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An hour's drive from Tokyo lies the small town of Kamakura. It was Japan's first feudal capital and bears witness to the nation's rich history. At the end of the 12th century, with the beginning of the Kamakura Shogunate, Kamakura became the political and cultural center of Japan. With the end of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 14th century, Japan entered a period of division between North and South, and Kamakura gradually fell into decline. Today, Kamakura, steeped in both past glory and the calm aftermath of that splendor, lies peacefully on the seaside.
When many people think of Kamakura, the movie "Slam Dunk" probably comes to mind. Hanamichi Sakuragi greets Haruko at Kamakura High School Station, a memory that many cherish from their youth. In fact, numerous writers and poets have left their mark here. Yasunari Kawabata created his works here, Ryunosuke Akutagawa lingered here, and Hirokazu Koreeda filmed "Our Little Sister" here. Let's once again savor the beauty and customs of Kamakura.
Qilibin: Walking on the sand, watching the sea, and basking in the sunset
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day
Kamakura is a slow-paced coastal town, and a visit to Shichirigahama Beach is a must. As the sun sets and the rays of the sun bathe your body, it's truly a relaxing time to walk on the sand and gaze at the sea. If you'd rather avoid the crowds, consider visiting in autumn or winter. The area around Shichirigahama Station is full of activities, and Kamakura High School is just one stop away. Enjoy food and drinks along the way, and in good weather, it's perfect for a stroll.
Inamurasaki Coast: Stroll along the Shonan Coast and Enjoy Surfing
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day
Inamurasaki Coast is a surfer's paradise, often crowded with surfing enthusiasts. Walking along the shoreline, you can see Enoshima Island nearby, and on clear days, even Mount Fuji. It's not far from Hasedera Temple and the Great Buddha of Kamakura, making it a great place for a stroll or after-dinner stroll. The park is also adjacent to the Enoden Electric Railway's Inamurasaki Station. It's a prime spot for watching the sunset, with views of Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji. You can also walk down to the beach or follow the road to the nearby hills. When the sun gets too strong, you can set up a small tent there and enjoy the panoramic seaside views.
Jile Temple丨A niche temple where photography is not allowed
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 9:00-16:30, Treasure Hall: 10:00-16:00
Gokuraku-ji Temple is a Shingon Ritsu sect temple, where the funeral of the four sisters' father in "Our Little Sister" took place.
Gokurakuji Temple is quite small, making the tall trees appear even more lush and green. Photography is prohibited within the temple grounds. Driving from Changkoji Temple to Gokurakuji Temple, you'll see the red "Sakura Bridge," signaling you're nearing Gokurakuji Station. In the film "Sea Street Dairy," this station is designated as the closest tram stop to the four sisters' homes. It appears frequently. The Jizo Hall, located nearby, is where Ling takes shelter from the rain in the film. The temple grounds are home to numerous hydrangeas, which bloom in full bloom every June, attracting countless visitors.
Hasedera Temple: One of the Most Famous Temples in Kanto
Tickets: Adults 300 yen, Children 100 yen
Opening Hours:
March to September 8:00～17:00 (closed at 17:30)
October to February 8:00～16:30 (Closing 17:00)
Hasedera Temple is a Jodo Buddhist temple and one of the most renowned in the Kanto region. Enshrined within the temple is a standing statue of the Eleven-Faced Kannon, approximately nine meters tall and the largest wooden Buddha statue in Japan. Hasedera Temple also boasts a classic Japanese dry landscape garden, imbued with a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. This dry landscape garden, a hallmark of temples, incorporates Zen Buddhist philosophy. Upon arrival, one is tempted to linger over the tranquility. If you visit during the peak bloom of hydrangeas, the spectacle will be akin to the spectacle of "the first blossoms of peach blossoms in a mountain temple."
Wenzuo Canteen丨A Place Like Home
Address: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
The "Umineko Shokudo" frequented by the four sisters in "Our Little Sister" is actually called Wenzuo Shokudo. Located in a small alley away from the tourist area, it's very quiet. If you're planning a pilgrimage here, it's best not to disturb the locals. The owners, two women and a man, danced with us and ordered four dishes. Upon hearing we were from China, the man immediately made a ping-pong gesture. Despite the strong wind and heavy rain outside, the warmth inside was undeniable.
Gokurakuji Station: One of the Most Beautiful Stations in Kanto
Address: 7-4 Gokurakuji 3-chome, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Gokurakuji Station on the Enoden Railway has appeared numerous times in films, including scenes where the middle sister, Yoshino, and her younger sister, Rei, catch the train together, and the eldest sister, Sachi, escorts her biological mother to her new home. The station, with its retro and tranquil wooden architecture, was even voted one of the 100 most beautiful stations in Kanto. As a small station on the Enoden Railway, Gokurakuji Station itself is full of cute features. The red mailbox in front of the platform is particularly eye-catching, and the area is even more beautiful when the hydrangeas are in bloom. Upon exiting the station, you'll be greeted by a vast expanse of hydrangeas, so stunning that even cyclists can't help but stop to take photos. The entrance to Gokurakuji Temple is covered in flowers. The surrounding streets remain quiet even in peak season, making for a pleasant stroll if the weather isn't too hot.
Kamakura Komachi-dori is Kamakura's most famous shopping street. It boasts not only authentic Japanese snacks but also charming trinkets and souvenirs, making it a must-visit for young people visiting Kamakura. As you exit Kamakura Station and head towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, you'll inevitably pass this kilometer-long pedestrian paradise of food. Passing through the red torii gate, you'll enter Kamakura's "most delicious" street: Komachi-dori. As part of the main approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, this lively pedestrian street connects Wakamiya-Oji and the station. It's bustling at any time of year, overflowing with delicious food and exciting offerings. Each restaurant's food is prepared on site, emitting a fragrant aroma that draws visitors in. As they eat and walk, they enter the Shinto shrine, the symbol of Kamakura, Hachimangu Shrine, bringing with them a taste of the finest cuisine and a visit to this historic and historic venue.
Notes:
It's so popular, be prepared to queue, but the snacks are all made on site, so the queue won't be too long.
The business hours of each store are different, and not all stores accept credit cards, especially snack bars, so you need to prepare change.
1. Enoshima Inn 134
Enoshima Guesthouse 134 is located in a prime location in Kanagawa, only a 10-minute walk from Enoshima Electric Railway Station. Its biggest advantage is that it provides convenient access to major attractions in Kanagawa.
Address: 2-15-15 Katase Coast
2. Kakiya Ryokan
Address: Address: Koshigoe 3-7-24
The hotel is located right next to Koshigoe Station on the Koshigoe Railway. The train rumbles past right outside, and the ocean is just a few alleyways away. Best of all, many of the rooms here are Japanese-style!
3.8 Hotel
Address: 1-5 Hanazawa-cho, Kunuma, Fujisawa City
The hotel is centrally located, just 300 meters from JR Fujisawa Station. From there, Tokyo Station is a 45-minute train ride away. Bicycle rentals are available, and the cafe regularly hosts events such as bossa nova concerts and morning markets.
People love traveling to Japan for a variety of reasons. Some are captivated by Tokyo's autumn, hoping to find a fairytale beneath the frosted leaves of maple trees. Others are obsessed with Osaka's culinary scene, exploring every corner of Dotonbori to satisfy their discerning palates. Some are captivated by Kyoto's pagodas and temples, where the sun shines brightly as the pond and Kinkaku-ji Temple complement each other. And Kamakura offers a breathtaking view of mountains, sea, and temples, bringing tranquility and peace to both body and soul.
