If asked about a tourist destination that can be enjoyed as a day trip from Tokyo, the best answer would be Kamakura. Surrounded by the sea and mountains, it’s a place rich in greenery, history, and culture. This time, the Noripy Exploration Team visited Kencho-ji, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kotoku-in, and Hokoku-ji. In fact, Kamakura is a place where Noripy dreams of living.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
It’s more recognizable as “The Great Buddha of Kamakura” rather than by the temple’s name, Kotoku-in, isn’t it? The entire Noripy Exploration Team posed for a photo with the Great Buddha.
A Place Linked to the Genji Clan
Yui Wakamiya, although not many tourists visited nowadays, has historical ties to the Genji clan. It is located quite close to Yuigahama.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
How about reminiscing about the Kamakura period and taking a walk along Dankazura from the second torii gate? It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo, who established the Kamakura Shogunate, set up Dankazura to pray for the safe childbirth of his wife, Hojo Masako.
If you look closely at the character “八” (hachi) on the plaque of the tower gate, you will see the faces of two pigeons side by side. The sacred messenger of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the pigeon. The famous Kamakura souvenir, Hato Sable (pigeon-shaped butter cookies), comes from this connection.
Kencho-ji Temple
Zen Buddhism, which became the spiritual backbone of the Kamakura samurai, is deeply rooted here. Kencho-ji, ranked first among the five great Zen temples of Kamakura, is overwhelming in its grandeur. The bonshō (temple bell) preserved since its founding is a national treasure. The juniper tree is said to have grown from seeds brought from China by the founding priest, Lanxi Daolong. It stands as a testament to nearly 800 years of history.
Enoden and Kamakura Road
For exploring Kamakura, you can either ride the Enoden or take your time walking.
If you choose to walk from Kencho-ji to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, you’ll pass through the Kofukurozaka Pass.
Hokoku-ji Temple
Being surrounded by the bamboo grove brings a sense of calm. You could spend hours just admiring it. Hokoku-ji Temple attracts many visitors because of its enchanting bamboo grove. You can also enjoy matcha tea while gazing at the bamboo grove.
Foodie’s Delight!
Enjoyed Kencho-ji’s famous “kenchin-jiru” at a restaurant called Tenshin-an. The garden there is also lovely. During our break, Noripy savored matcha sweets at the café “Kaze no Mori” by the Heike Pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
Foodie, satisfied!
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