The Minute Tour: Kamakura, Japan

The Ethereal Escape from Tokyo.

Standing on the beach as Mount Fuji looms in the distance, it’s easy to feel like you are living Hokusai’s famous woodblock print “Great Wave.” Recognized as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the original seat of the Shogun, Kamakura’s quiet nature is a welcome change from Tokyo.

Easily reachable on Tokyo’s JR Subway line, Kamakura is a walker’s paradise and offers something for everyone: ancient temples and shrines, hiking paths, onsens, and some of the most delicious curry in Japan. Whether winter or summer, make sure Kamakura is on your places to go.

The Minute Tour: Kamakura from TheMinuteTour on Vimeo.

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Culture:

No trip to Kamakura is complete without a visit to the famous Kamakura Daibutsu – one of the ‘must-sees’ of Japan. The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) is a bronze statue of the Amida Buddha and is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Waving survived typhoons, earthquakes, and a tidal wave this open air Buddha is here to stay.

Attractions:

Temples. Shrines. Beaches. Mountains. Where else in the world can you find such variety? Doesn’t matter what it is…you name it. Kamakura has something for everyone.

Lifestyle:

Definitely an Onsen Experience. Westerners be warned, this is a nude Japanese bath house. But if you’re looking for the real deal, an Onsen experience is sure to rewrite your personal definition of ‘relaxation.’ My first Onsen experience was here in Kamakura at the Inamuragasaki Onsen – directly off of Kamakura Bay with views of Mount Fuji. There is about a 99.9% chance you will be the only foreigner.

“Off the Beaten Path” :

Literally off the beaten path, research the hiking trails in Kamakura to wind through forests with stops at major shrines, temples, and yakitori stands along your path. Surrounded to the north, east and west by hills and to the south by the open water of Sagami Bay, Kamakura is a hiker’s fantasy turned reality.

Food Recommendation:

Woof Curry. For the equivalent of $10 US, you will eat like a curry king. Delicious, home cooked Japanese curry awaits! Just be warned: expect to lick the bowl clean until it is forcibly removed from you.

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