Happy TravellerWelcome to Kamakura, a coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. With a population of over 170,000 people, Kamakura is a popular domestic tourist destination known for its high number of seasonal festivals, ancient Buddhist and Shinto shrines and temples, and stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by hills to the north, east, and west, and the open water of Sagami Bay to the south, Kamakura is a natural fortress that was once the de facto capital of Japan from 1185 to 1333 as the seat of the Kamakura shogunate. Today, it is a charming city that offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and culture.
One of Kamakura’s defining features is Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū, a Shinto shrine in the center of the city. A 1.8-kilometer road called Wakamiya Ōji runs from Sagami Bay directly to the shrine, and is flanked by pine trees and three torii gates. Another must-see attraction is Kita-Kamakura, a small town located northwest of Kamakura that is famous for its traditional atmosphere and the presence of three of the five highest-ranking Rinzai Zen temples in Kamakura.
Kamakura is also home to numerous narrow valleys, such as the Urigayatsu, Shakadōgayatsu, Ōgigayatsu, Kamegayatsu, Hikigayatsu, and Matsubagayatsu valleys, which branch off from the city’s alluvial plain. The Namerigawa river runs through Kamakura, marking the border between Zaimokuza and Yuigahama. The city borders Yokohama to the north, Zushi to the east, and Fujisawa to the west.
In addition to its rich history and cultural attractions, Kamakura is also known for its delicious local cuisine. Visitors can sample traditional Japanese dishes such as shirasu-don (rice bowl topped with baby sardines), kamakura-fu (sweet bean paste cakes), and shojin-ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine).
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, Kamakura has something to offer everyone. Come explore this enchanting city and discover why it’s one of Japan’s most beloved tourist destinations.
