Nov 18, 2012 - 1 min read

Shrines and Temples in Kamakura

A breath of fresh air just a short distance from Tokyo

By Luke Braidwood

Community writer

A Torii, or gate, on Wakamiya-oji avenue

Artists are dotted around Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu

Tourists and pigeons flock around the Tsurugaoka Hachimon-gu temple complex

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu

Prayers adorn temple walls

Kencho-Ji, the oldest Zen monastery in Japan

The 13th century, 13m tall giant bronze Buddha

The Daibutsu, or giant Buddha, is bronze and weighs 93 tonnes

Once you're done with the capital of Japan, why not try an ancient one? Just a couple of hours outside central Tokyo is the tranquil city of Kamakura. Little Kyoto, as it is known, lies beside the sea and is filled with temples (65) and shrines (15). Throughout the city steep forested hillocks burst upwards, little islands of nature above the streets. This lends the place a wild and peaceful feel. I spent an extremely relaxing afternoon hiking along the wooded ridges between the major sites. Highly recommended.

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Luke Braidwood

By Luke Braidwood

Community writer

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Lynda Hogan

Lynda Hogan 3 years ago

Such a great selection of shrines and temples in every city. Kamakura's are particularly scenic.

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