Kamakura is a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour from Tokyo Station. Kamakura become politically important in 1192 when Minamoto-no-Yoritomo made it his military capital and was the capital for 150 years. Kamakura was selected because it was surrounded by wooded hills and the sea and easy to defend against attack
Though its glory years are behind it Kamakura remain a popular tourist destination due to it many temples and shrines, natural beauty, old wooden homes and location on the sea. There are 65 Buddhist temples and 19 Shinto shrines in the area, and most were built hundreds of years ago. You can also visit the sacred island of Enoshima where visitors can take in the various sights of the island.
Great Buddha of Kamakura
Located in the Kotoku-in Temple this bronze statue was cast in 1252. It was originally housed in a wooden enclosure that was destroyed by a tsunami (title wave) on September 20, 1498. It is the second tallest bronze Buddha at 13.35 meter (14.60 yards) in Japan and only surpassed by the Great Buddha in Nara’s Todaiji Temple.
Hasedera Temple
This Jodo Sect temple is about a 5 minute walk from Hase Station and was build on the side of a hill. It is most famous for it of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. There is also a garden with ponds filled with koi fish. There is also an observation deck which offers views of the city.
Engakuji
This Zen temple is located just a few steps from Kita-Kamakura Station. It was originally built in 1282 by Hojo Tokimune just one year after the second attempt of the Mongols to invade Japan. The Mongols were reverted and Engakuji was built to pay respect to the fallen soldiers.
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...
Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...
I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...
Years after years we have selected the best specialists about Japan. They have at least lived a minimum of 10 years in the country. They are here to answer all your questions and to make your tour just the way you want it.
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Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training & teaching Aikido.
Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.
Noriko was born in Nagoya. During her childhood she moved around Japan following her father’s office transfer. She especially liked her time in Shizuoka, facing Mt Fuji. She now lives in Minoo (in the suburb of Osaka). Noriko graduated from Hiroshima university. She’s been to Malaysia, Thailand and Europe (Germany and Bulgaria). Her hobbies are hiking, reading and surfing.
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Your Japan expert has lived in Japan for many years or is Japanese.
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They add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour.
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