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Travel to Kamakura, Japanby PhotoMannA visit to Kamakura will give you a glimpse of 12th century Japan. Kamakura was the nation's capital from 1192 to 1333. The numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines make it one of the most interesting day trips from Tokyo. The city offers an attractive blend of old and new Japan. I was fortunate recently to have the opportunity to spend some time in Kamakura while on business in the Tokyo area. The best way to see Kamakura is by foot. Start at the Kita-Kamakura station on the JR Yokosuka Line. When you leave the station turn right and follow the signs for the temples and shrines. If you follow the road for about a mile you'll eventually end up at Kamakura station. This will likely take you two hours but could be much longer depending on how much you explore. Along the way, stop at one of the street vendors and buy a map of the area which will be in both English and Japanese. The most notable sites along the road are the Engakuji Temple, Tokeiji (Divorce) Temple, Jochiji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. There is another must-see temple which contains the Great Image of Buddha which is a 37 foot high bronze Buddha. You can take a bus but it is most easily reached by train. When your trek eventually brings you to the Kamakura train station take the Enoshima-Dentetsu (Enoden) train line to the Hase station. When you exit the Hase station take a right and follow the road straight for about a quarter mile. The Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) will be in a small temple on the right. Just follow the crowds of tourists. When retracing your steps back to the train station you should visit the Kosokuji Temple which will be a right turn about half-way to Hase. Just look for the signs. The Great Buddha faces directly south so the lighting is generally good in the morning and afternoon. Lighting at the Kosokuji Temple will likely be best in the morning. Most of the Kamakura area is heavily wooded so shadows are everywhere. Most of the sites have beautiful gardens. Unfortunately I was there just as the flowers started to blossom. In full bloom everything will be very colorful. You will likely have the opportunity to photograph women in kimonos at one of the shrines. Most of the temples open from 9am to 4pm. A few open earlier, including the Great Buddha which allows visitors starting at 7am. Bring your walking shoes and lots of film! |
