Things to Do in Kamakura: Classics, Quiet Streets & Routes That Work
Current prices and hours for the Great Buddha, Hasedera, Hachimangu and the rest — plus the quiet streets between them and three walking routes I actually use.
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Two Hasedera, Two Hydrangea Weeks: Kamakura and Nara Twin Temples (June 2026)
Two temples share the name Hasedera — one in Kamakura with ~2,500 plants peaking early–mid June, one in Nara with ~3,000 plants peaking late June–early July. Same name, same 8th-century origin, two completely different ajisai experiences. Visited both. Side-by-side.
Shonan at 5 AM in June 2026: Koyurugi Crossing, the Beach with Mt. Fuji, and the Coast Most Visitors Walk Past
A pre-tsuyu, pre-crowd morning walk along the Shonan coast — Enoden trains, the small Koyurugi crossing, and Mt. Fuji from a beach almost no foreigner has heard of.
A Visitor’s Guide to the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotoku-in Temple)
Kamakura, a coastal city just south of Tokyo, is a treasure trove of temples, shrines, and historical landmarks. Yet, few are as iconic or instantly recognizable as the Great Buddha (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu). Housed at Kotoku-in Temple, this colossal bronze…
Chasing Fuji: A Guide to 3 Iconic Mt. Fuji Photo Spots in Shichirigahama
Shichirigahama, a coastal neighborhood in Kamakura, is not just for beach strolls and anime pilgrimages. For photographers, it offers some of the most breathtaking and distinctly Japanese views of Mt. Fuji. When the air is clear, especially during the cooler…
Slam Dunk Crossing in Kamakura: Best Time, Access, and How to Beat the Crowds
For fans of the iconic 90s anime Slam Dunk, the image is instantly recognizable: a small railway crossing, the green and yellow Enoden train gliding past, and the sparkling Shonan coast in the background. This is the Kamakura Koko-mae crossing,…
Shichirigahama Beach: A Kamakura Sunrise Walk Guide
As the first golden light spills over Sagami Bay, the silhouette of Enoshima Island sharpens against an orange sky. Early morning surfers are already carving lines into the gentle waves, and the air is crisp with the scent of the…
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