Kamakura, less than an hour's train ride south of Tokyo, was the site of Japan's first military government. The Kamakura shogunate was founded at the end of the 12th century. after a long and bloody struggle between two aristocratic groups for control of the imperial palace. The Minamoto clan, which had gained the upper hand, chose Kamakura as its residence, since this fishing village, surrounded on three sides by steep wooded slopes, was a natural fortress.
general information
Here, what most of us perceive as the “Way of the Samurai” was created - a set of values, a code of honor, religion and culture of the warrior caste, which was to rule Japan for 700 years. Much of that culture was inspired by the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism with its principles of discipline and self-control, ascetic philosophy of life and art. The shogunate established a large number of Zen Buddhist temples in Kamakura, many of which remain, some of which have national treasure status. Six temples can be easily reached from the Kita railway station (North) Kamakura, which is about an hour's drive from Tokyo on the Yokosuka Line.
Engakuji was founded in 1282 and was intended to house the souls of those killed the previous year during the failed Mongol invasion. It became the second most important in a group of monasteries called Gozan ("Five Mountains") according to the hierarchy established in the 14th century. under the official patronage of the shogunate for Zen Buddhist temples. Engakuji is the largest temple complex in Kamakura, often damaged by fires and earthquakes, but retaining 17 of the 46 original buildings. Two buildings currently have national treasure status: Sariden (hall of sacred relics), built in 1282, and a huge bell tower on the hill. The 2.5 m high bell was cast in 1301. The main building accessible to visit in Engakuji is the Butsunichi-an Ceremonial Hall, where you can take part in a tea ceremony.
Nearby Tokeji, known as the “temple of divorce,” was unique in that it was a temple for warrior caste women seeking relief from an unhappy marriage. If a woman managed to get here and spend three years as a nun, she could receive a divorce certificate from the shogunate and become free. In Homotsukana (treasury) Tokeji exhibits a collection of paintings, sculpture and calligraphy from the Kamakura period, some of which are classified as important cultural objects. On the temple grounds there is also Matsugaoka Bunko, a research library founded in memory of D. T. Suzuki (1870- 1966) who laid the foundations for the study of Zen Buddhism in the West.
South of Tokeji, on the road to the center of Kamakura, are the Zen Buddhist temples of Meigetsu-in and Yochiji, with particularly beautiful gardens. Further south is Kenchoji, founded in 1253, the main of the Five Mountains. It was modeled after one of the greatest Chinese monasteries of its time and was built for a Chinese monk who is said to have petitioned Kublai Khan to end the Mongol invasion of Japan. The monastery remains active and, like many Kama-kura temples, offers visitors the opportunity to participate in Zen Buddhist meditation training sessions. A remarkable group of Enma sculptures can be seen at the nearby Enoji Temple. (lord of hell) and his judges.
Attractions Kamakura
If you arrive at Kamakura Station, turn left at the exit and explore two interesting streets. The larger one, Wakamiya-dori, is lined with cherry trees and abounds with the traditional restaurants, pastry shops, and lacquer shops for which the city is famous. Parallel to Komachi-dori is a pedestrian street sandwiched between rows of intriguing souvenir shops, restaurants and specialty shops selling incense, stones and stationery.
Both streets lead to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a Shinto complex built by Yoritomo no Minamoto, the first shogun of Kamakura. It was dedicated to the legendary Emperor Ojin, whose descendant Yoritomo declared himself to be. As part of the festival taking place in the sanctuary in mid-September, a colorful tournament of mounted archers is held (yabusame), in which participants, dressed in the costumes of Kamakura period hunters, try to hit three small wooden targets while galloping along a narrow path. The distance between the targets barely allows the riders, after releasing the reins, to load and release an arrow at the next target.
Near the sanctuary there are two museums. Kamakura City Museum of Contemporary Art (Tue-Sun 9.30-17.00) offers visitors a collection of paintings, watercolors, prints and sculptures.
Kokuhokan National Treasure Museum (Tue-Sun 9.00-16.00) has a fine collection of objects from various temples and shrines in Kamakura, including a number of magnificent 13th-century paintings.
A ten-minute walk east from Hachimangu, crossing a shallow stream, leads to Takedera, better known as the “Bamboo Temple.” Surrounded by a small but dense bamboo grove, the temple has a delightful pavilion where visitors can enjoy a cup of thick green macha, an infusion served during the tea ceremony.
Opposite on Kamakura Kaido is Sugimotodera, an ancient thatched temple whose dark interior seems to be steeped in the esoteric mysteries of Buddhism. Next door is another beautiful temple, Jomiyo-ji. Among the alleys to the east of this site, look for the forested rise to Zuisen-ji, with the lush greenery of a tranquil garden in front of the temple and the harsh, dry landscape, including a cave, behind it.
Yoritomo set out to create for his capital a statue of a seated Buddha that could rival the gigantic bronze figure created in 749 for the Todaiji Temple in Nara. The idea was realized in 1252 with the casting of the 125-ton Daibutsu, which sits in the courtyard of the Kotoku-in Temple and is probably the second most popular subject to photograph after Fuji. A massive figure 11.4 m high sits in the classic pose of Buddha Amida (Compassionate) with his hands folded on his legs and his eyelids half-closed in a state of complete serenity. The inside of the statue is hollow, and you can climb a ladder inside and look through one of the windows on the Buddha's back.
Daibutsu and Kotoku-in Temple are located in Hase, an area in the western part of Kamakura. Another local attraction is Hasedera. The Kannon Hall of this temple houses the largest sacred wooden statue in the country. The image of the Eleven-Faced Goddess of Mercy, about 10 m high, is carved from a single trunk and covered with gold leaf. The ten small heads in her crown symbolize the goddess's ability to look in all directions, looking out for those in need of sympathy. No one knows exactly when the figure was created. One of the legends dates it back to the beginning of the 8th century. In the Amida Hall there is an image of the seated Buddha Amida, commissioned by Minamoto no Yoritomo when he was 42 years old - an extremely unfavorable age, according to popular opinion among the Japanese.
Ryukoji Temple and Enoshima Island
The history of Kamakura was written not only by the Minamoto clan. The story of this area would not be complete without the history of Nichiren. (1222-1282) , a monk who founded the only purely Japanese Buddhist sect. Nichiren's rejection of both Zen Buddhism and Jodo ("Pure Land") finally forced the shogunate to order the beheading of a heretic on a hill south of Hase. However, according to the legend, when the executioner raised the sword, lightning struck and split the blade in two. Before the executioner repeated his attempt, a messenger arrived with an order to replace the execution with deportation to the island of Sadogashima. Later, in 1337, the Nichiren sect erected a Ryukoji temple on that hill.
On the shores of nearby Sagami Bay there are two beaches closest to the capital area: Yuiga-hama and Shichirigahama. During the hot and humid summer months, you might think that the entire population of Tokyo and Yokohama is engaged in a futile search for a free piece of sandy shore. No less popular is Enoshima, a small island off the coast with a hill in the middle. From the top of the hill on a clear day there is a wonderful view of Fuji and the Izu Peninsula. After visiting Enoshima, you can take a nice old-fashioned train or tram on the Enoden Line back to Kamakura Station.
in contact with facebook twitter
On the Japanese island of Honshu, in the Kanagawa region, one of the oldest cities in this country, Kamakura, is located. The city is a resort, with a fairly developed infrastructure. High mountain ranges covered with mighty forests surround Kamakura on all sides. In the south, the city is washed by the waters of Sagami Bay. Thanks to its optimal climate, Kamakura has become a wonderful resort town.
History of Kamakura
In the 12th century, Japan experienced its difficult times. Warlike clans fought bloody wars for the imperial throne. The Minamoto shogun clan, which won one of these battles, decided to settle in the small fishing village of Kamakura. Surrounded on all sides by mighty impenetrable forests, it looked like a real impregnable fortress.
A special samurai school was created on the territory of Kamakura. Here, future wars were instilled with cultural and religious values, as well as respect and love for the homeland. In addition, they taught self-control, discipline and martial arts.
Numerous Buddhist temples grew like mushrooms throughout the city. So by 1282 they were all united into the huge complex of temples and monasteries of Engakuji. It consisted of up to 46 original buildings. In the past, the complex was often subject to fires and destruction. But it was restored again. Gradually, a huge beautiful city grew around the temple complex, and since then the city of Kamakura has become a major historical center of Japan.
Why does Kamakura attract tourists so much?
Engakuji Temple
External Somon gate to the temple
The symbol of Kamakura city is the magnificent ancient temple complex of Engakuji. Today this complex is a unique heritage of Japan. It consists of several buildings. The main building of Engakuji is the Butsunichi-an, a large ceremony hall. Currently, luxurious tea ceremonies are held in this hall. Another equally magnificent structure is the tall ancient bell tower. Its top is crowned with a large bronze bell. After visiting the bell tower, tourists are invited to go to the hall of sacred unique relics.
Tokeji Temple
Not far from Engakuji is the ancient temple of Tokeji. In the distant past, women came here who dreamed of getting rid of a painful marriage. Three years spent in the walls of the monastery allowed her to get a divorce. Currently, within the walls of Tokeji there is a real historical museum. It contains numerous sculptures, paintings and calligraphy, as well as valuable exhibits related to the Minamoto era. Here, tourists can admire the unique collection of old books exhibited in the Matsugaoka Library.
In the center of Kamakura there is a whole nest of Buddhist temples. For example, Yochiji Temple delights visitors with its large, picturesque gardens and parks. And nearby is the ancient Kentenji Monastery, built in the national Chinese style. Religious ceremonies are still held within the walls of the monastery. Here tourists can attend lessons and meditation sessions.
Other sights of the city
Kamakura's main street, Wakamiya-dori, attracts tourists with its many shops and souvenir stalls, traditional eateries and restaurants. Small cozy confectionery shops attract visitors with aromatic, mouth-watering smells. Cherry trees and numerous flower beds are planted along the street.
Walking along Wakamiya-dori, tourists find themselves on another street in the city - Komachi-dori. Here tourists can see a large number of shops selling jewelry and stationery. And also visit one of the wonderful beauty salons.
Tsurugaoka is a huge Shinto complex that was built by the mighty Minamoto clan. On the territory of this complex are held annual festivals and celebrations.
Not far from the complex there are two historical museums of Kamakura. Here, tourists can see unique engravings, canvases and sculptures dating back to the Middle Ages.
The next point of the excursion is the “Bamboo Temple” of Kamakura. Walking along the path surrounded by huge bamboo thickets, tourists find themselves in a spacious bright pavilion. Magnificent tea ceremonies are held here.
The huge bronze statue of Buddha attracts great interest from tourists. In terms of size, it ranks second after Fuji. In order to admire the statue, visitors need to climb a small hill, passing through a beautiful fragrant garden. One of the most beautiful temples in Kamakura, Zomiyo-ji, is located here. In the temple courtyard sits a majestic figure of a Japanese god.
There is a huge beach area on the coast of Sagami Bay. This is one of the most visited places in Kamakura. Here tourists are provided with a large selection of various entertainments.
Reminder for tourists
You can get to Kamakura by train station from Tokyo or Yokohama. Numerous buses and taxis provide their services to tourists.
There are a huge number of hotels and hotels on the Sagami coast. A large selection of luxury villas provides visitors with this magnificent city.
- Where to stay: In any of several hundred hotels, guesthouses and hostels in one of the most modern, lively and ideally organized metropolises on the planet - Tokyo; budget tourists should focus on the Taito area, and lovers of “immersion” should head to traditional ryokans. Children of all ages are welcome at Disneyland hotels. The choice of hotels in Yokohama is no less, in addition, here you can taste the delights of a coastal holiday. The mild climate, homely atmosphere and many attractions of Kamakura will appeal to those looking for a relaxing holiday with an excursion component.
- What to see: The Imperial Palace, the Tokyo National Museum, the Temple of the Goddess Kannon, the TV tower, the Three Towers skyscrapers, the Japan Bridge and the Tokyo Olympic Complex are just a small part of its attractions. In the vicinity of the capital, tourists will find the picturesque Nikko Lake National Park. It's definitely worth spending a day at Disneyland, then heading to the ultra-modern Port of the Future in Yokohama and continuing on to the ancient Kamakura- to explore the most beautiful temples and monasteries.
- You may also be interested in
Kamakura(Japanese 鎌倉市 Kamakura-shi) - one of the ancient cities of Japan, was founded in 1192. Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, on the island of Honshu. The city is surrounded on three sides by forested mountains, and overlooks Sagami Bay from the south. Kamakura's climate is mild. This is an ideal winter and summer resort.
The founder of Kamakura is Minamoto no Yoritomo. In 1180, he brought his troops to Kamakura and made it his residence: surrounded by mountains and the sea, Kamakura was a natural fortress, easily defended from enemies. The bakufu, the government subordinate to the shogun, settled here. After the fall of the Kamakura shogunate, which lasted from 1185 to 1333, the former capital fell into disrepair and turned into an ordinary village, and only in the Meiji era did its new life begin, after it began to attract artists and writers. The ancient rulers of Kamakura patronized religion and art and invited famous Chinese monks. It is believed that the first temple here is Sugimoto-dera, founded in 734. In total, today there are 176 Shinto and Buddhist temples in Kamakura.
Today, 174 thousand people live in Kamakura. and 20 million tourists come every year.
How to get there: Kamakura is served by two train companies: JR East and Enoden. JR East connects Kamakura directly to Yokohama and Tokyo, and Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) operates a rail line (with tram-like trains) from Kamakura Station along the Pacific coast to Enoshima and Fujisawa.
The main attractions of Kamakura are concentrated in three areas: around Kita-Kamakura Station (main Zen temples Engakuji and Kenchoji), Kamakura Station (Hachimangu Temple) and Hase Station on the Enoden Railway Line (Great Buddha and Hasedera). Since the town is small, it is quite possible to get around it on foot. Buses and taxis are available to more distant attractions such as Zeniarai Benten and Zuisenji.
From Tokyo to Kamakura you can travel by train from 2 stations. From Tokyo Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, the journey takes about an hour and costs 890 yen. The train makes stops at Shinagawa, Yokohama and Kita-Kamakura stations, among others.
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line directly to Kamakura for about an hour, costing 890 yen one way. Just keep in mind that these are trains going to Zushi, Utsunomiya-Zushi route (approximately every second train, i.e. 2 per hour). If you take the other one, you will have to change at Ofuna station. Some of these trains also stop at Kita-Kamakura Station.
The cheapest option to visit Kamakura is to use a one-day pass Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass, operating on the Odakyu Railways line. Includes round trip travel from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura and unlimited travel on the Enoden train. This pleasure costs only 1430 yen. The only negative is that the trip takes 1.5 hours instead of an hour if you use JR. However, they say there are beautiful views along the way and a slower ride is even more enjoyable. This option, although it may look more attractive, is only if you want to visit the island of Enoshima. Because the train goes from Shinjuku to Fujisawa or Enoshima, where you need to change to another one to Kamakura Station.
Considering that our hotel is not far from the station. Shizyuku and the route around Kamakura for me is from the station. Kita-Kamakura: carrier JR East (ＪＲ東日本), JR Shonan Shinjuku Line (ＪＲ湘南新宿ライン), direction Zushi route (逗子行), from station. Shinjuku (新宿駅（東京）to Kita-Kamakura Station (北鎌倉駅（神奈川). Travel time 1 hour 8 minutes, cost 890 yen.
ＪＲ湘南新宿ライン — 逗子行, 新宿駅（東京）—- 北鎌倉駅（神奈川).
From Shinjuku Station to Kita-Kamakura Station by JR Shonan Shinjuku Line, Zushi route.
What to see:
Leaving Kitakamakura Station (southwest exit), we go to see the Engakuji Temple. It is worth buying water and bento at the station.
Engakuji Temple
Engakuji Temple is one of the most famous temples of the Zen sect, the 2nd largest of the 5 great temples of Kamakura. Founded in 1282 by shikken Hojo Tokimune (shikken is the title of the actual rulers-regents of the shoguns in Japan in the period 1199-1333, during the Kamakura period), a year after the defeat of the 2nd Mongol invasion, in memory of the dead.
Built on the forested hillsides of Kita-Kamakura. The first thing you see when entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, dating back to 1783. Behind them is the main building of Butsuden, where a wooden Shaka Buddha statue is on display. The building was restored in 1964 after it was badly damaged during an earthquake.
The most interesting building of the temple is Shariden, or the Hall of Holy Relics of Buddha. It has been declared a national treasure of Japan. The main treasures are considered to be the Buddha statue (located inside and inaccessible to visitors for most of the year) and a large bell (ogane) located on a hill in front of the tea house, where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or sake, as well as Japanese sweets in a tempting atmosphere under the rustle of growing around cryptomeria.
Now the temple building is the oldest building of Chinese architecture in the country.
Located literally a few steps from the station. Kita-Kamakura, southwest exit. Open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, ticket price is 300 yen. Time for inspection is from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Tokeiji Temple
Tokeiji Temple - small and not as famous as Engakuji, is located nearby and is its "branch". It was founded in 1285 by the young widow Hojo Tokimune after his death at a young age. In feudal times, the temple was called the Temple of Divorces, as it served as a refuge for unloved wives. Although it has always been easy for men to obtain a divorce, women did not have such rights until the Meiji Restoration. However, a wife who spent 3 years in this temple received an official divorce.
Now the temple is known for plum blossoms in February, magnolias and peaches in March-April, peonies in April-May, Japanese water irises and hydrangeas in summer.
Located 5 minutes walk from the station. Kitakamakura. Open daily from 8:30 to 17:00, admission 100 yen.
Where the railway lines in the main valley end, the arrow to the right points to Jochiji Temple. It is no more than 5 minutes from Tokeiji Temple. Let's go there.
Jochiji Temple
Jochiji Temple - the fourth of the five great Zen Buddhist temples of Kamakura, is also a “branch” of Engakuji. Founded in 1281 by the wife of Hojo Munemasa due to the premature death of her son. The once huge temple complex, consisting of many large and small buildings, was almost completely destroyed by the 1923 earthquake. Still, it's worth admiring the moss-covered steps in front of the main entrance and the beautiful proportions of the temple's Chinese-style bell gate.
Located 10 minutes walk from the station. Kitakamakura. Open daily (except August 3rd) from 9:00 to 16:30, admission 200 yen. Time for inspection is 20-40 minutes.
The path leading north from Jochiji Temple (the temple remains on the right side) ends at the steps from which the route begins Daibutsu Hiking Trail, along which you can walk to Great Buddha (Daibutsu) in 60-90 minutes. This is a beautiful walking route through wooded hills. However, the paths are not paved, are quite narrow and can be very slippery in the rain. Comfortable shoes and good dry weather are recommended. Going along this trail, along the way we will visit the temple of the goddess Benten.
Kamakura Daibutsu Hiking Course
Distance - 5.8 km, time 60-90 minutes, difficulty - easy, accessibility - all year round. Starts from Kita Kamakura Station 北鎌倉駅, ends at Kotoku-In (Great Buddha) 高徳院(大仏).
From Jochiji Temple, follow the signs for Genjiyama Park (Genjiyama 源氏山公園) on a path that runs southeast through the park to a fork where the main road turns right. Go straight, the path to the shrine hidden in a rock niche passes through a tunnel and several torii, behind them is the natural amphitheater of the Zeniarai Benten 銭荒弁天 temple. Next, take the path going south under a line of torii that zigzag down to the very bottom of the valley. Here, turn right at the T-junction to reach another bright red torii road that goes into the cryptomeria bush. At the end of the alley lies a modest shrine to Sasuke Inari, Sasuke Inari Shrine 佐助稲荷, erected before the 12th century in honor of the god of the harvest. Its harbinger is the fox, and as you climb the tangled roots of the path behind the sanctuary, you will see the figures of foxes of all types and sizes peeping out from the surrounding semi-darkness. At the top, turn right and then left at the white sign board to cover the final kilometer to Daibutsu.
Route map in Japanese -
Map for GPSies - .
The temple dedicated to the goddess Benten is located in the west of Kamakura and was built by Minamoto Yoritomo himself, after the goddess appeared to him in a dream and said “take water from this place and pray and then the whole world will be peaceful.” Since the dream occurred on the day of the snake in the month of the snake and the year of the snake, the temple was built and dedicated to Benten, a Buddhist goddess associated (??) with snakes. Later, Hojo Tokiyori washed the coins in the temple spring, praying for the prosperity of his family and his prayers were answered. Thus, the spring became known as Zeniarai-mizu (water for washing money), which gives financial well-being. It is one of the five most famous springs in Kamakura.
Benten Shrine is a great example of how closely Buddhism and Shinto are connected in Japan. Although the government attempted to separate the two religions during the Meiji Restoration, many temples contain Buddhist buildings alongside Shinto torii and altars.
It is located 25-30 minutes walk northwest of Kamakura station. Or along the Daibutsu hiking trail. There are no bus stops or any other attractions nearby. Open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, admission is free. Time for inspection and rest - 30 minutes.
After resting at the Benten Temple (if you took a bento with you, you can have a snack), we continue along the Daibutsu hiking trail. Another 40 minutes and we will see the giant Buddha.
Great Buddha.
The Amida Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple, 13.35 m high and weighing 93 tons, was cast in 1252 g and was originally installed in a large temple. However, the temple buildings were destroyed by a tsunami at the end of the 15th century. and they did not restore them. The statue, which survived tsunamis and earthquakes, now has giant shock absorbers installed at its base. This bronze statue is one of the largest and oldest in Japan. There have been three large Buddha statues in Japanese history: in Nara, Kyoto and Kamakura. The Great Buddha statue in Kyoto, which reached a height of 160 meters, did not survive to this day; it is now replaced by a smaller wooden statue. The Buddha statue in Nara was often restored and replaced with new parts, but the appearance of the Kamakura Buddha benefits from the fact that it has remained unchanged since the 13th century. This statue - a silent witness to almost 700 years of history - is devoid of the roughness usually characteristic of colossi. Particularly admirable is the calm, peaceful expression on his face.
Located 10 minutes walk from Hase station, or at the end of the Daibutsu hiking trail. Kotokuin Temple is open daily from 8:00 to 17:30, admission 200 yen. Statue - from 8:00 to 16:30, 20 yen.Time for inspection is 20 minutes - 1 hour.
Of. website (Japanese and English)
5 minutes towards the station. Hase and the last temple of our route.
Temple of Hase (Hasedera).
Khase Kannon Temple, according to legend, was built in 736. In the main building of the temple there is a well-known gilded sculpture of the eleven-headed goddess Kannon. Its height is 9.3 m, it is the tallest wooden sculpture in Japan. According to legend, it was made in 721. Another attraction of the temple is a giant bell, cast in 1264, the oldest in Kamakura. It is declared the most important cultural property of Japan. The treasury exhibits 33 incarnations of Kannon and multiple images of the god of wealth.
A statue of Kannon is displayed in the temple's main building, Kannon-do Hall. Nearby is Amida-do Hall, where a 3-meter gilded statue of Amida Buddha is exhibited. In the neighborhood there is an observation deck with a wonderful view of the city, and a small restaurant where you can have a bite to eat and try Japanese sweets ( mitarashi dango - small "skewers" of rice flour in sweet soy sauce, I love them so much)
Next to the temple garden and pond is Bentendo, a small hill dedicated to Benten, the goddess of female beauty and health. In front of him is a torii, and a statue of the goddess is in a small grotto.
It is a 5-minute walk from Hase Station, the third station from Kamakura on the Enoden line. The terminal of this line is located next to Kamakura Station on the JR Line.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 to 17:30, admission 300 yen. Time for inspection is 30 minutes - 1 hour.
Of. website in English.
Since the temples close at 16:30 - 17:00, and they stop letting them in half an hour before closing, the cultural and historical program can be considered completed (although there are still many interesting temples left) and relax on the beach. So, 5 minutes from Hase Kannon Shrine to Hase Station and 5 minutes to Yuigahama Beach and we are there.
This is an ideal place to stop for a swim during your Kamakura tour. Clean sandy beach, equipped with everything necessary for a beach holiday. There are, however, a lot of people in the summer.
Located 5 minutes walk from the station. Hase and 15 minutes from the station. Kamakura.
After bathing, resting and eating, if there is strength left, it will be possible to climb the wide road, Wakamiya Oji, going from the seashore to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu temple (it is the only one that closes late, so you can make it in time).
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the main attractions in Kamakura.
Surrounded by sakura trees and azalea thickets, it is very picturesque. The temple was built in 1063 by Yoritomo's ancestor Yoriyoshi in honor of the god Hachiman, who was considered the patron of the Minamoto family in particular and the samurai in general. Hachiman - the patron saint of warriors, the god of war - is the deified emperor Ojin Yoritomo in 1180 changed the location of the ancient temple, placing it on a more prominent place - the top of the Tsurugaoka hill (Crane Hill). Modern buildings date back to 1828. Priceless items are exhibited in the gallery: warrior armor, weapons, altar boards, dance masks.
The wide road leading from the seashore up to the temple was built by order of the shogun when he learned that his wife was expecting a child. And today this street retains the name Wakamiya Oji - Street of the Young Prince. Three huge torii gates were built on this alley, and sakura trees were planted along it. Near the temple there are two ponds - Genji and Heike. White lotuses grow in the Genji pond, red lotuses in the Heike pond. The so-called The Drum Bridge is a humpbacked bridge across the lotus pond (which just bloom in summer). There is a belief that if you can climb and walk over a slippery bridge without help, you will have a long life.
Near the temple, the alley is crossed by a 150-meter passage. Here Yoritomo's warriors practiced yabusame ( yabusame)— archery from a horse. In April and September, you can witness festivals during which warriors dressed in Kamakura period attire shoot arrows while riding a galloping horse. And the Emperor of Japan visits this temple with his whole family on New Year's holidays.
Located 10-15 minutes walk from the station. Kamakura. Open daily from 5:00 to 20:30, gates close at 21:00. Admission is free, entrance to the temple museum is 200 yen. Time for inspection is 30 minutes - 2 hours.
Of. website, English
From the temple to the station. Kamakura is a 10-15 minute walk along the lively Komachi-dori, along which there are many shops and restaurants.
Komachi-dori also has a lot of souvenir shops selling real Japanese souvenirs, and not "Chinese-themed ..", as in many other places and. including in Tokyo. These include wooden plates, figurines, fans, amulets for good luck, etc. It is especially worth paying attention to kamakura-bori (鎌倉彫) is the traditional art of ginkgo woodcarving with more than 700 years of history. Initially, this technique was used to create Buddhist sculptures, but over time they began to produce everyday items such as trays and tea utensils. AND hato sabure(鳩サブレ) is a dove-shaped biscuit most often brought as a souvenir from Kamakura. Doves are often seen at Tsuruoka Hachimangu Temple, where you can also purchase dove amulets.
What's delicious to try
If you find yourself in Kamakura, you need to try the local dishes. For example, purple potato soft serve ice cream. It's made from locally grown sweet potatoes and actually tastes way better than the name. Kamakura is famous for its dishes with the freshest fish fry shirasu from Sagami Bay. Sirasu is a healthy and nutrient-rich food. Most often, shirasu is eaten with rice.
So, this is a full day program, calculated for about 10 hours (including the road). The road and temples will cost 2900 yen. For information: in June the sun sets at 19:00, at 19:30 it is already completely dark.
Kamakura was the capital of Japan in the 12th century. Despite the fact that little remains of its former grandeur 800 years later in Kamakura, this city is worth a visit for the ancient temples of historical and cultural significance. It was in Kamakura that the foundations of Japanese Zen Buddhism were laid and the samurai caste was formed. There are still buildings and structures here that preserve the echoes of bloody events, brutal wars, coups and dynastic intrigues of those distant times.
Kamakura is 40 minutes from Tokyo by train. This proximity to the capital, mild microclimate, long history and enchanting mountain scenery have made Kamakura a popular holiday destination for the Japanese.
Attractions Kamakura
There are many attractions in Kamakura, but the most interesting of them are the following:
Kenchoji Temple
Kenchoji Temple - Zen Buddhist. It was founded 750 years ago and was the center of Zen Buddhism in Japan.
In the main hall of the temple, on the 10x12 meter ceiling, a huge “Dragon in the Clouds” is depicted by master Yunsaki Koizumi.
At the center of the temple complex is a Zen Buddhist-style garden with a pond. From 5 to 6 am, meditations are held in a building near the garden, which anyone can attend.
Engakuji Temple
Engakuji Temple is only 30 years younger than Kenchoji Temple. It was founded in honor of the victory of Japanese troops in two invasions of the Mongol-Tatars in 1274 and 1281. The temple houses important religious objects and manuscripts as shrines, and the entire temple has been designated a Historical Site by the Japanese government.
Japanese-style archery classes are held daily in one of the temple halls. If you are lucky, you will be able to watch activities that resemble a religious ritual rather than a sport.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine. It was built 800 years ago during the time when Kamakura was the capital of Japan, and served as a religious center. To this day, this temple retains the imprint of the tragic events of those times, and the Emperor of Japan visits this temple with his whole family on New Year's holidays. Along the path leading to the temple, sakura is planted, which during spring bloom forms a beautiful arch of delicate pink petals above the path.
The temple hosts the most lavish festivals and celebrations in Kamakura. For example, in April and September, famous competitions throughout Japan are held here. yabusame(archery on horseback).
Temple of Hasedera
According to legend, the Temple of Haseder was built in 736. He is famous for his statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, made from a single piece of wood 10 meters high. Buddhist pilgrims come to her from all over Japan to perform ritual prayer and worship her.
Great Buddha
The majestic bronze Buddha statue was erected in 1252 and is almost 800 years old. One of the largest and oldest in Japan.
There have been three large Buddha statues in Japanese history: in Nara, Kyoto and Kamakura. The statue of the Great Buddha in Kyoto, which reached a height of 160 meters, did not survive to this day, it is now being replaced by a smaller wooden statue. The Buddha statue in Nara has often been restored and replaced with new parts, and the appearance of the Kamakura Buddha benefits from the fact that it has remained unchanged since the 13th century. This statue - a silent witness to almost 700 years of history - is devoid of the coarseness usually characteristic of colossi. Particularly admirable is the calm, peaceful expression on his face.
