Super Cheap Japan by Matthew Baxter

Author:Matthew Baxter [Baxter, Matthew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 2017, budget, cheap, cool, guide, guidebook, Hiroshima, honshu, japan, japan travel guide, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, rail, rail pass, Tokyo, travel
Publisher: Matthew Baxter
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Kamakura (鎌倉)

Kamakura is a great day trip from Tokyo, and when combined with the Enoshima Kamakura Freepass is a really cheap way to see a more traditional area. Most tourist spots are free or only a few hundred yen (or a somewhat pointless 20 yen for the giant Buddha!). Kamakura is full of interesting shrines, and great for autumn color and cherry blossoms. It can get awfully busy at weekends and on national holidays, so avoid these days if you can.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura, also known as Daibutsu

Discount pass: Enoshima Kamakura Freepass

Provides a round trip to Kamakura from Tokyo (Shinjuku station), as well as unlimited use of trains in the area for one day. There is a lot to do in Kamakura, and most of it is connected by the train lines of this pass. You will therefore start to save money very quickly. The cost of an Enoshima Kamakura Freepass is about the same as a return ticket. Buy from the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku station, or the Odakyu ticket machines in the station. The pass also provides discounts or free gifts at about 20 sites and restaurants in Kamakura. Check http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/enoshima_kamakura/ for the latest on offer. Adults 1,470 yen, children 740 yen

A little bit of history

Kamakura, a former capital of Japan, is an ancient city that was once as powerful as Nara and Kyoto. In 1192 warrior Minamoto Yoritomo established the first military government here, the Kamakura Bakufu. Previously the Imperial family in Kyoto held all power. The Hojo clan took over after Yoritomo's death and developed trade in the 13th century, importing Buddhism, Chinese lacquerware and Zen architecture, having a great effect on Japanese society. From the 17th century, Kamakura started to become more important as a temple city. After the war it also prospered as a popular getaway for Tokyoites, with its beaches, resorts and traditional districts.

Things to do

Daibutsu and Kotokuin Temple (大仏殿高徳院)

World Heritage-listed temple and grand Buddha bronze statue that visitors can walk up into. At a height of more than 13 meters and weighing in at about 121 tons, it’s quite a sight. Be sure to have a look around the beautiful garden behind the Great Buddha to get your money's worth. Adults 200 yen, children 150 yen, Grand Buddha 20 yen • 8am-5:30pm (Apr - Sept), 8am-5pm (Oct - Mar) • 10 mins north from Hase station on the Enoshima Electric Railway • Google Maps

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (鶴岡八幡宮)

The main shrine in Kamakura, another must see. In 1063, the Minamoto warrior clan created a power base around Kamakura after defeating clans to the north. The leader, Minamoto Yoriyoshi, returned to Kamakura and built this shrine near the coast to give thanks to the gods for his success. The Hachiman Kami (god) is therefore regarded as the protector of the warrior class. The result is a vast complex of well-maintained Japanese shrines, bridges and gardens. FREE • 8:30am-4pm (24h at New Year) • 10 mins from Kamakura station, east exit • Google

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