summer residence of the Japanese emperor. There are 176 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Kamakura.
Excursion: "Kamakura: Shrines, Samurai and the Ocean!"
Tour time: 10:00-18:00
- A famous Shinto temple Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is dedicated to the god Hachiman. The Minamoto clan regarded him as their patron saint. Located at the top of Tsurugaoka Hill (Crane Hill), the temple is reached by a pedestrian walkway lined with sakura trees on both sides. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, visitors to the temple walk along a corridor of indescribable beauty formed by the crowns of the trees overhead. There are two ponds with white and red lotuses on the territory of the temple.
- There's a canal between the ponds humpback bridge. It is believed that if you can walk through it unaided, you will live a long and happy life. Every year in April and September, the temple grounds are the site of festivals in which Kamakura-era riders on horseback compete in agility and marksmanship, trying to hit targets with bows at full gallop. The tradition dates back to the reign of Miyinamoto Yoritomo, whose warriors practiced yabusame, archery, here.
- Dedicated to the goddess of mercy Kannon is a popular Buddhist temple Hasedera It is picturesquely situated on several terraces, skillfully integrated by its creators into the mountainous landscape. It houses Japan's oldest wooden statue of the goddess (9.18 meters). You will see the sad Temple of Unborn Babies. Here you can stand by the Buddhist swastika-shaped Pond of Eternity. Near it are statues of a father and mother mourning their unborn children. The temple has a beautiful landscaped Japanese garden, which can be admired at any time of the year. There is also a cave, in the rocky ground of which are carved figures of gods, patrons of people of different professions.
- Kamakura offers a majestic and tranquil experience Big Buddhais the symbol of this city. His 13.35-meter-high bronze statue is one of the largest open-air Buddha statues in the world. It was erected in 1252 and originally installed in a temple that was destroyed by a tsunami wave in 1498.
- In Kamakura, you'll be able to take pictures with a Japanese rickshaw puller and even take a ride if you want.
- Nearby is Zenyarai Banten Temple with a magical spring. It is enough to wash money in it - and the heavens will give you a significant financial replenishment.
Option! A trip to Enoshima Island climbing the lighthouse and watching the sunset from the lighthouse observation deck. In good weather, Mount Fuji can be seen from here. There are also many restaurants on the island where you can try fresh seafood.
