Kamakura, shrines, temples and a great Buddha

Last week was the so called Golden Week in Japan. Karin and I had the entire week off so we decided to start exploring Japan a little more.
First on our list was Kamakura. Being about 1 hour away from Tokyo, it makes a perfect day trip.
Kamakura plays an important role in Japanese history. This explains why such a little town features so many places of interests and drags in so many visitors every year.

A very quick history
Only because this blog is trying to have a cultural side ….
The Kamakura period lasted between 1192 and 1333. Basically during these years, the Imperial family in Kyoto lost power and control over Japan. Instead the shogun (military governor), based in Kamakura, and his deputies were ruling over the country.
During that period, Chinese influence remained pretty strong in Japan and a few ideas were imported here, for example, Buddhist sects like Zen.
Towards the end of the Kamakura period, after several attempts from the Mongols to take over Japan, the Emperor was able to restore the Imperial power…..Bye, bye Kamakura, we are moving back to Kyoto!

But still, the past left traces
Though after the restoration, Kamakura remained a political center for some years, it would later loose its influence.
Nevertheless, these years shaped Kamakura and the modern Kamakura still leaves up to this glorious past.
This city is full of temples (especially Zen temples), shrines and the 2nd biggest Buddha in Japan!
Truly worth a visit!
And Kamakura is situated by the sea and in the heart of little valleys, cute and relaxing. 1 hour away from Tokyo but a totally different environment.

Soon to come
In following posts, I will show pictures and my little stories of my favorite Zen temple, my favorite shrine and the little island of Enoshima, near Kamakura. Stay tuned, of course!

Put Kamakura in your books and in the itinerary of your next trip to Japan.

- Nico