Kamakura Temple Tour: A Detailed Review of the Samurai Capital

Kamakura, often called the Samurai Capital, has a certain charm, right? It’s a bit different from the really bright lights of Tokyo. So, you get there, and what you will see are all these fantastic temples just sitting there with this really impressive history. Getting to tour Kamakura feels almost like stepping back in time, a little bit. With temples peeking from behind trees, it really gives you a look at a totally different side of Japan. And the really cool thing is, that it is something you could do in just one day.

Why Kamakura Is Worth The Hype

Okay, so Kamakura isn’t just a place, that’s important. The cool part of the appeal is really, almost, tied to its really amazing history, or its former role. Back between the 12th and 14th centuries, it’s almost as if Kamakura was the main stage for politics and culture in Japan. That said, you might be thinking, “well there are tons of old places.” Well, not so fast. The really impressive part is that many of those spots are still standing. We are talking Zen temples, pretty shrines, and the Great Buddha himself. The feel there, is just almost as alive as it has ever been.

Walking down the streets you almost feel like those samurai from way back might have walked these very paths. A tour isn’t just a sightseeing thing; you are kind of soaking up the history too, is that understandable? You get these stories and details that actually start painting pictures. This history gives every spot an actual extra layer of appreciation.

Top Temples to Visit on Your Kamakura Tour

You absolutely must know the hot spots, first things first. When planning that Kamakura temple adventure, there are a few, arguably must-see spots you might want to prioritize.

Kotoku-in Temple and the Great Buddha

Right, so Kotoku-in is a real big one. It features this massive bronze Great Buddha statue, almost. Seriously, the moment you lay eyes on it, it really hits you hard, honestly. It is quite striking, isn’t it? Standing tall, outside like that. The scale of that thing really gives you some sense of peace and amazement. The cool thing is, the interior of that thing has some pretty remarkable craftsmanship.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Next stop maybe has to be Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Now, it is Kamakura’s most prominent Shinto shrine. What it does is almost dedicate everything to Hachiman. That would be the god of war. Established by Minamoto Yoritomo, the very first shogun of the Kamakura period. The approach to this shrine has got almost these wide pathways that are, more or less, lined with cherry trees. I have to say, when they are in full bloom, oh boy. Also there is this, quite prominent, main hall, that’s got these carvings, that’s impressive. It really stands out, anyway, you know?

Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple, oh my goodness. The home to this absolutely beautiful eleven-headed statue of Kannon. She is the goddess of mercy, a lot like your protector in a way. In addition to the deity herself, that area also is going to give you an astonishing view. It’s located on a hill. You actually can see the sea when the skies are really cooperating. Then there are also little gardens, cute ponds. It feels like you might get lost in there.

Kencho-ji Temple

How can we not talk Kencho-ji, it is a bit more special you know? What is great about Kencho-ji Temple, it is considered to be the oldest Zen temple in Kamakura. Just a simple stroll around the temple area kind of exudes so much Zen calm that it just is like a breath of fresh air in that regard. The gardens, and sub-temples are the true highlights, almost. This helps to showcase classic Zen landscape. It’s a wonderful spot to find some calmness. It does not just feature sights. Experiences include tea, or you can see monks.

Planning Your Tour: What to Keep in Mind

Okay, time to sort out a game plan, obviously. Doing Kamakura right involves, very simply, planning a couple of things. Let’s look at them.

Best Times to Visit

Okay, you actually do not want to go during packed holidays. Seriously, it’s busy enough. The spot, for most people is best around spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), a bit. It will be the usual nice weather you have come to expect, less rain. As well as temperatures are much cooler then, of course. These times are almost especially known for the natural colors: cherry blossoms in the springtime or stunning autumn foliage.

Getting Around

Alright, you might get there, so what do you do next? The local trains would probably be the best, usually. You may consider purchasing a day pass so you actually save a good chunk of cash in this situation. That will just allow you simple hop on-hop off type stuff. Alternatively, taxis would have to be much more money. If you are near a sight, there will typically be one nearby. So yeah, for short spots walking’s more manageable. Then you kind of see the town too.

What to Wear

For your travels there, when in temples what is appropriate? Showing some respect. In some situations that may require long clothes. But generally as a day-to-day thing be mindful and comfortable too. The kind of clothes that don’t wrinkle and breath well are often favored. But that’s on you.

Respecting Temple Etiquette

Listen closely, it will often have little or no explanation. Act how the natives would. Try and blend in. This should give you some level of immersion when traveling. These places often represent very significant histories and stories.

What’s Nearby? Exploring Areas Near Kamakura

You went to Kamakura and had some good sights, how about seeing even more things at some extra close by spots? Check them out.

Enoshima Island

Just a short train ride off Kamakura, that thing has something special about it, for most folks that go anyway. Enoshima’s what many folks think of if asked where is nearby Kamakura. It has amazing scenery on it, especially from the lighthouse up above, or just casually looking from the seaside cliffs. Also be mindful of those fantastic meals as well. Lots of very fresh sea style eats!

Yokohama

Many know the famous international harbor, right? Yokohama! Not particularly far at all by trains from all around the capital of the samurai, and it is totally worth a trip of just one day! So what could the sights possibly be? There’s the harbor of course, which goes on for pretty much miles from end to end. The skyline alone is magnificent! Additionally, the cuisine there represents a big culture there.

Hakone

Are the lakes attractive enough for you? Is that mountainous kind of deal an alright backdrop? Oh that will only do so much, oh how could I possibly forget. Those beautiful views from up above the skyline of Mountain Fuji, oh yeah. The volcanic hot springs give that city or town so much atmosphere on their own you are totally surrounded, that’s an amazing thing in and of itself. So while at the spots on high make sure to soak it all in for good!