Meeting Point

Tokyo 23 wards.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Kotoku-in

The Great Buddha of Kamakura, located in Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a symbol of the Pure Land Buddhism. The Buddha is called Amida Tathagata, a bronze seated statue with a net height of 11.3 meters, a height of 13.35 meters including the pedestal, and weighs about 121 tons. The Great Buddha of Kamakura was built in 1252. It has a typical Song Dynasty Buddhist style popular in the Kamakura period. It is particularly precious because it basically maintains the original form of the statue. The construction of the Great Buddha of Kamakura began in 1238. It was originally a wooden structure, and was later cast in bronze in 1252. The Great Buddha has been worshipped in the open air since 1498, and has survived many typhoons, tsunamis and earthquakes, but it still stands. The Great Buddha is cleverly designed, with a hollow structure inside and windows on the back to relieve moisture erosion. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is not only a national treasure of Japan, but also one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Kanto region. Visitors can enter the interior from the bottom of the back of the Buddha. There are traces of multiple repairs inside. A pair of 1.8-meter-long straw sandals are hung on the left side of the Buddha, woven by children from Ibaraki Prefecture and presented to the Buddha. In addition, other attractions in Kotoku-in such as Niomon and Kangetsu-do are also worth visiting.

Inamuragasaki

Inamurasaki offers one of the most stunning scenery in Japan! Located off the coast of Kamakura, this place is a peaceful haven and an ideal spot to capture a stunning sunset. The waves gently lapping against the shore, the lush greenery, and the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji in the distance come together to create a stunning view that you can't miss. You can watch the spectacular sunset and enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves and the refreshing sea breeze. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji, adding a touch of majesty to the scenery. At Inamurasaki Seaside Park, you can enjoy the beautiful Shonan Coast and relive the scenes of Slam Dunk. It is not particularly far from Hasedera Temple and the Great Buddha of Kamakura, suitable for tourists to walk and stroll after meals. There is also Inamurasaki Station of Enoden next to the park.

Shichirigahama

Shichirigahama is located on the southern Shonan coastline in Kanagawa Prefecture, between Enoshima and Kamakura. A popular spot for surfers year-round, it’s also famous for its views of Mount Fuji – especially at sunset. Because of the beautiful panoramic views, it was depicted by famous ukiyo-e artists Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, and appears in their series of Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. In modern times, the Japanese national band Southern Stars even celebrated the area in songs and films. Take a stroll along the beach, or gaze out of the window of the coastal Enoden train that connects Kamakura and Fujisawa to see the sunny beach views.

Kencho-ji

Kencho-ji Temple is the first Zen temple in Japan, the main temple of the Kencho-ji School of the Rinzai sect, and the first of the Five Mountains of Kamakura. The mountain is called "Kyofukuyama". It was founded by Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura shogunate. According to the "Azuma Kagami[1]", construction began in 1251 and the ceremony of the fall of the temple was held in 1253. However, there is also a saying that the construction began in 1249 or 1253. The founder of the temple was Lanxi Daolong, who came to Japan from the Southern Song Dynasty in China. The second abbot was Wuan Puning, who also came to Japan from the Southern Song Dynasty in China. The main deity of Kencho-ji Temple is Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (the main deity of Zen temples is usually Sakyamuni Tathagata). This is because the valley where the temple is located was originally a place of execution called "Hell Valley". The "Karadosan Shinpeiji Temple" with Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva as the main deity was built. The "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statue" placed in the "Buddha Hall" is the old main deity of Shinpeiji Temple. The temple buildings were destroyed several times in the Great Kamakura Earthquake in 1293, the fires in 1315 and 1416, and the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. In 1966, the temple grounds were designated as a national historic site.

Enoshima

Enoshima is a land-connected island with a circumference of 4 kilometers and an elevation of 60 meters located in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Enoshima is located at the mouth of the Katase River where it flows into Sagami Bay. Enoshima is now the center of the Shonan region and a tourist attraction along the coast of Sagami Bay. It is a very beautiful island with rich cultural atmosphere and natural scenery. There are seaside caves and lighthouses here. The Kamakura route arrives at Enoshima in the evening, checks in at a beautiful view restaurant, and then enjoys a sunset. It is a perfect end to the trip to Kamakura.

Hasedera

Ending Point

Tokyo 23 wards.