Kamakura Summer Serenity: Temples, Sea Breezes & Matcha Soft Serve

#summervacay
**Why Summer is Secretly the Best Time?**
When hydrangeas (*ajisai*) explode along temple paths and the **Shonan coastal wind** cuts through the humidity, Japan’s ancient capital becomes a living ukiyo-e—golden Buddhas glowing through mist, and bamboo groves whispering cool secrets.

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### **🌿 Your Perfect Summer Day Trip**

#### **Dawn Pilgrimage (5:30-8 AM)**
- **Great Buddha (Kotoku-in):** Beat crowds to photograph **Daibutsu’s serene face** in golden light
- **Hasedera Temple:** Early entry for **hydrangea tunnel** and ocean views

#### **Midday Escape**
- **11:00 AM - Bamboo & AC:**
- **Hokokuji Temple’s** shaded bamboo grove + matcha set (¥700)
- **Kamakura Museum** (cool respite with national treasures)

#### **Beachside Twilight**
- **4:00 PM - Shichirigahama:**
- **Stand-up paddleboarding** with Fuji views (¥3,000/hr)
- **Beach house cocktails** at *The Sunrise Shack*

#### **Summer Night Magic**
- **7:00 PM - Tsurugaoka Lantern Walk:**
- **Bonbori Festival** (Aug 10-16) lights 1,000 paper lanterns

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### **💰 Budget Breakdown**
- **Train:** ¥920 from Tokyo (1hr on JR Yokosuka Line)
- **Temples:** ¥300-600 each
- **Food:** ¥2,000 for *shirasu-don* (baby sardine rice bowls)

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### **⚠️ Summer-Smart Tips**
- **Hydration:** Buy a **salt-lemon drink** at stations
- **Footwear:** **Sturdy sandals** for temple steps
- **Hidden Gem:** **Zeniarai Benten** money-washing shrine (cool cave!)

**Why It’s Special?**
✅ **10+ temples with summer blooms**
✅ **Ocean swims after culture fixes**
✅ **Evening firefly viewings** (June at Jochiji)

**Tag your escape #kamakurablue!** 🏯🌊

*(Day Trip Add-On: **Enoshima’s sea candles** at sunset!)*