1Kamakura Sta.

2Hokokuji Temple

The temple has always been known for the Moso bamboo forest in its precinct, which is why Hokokuji is also called the Bamboo Temple. The principal image is a statue of a seated Shakanyorai. The founder, Tengan Eko, studied in China during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Tokishu, the autograph collection of his poems, is an important national cultural asset.

3Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

The Main Shrine, the Heart of Kamakura City Present day After the defeat of Taira no Tadatsune, Minamoto no Yoriyoshi built a branch shrine of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine (in Kyoto) near the Yuigahama seashore (where Motohachimangu Shrine is currently located). A hundred years later, when Minamoto no Yoritomo, five generations after Yoriyoshi, came to Kamakura, the shrine was moved to the current location. Yoritomo was devoted to the Hachiman deity, the tutelary god of warriors, and samurai warriors in other provinces followed his example. As a result, many Hachimangu shrines were built across Japan. After the death of Yoritomo, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine was supported by the Hojo clan. …

4Kotokuin

The Kamakura Daibutsu, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, is a National Treasure. It is basically in its original condition. Other than the fact that casting began in around 1252, not much is known about its creation. The statue was originally carved in wood and was later cast in bronze. Visitors may go inside the Daibutsu and see firsthand the sophisticated casting technology used in its construction. The Daibutsu used to be housed in a great hall, which was destroyed by typhoons and a giant tsunami after the Kamakura shogunate fell. Ever since, the Daibutsu has sat in the open air. The enormous size of the original hall can be deduced from the foundation stones which stud the precinct.

5Hasedera Temple

This temple is famous not only for its Buddhist statues but also for its gardens, and you will not want to miss the view over Kamakura city and out towards the ocean from the lookout platform. Hydrangeas in bloom in springtime and the autumn colors are very popular with visitors. The principal Buddha statue at Hasedera is an eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, which is believed to have been carved from the same camphor tree as the statue at Hasedera Temple in Nara. The statue is over 9 meters tall, making it one of the tallest Buddhist statues in Japan. Other cultural treasures, such as a standing eleven-faced Kannon statue, which was the principal object of worship before the current Great Ka…