Summary
This was an easy and relaxing wander around the temples of Kamakura, which was Japan’s capital from 1185 to 1333. A contrasting section climbs through wooded countryside to visit the ancient Great Buddha statue. An excellent day trip from Tokyo.
- I’ll remember most the gigantic statue of Buddha
- The best bit for me was hiking up to the wooded ridge after visiting the temples
- I was disappointed that we missed the famous display of hydrangeas
- The funniest moment was Catriona being interviewed by a group of schoolgirls, or maybe the raw sausages sitting in a stone bowl held by a statue!
- I didn’t expect to eat sweet potato and green tea ice cream
- Each temple had its own distinctive character
- There are no words of warning or scary bits.
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Contributed by: Andrew Llanwarne
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Pedestrian street near station, leading to the temples
Key Facts
| Location |
Kamakura, on the coast near Tokyo |
| When it was walked |
July 2003 |
| Walk type |
Cities and towns / countryside and easy hills |
| Difficulty |
Suitable for anyone who enjoys an easy walk |
| Distance approx |
8 km / 5 miles (can vary the route) |
| Height climbed approx |
100m / 350 ft |
| Time taken approx |
6 hrs (including visits to templets) |
| Map used if any |
In Kamakura tourist brochure and leaflet |
| Source of info on walk |
Brochure and leaflet from tourist office |
| Getting there |
Train from Tokyo, 50 mins |
| Places to stay |
Lonely Planet guide reports a youth hostel and choice of hotels |
| Places to eat/ buy food |
Good restaurant near railway crossing – several others to choose from |
| Any other local attractions or facilities |
There are plenty more temples and shrines, the colourful boulevard, and the beach |
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