Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
approached Kamakura, the last Hōjō regent and an estimated eight hundred retainers
committed
seppuku
. Kamakura remained an important military centre before fading
into obscurity in the late fifteenth century. Its temples, however, continued to attract
religious pilgrims until Kamakura was “rediscovered” in the last century as a tourist
destination and a desirable residential area within commuting distance of Tokyo.
Kita-Kamakura
As the Tokyo train nears Kita-Kamakura Station, urban sprawl gradually gives way to
gentle, forested hills which provide the backdrop for some of Kamakura's greatest Zen
temples. Chief among these are
Kenchō-ji
and the wonderfully atmospheric
Engaku-ji
.
It takes over an hour to cover the prime sights, walking south along the main road,
the Kamakura-kaidō, to the edge of central Kamakura. If you have more time, follow
the Daibutsu Hiking Course up into the western hills and improve your finances by
washing your yen at an alluring temple dedicated to
Zeniarai
Benten
.
Engaku-ji
ԁ֮ࣉ
• 409 Yama-no-uchi • Daily: April-Oct 8am-5pm; Nov-March 8am-4pm • ¥300; Butsunichi-an ¥100 or ¥500 including tea
The second most important but most satisfying of Kamakura's major Zen temples,
Engaku-ji
lies buried among ancient cedars just two minutes' walk east of
Ōfuna, Yokohama & Tokyo
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Kamakura Mori
Hotel New Kamakura
Kaihinso
Kamakura Central Guesthouse
Kamakura Hase Youth Hostel
KAMAKURA
Kita-Kamakura
Station
1
2
4
3
5
Engaku-ji
RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS
Bentendō
Cafe Itsuki
Hachi-no-ki Honten
Kōmyō-ji
Kyorai-an
Milk Hall
Nakamura-an
Raitei
1
7
2/4
9
3
5
6
8
Tōkei-ji
Hansōbō
N
Jōchi-ji
Kenchō-ji
Chōju-ji
Kakuon-ji
Ennō-ji
Zuisen-ji
Genjiyama-
kōen
Tsurugaoka
Hachiman-gū
National
Treasure Hall
Zeniarai-
Benten
Sasuke
Inari-jinja
Kamakura-gū
Sugimoto-dera
Kamakura
Station
Hōkoku-ji
Daibutsu
Hase-dera
HASE
Hase
Station
Yuigahama
Beach
0
500
Kōmyō-ji
metres
Yokosuka
