Bucket list experience:
Kamakura, Kanto, Japan
The Great Buddha, Kamakura’s most iconic sight
From 1185 to 1333, the small seaside city of Kamakura, an hour south of Tokyo, was the political centre of Japan. Nowadays, it’s a popular sightseeing area, dotted with historic temples and shrines that has had it likened to a mini-Kyoto.
Most famously that includes Kotoku-in Temple, home to an iconic 11.4-metre bronze statue of Buddha that’s been wooing onlookers since 1252.
Getting to Kotoku-in Temple for the giant Buddha means taking the charmingly retro Enoden Line a few short stops from Kamakura to Hase – worth it for the rickety ride alone.
Kamakura, Kanto, Japan
Not as famous or big as the bamboo grove in Kyoto, the towering bamboo at Hokoku-ji Temple is nevertheless just as attractive, and you can enjoy it without Kyoto’s crowds.
Adult price: £3
Best for ages 6+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Frequency: annually
Kamakura, Kanto, Japan
Established in the 13th century, this temple is home to Kamakura’s most famous sight, a giant 13th-century statue of Buddha. The temple attracts visitors from around the world to admire the monumental bronze statue, towering at 13.35 meters tall and weighing around 121 tons.
Adult price: £2
Best for ages 13+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Frequency: annually
Kamakura, Kanto, Japan
Held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine from September 14 to 16 every year, the standout events of this festival are the displays of horseback archery by riders in full samurai attire.
Best for ages 13+
Duration: 3 days
When: 14th-16th Sept
Frequency: annually
Kamakura, Kanto, Japan
Kamakura’s biggest and most revered shrine, established 1,000 years ago. Enter via several giant torii, gateways to an elaborately decorated dancing stage, at the foot of steps leading to the colourful main hall.
Adult price: £3
Best for ages 13+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Frequency: annually
Kamakura is relatively easy to visit independently. From Tokyo Station the JR Yokusuka Line goes direct to Kamakura Station in just under an hour.
The temples are all spread out, mostly north of the station, while the beach is south of the station. The Enoden tram runs along the coast to Hase Station, where the giant buddha is, but otherwise you can just walk or use the bus network to visit almost all of the sites.
Organised tours run daily from Tokyo. Led by expert guides, they’ll take you to the main sights and organise all logistics.
Spring and autumn, like elsewhere in and around Tokyo, are the best seasons for comfortably exploring Kamakura.
Or time a visit for the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine’s Reitaisai Festival in mid-September, to see history in action, with events including demonstrations of horseback archery by riders in samurai armour.
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