A Walk to Remember in Kamakura
Before school gets tougher, I was fortunate enough to visit one of the famous tourist destinations in Japan . A flourishing ancient city, Kamakura is located in Kanagawa Prefecture and about 50 kilometers away from the metropolitan of Tokyo. Kanagawa is a perfect place to visit, abundant with historical temples and natural scenery such as its beautiful beach . In order to protect the wonderful sceneries, tall buildings are banned in this area.
Just knowing that there is beach in Kamakura excites me already. Leaving in the Philippines for my entire life, I miss our beaches and I thought I would feel at home if I will be able to visit one here in Japan. Join me as I explore the beauty of Kamakura.
Kamakura Seaside
No surprise, my first destination is the sea! I felt very happy and energized as I have my brunch at one of the restaurants facing the sea! It was a perfect day as the sun was shining so brightly yet the wind is so cold. I took my meal and watch some of flock of boats sailing. After a wonderful meal, I played, run and wander on the sea side. It was a refreshing moment!
Here are some of the pictures taken at the seaside.
Me and the delicious chicken sand which at Seedless Bar.
I recommend this bar . Friendly staff, good food and most of all nice scenery!
Me and the beach. Since I cannot swim this time, let me fly then!
Hase-dera Temple
As much as I wanted to stay at the sea side, I have to move on! My next stop is the Hase-dera Temple which is few minutes walk from the shore. It is commonly called the Hase-kannon which is one of the great Buddhist temples and opens from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. For only 300 yen as its admission fee, you can see the enshrined Hase Kanon (Bodhisattva) famous for its eleven heads, each representing a characteristic of the God. You can also enjoy the garden consisting of ponds, wonderful rocks, and a small waterfall They said that in autumn, colorful leaves make the garden really beautiful and in spring many kinds of flowers are in full bloom. You can also have a mini adventure through the cave where Hindu goddesses are carved on its walls. You can also relax from the observation platform and admire the coast and the entire Kamakura City.
A picture of me overlooking the coast and the city! Wonderful scenery!
Me and the temple. I felt I was in a movie or television series.
The mini adventure at the cave!
Hachiman Shrine
My next destination is the Hachiman Shrine. The shrine is open to everyone with no admission fee from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The shrine has an extensive compound surrounded by a forest and holds a large pond surrounded by cherry trees and beautiful structures. I was fortunate enough since I saw a wedding ceremony in traditional Japanese style. How they make wishes, prayers and different rituals are new to me. I don’t really have an idea on how and for what purpose are the different rituals. Too bad I still can’t understand Japanese language.
Picture of me near a pond (cherry trees not on its blossom – too bad)
Picture near temple (Felt that the temple was the same with Kung Fu Panda cartoon movie so I imitated Po, the Panda.)
Different rituals and traditions . (Sorry, I cannot explain the process)
There are a lot of shrines, temples and museums to visit and I guess one day is not enough. There are also famous streets where you can buy souvenirs and unique things from Japan. Overall, I highly recommend Kamakura! It is indeed a walk to remember .
Until my next adventure!
With love from Tokyo ,
Melissa
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http://www.cheap-hostel-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 2200yen/night, Private 3500yen~, cheapest hostel in west Tokyo, Nakano.
ドミトリー2200円、個室3500円~、東京・中野の安宿・バックパッカー!
*Due to consumption taxes being raised, our prices will change starting 1st April 2014. Please check our new prices on our website.
YADOYA Guesthouse Tokyo for long stay:
http://www.cheap-accommodation-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 40000yen/month(including utilities), private room from 43000yen/month. It`s nice to live in Nakano, and we support your Tokyo life!
ドミトリー光熱費混み1ヶ月40000円、プライベート43000円~。中野は住むのにいいところですよ。ゲストハウスとしてみなさまの東京生活をサポートします!