Introducing the history of Kamakura and famous tourist spots near Kamakura Station
Kamakura is known as an ancient capital alongside Kyoto and Nara, and is one of the leading tourist destinations in Japan. During the Kamakura period, when Kamakura was the quasi-capital of Japan, the city was a samurai capital. Today we will introduce the area of Kamakura, where vestiges of the former "Kamakura Castle" remain, along with its tourist attractions.
●When did it become a tourist destination?
It is said that Kamakura started to become a tourist destination in the middle of the Edo period. When the Yokosuka Line opened in the Meiji period, the number of tourists increased dramatically. And it remains popular today as a major tourist spot near Tokyo.
Kamakura is known as the place where Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199), who defeated the Taira clan and the Oshu Fujiwara clan and unified Japan, established the shogunate in 1192. For the 141 years from then until the shogunate's downfall, Kamakura led Japan's politics, economy, military, and culture.
●Kamakura from the perspective of Feng Shui
There are three reasons why Yoritomo chose Kamakura. The first was that it was the base of the Genji clan in the eastern part of the country. The second was that the city was surrounded by mountains, and the other side was the sea, making it a strategic location. The third was related to feng shui. In fact, the "four gods" were important in city planning from ancient times to the Middle Ages. The four gods are the four gods: Seiryu, Suzaku, Byakko, and Genbu. To build an ideal city, it is said that it is best to choose a place with a clear river flowing in the east where Seiryu lives, a large road in the west where Byakko lives, a large pond in the south where Suzaku lurks, and a mountain in the north where Genbu lives. Kyoto was also built according to these four gods. In Kamakura, the Namegawa River in the east is Seiryu, the road in the west leading to Oiso is Byakko, the mountains in the north are Genbu, and Sagami Bay opening to the sea is Suzaku. Kamakura was the perfect place to become what we now call a power spot.
● Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a symbol of the shogunate
It takes about 15 minutes on foot from JR Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. You can reach the shrine through the shopping street called Komachi-dori. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine was originally built in Yui (now Zaimokuza) as a shrine associated with the Genji clan, and in 1180 Yoritomo relocated it to the current Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. It attracted the faith of Kamakura samurai as a place of prayer for the Genji clan and a spiritual symbol of the shogunate. The approach to Hachimangu Shrine is called Wakamiya-oji. It is a straight approach to the mountain from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine to the southern coast, and there are three large torii gates on the main road. From the sea side, they are the first torii gate, the second torii gate, and the third torii gate. The approach from the second torii gate to the third torii gate is about 500 meters high, with cherry blossoms and azaleas planted on the banks built on both sides. It is called "Dankazura" because the road is divided by high piles of katsura stones. During the autumn foliage season in November, the approach to the shrine is colored in beautiful yellow. Once you reach the top of the stone steps, the main shrine appears in a beautiful vermilion color.
One thing that is easy to get confused about is the way to pray. The way to pray at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the same as at other shrines, so you bow twice, clap your hands twice, recite a simple prayer, and then bow once more. The adjacent Treasure Hall also contains documents from that time, making it a must-see for history buffs, so don't miss it.
●Genpei Pond
When you enter the grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, you will see the Genpei Pond on both sides. There is an arched bridge in the center of the pond, which you can cross. Many people take photos on the arched bridge, and in May the pond is covered with lotus leaves, and in the autumn foliage season, bright red leaves welcome many tourists.
●Kenchoji Temple
Kenchoji Temple was built in 1253, about 600 meters from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. It is a Zen temple founded by Hojo Tokiyori. The grounds of Kenchoji Temple are designated as a national historic site. Many of the buildings built there are designated as important cultural properties, including national treasures. The highlight is the pond in the garden behind the head priest of Kenchoji Temple. It is also called "Kokoro-ji Pond" (heart character pond) because it was made in the shape of the character "Kokoro" (heart) in old calligraphy. From early summer to autumn, the green grass is beautifully maintained, and in autumn, the scenery is beautifully dyed red and yellow. There is an admission fee of 300 yen, but it is definitely worth a visit.
●Meigetsuin Temple (Hydrangea Temple)
Meigetsuin Temple is located about 600 meters from Kenchoji Temple. Thousands of hydrangeas are planted in the grounds of Meigetsuin Temple, and it is one of the most famous hydrangea spots in Kamakura, along with Hasedera Temple. Many tourists and photographers visit during the rainy season. Meigetsuin Temple is also famous for its circular window. People often line up to see the seasonal scenery outside through the circular window from the Japanese-style room. There is an admission fee of 500 yen, but the scenery you can see here is so captivating that it is worth a visit.
Summary
Kamakura has become famous as a tourist destination, and many tourists visit the many shrines and temples, too numerous to mention here. It is located close to Tokyo and is a wonderful tourist destination where you can experience Japanese culture, so please do visit. Kimono is also recommended for experiencing Japanese culture. At VASARA Kimono Rental, you can choose from a variety of Japanese clothing such as kimonos and yukatas, put them on, and go out for a stroll. We have two stores near Kamakura Station, so we can accommodate groups such as school trip students. We hope you will consider it.
Kimono Rental VASARA Kamakura store
Kamakura Komachi Street Store
https://vasara-h.co.jp/shop/detail.html?id=2
Kamakura Station Store
