About this experience
Just an hour away from the vibrant and bustling Tokyo, you will reach the atmospheric seaside town of Kamakura, immersing yourself in the 12th-century Japan. You will visit countless Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, see the famous statue of the Great Buddha Daibutsu, and stroll through the levels of the enchanting Japanese garden of the Hasedera temple complex. Furthermore, you will learn about the Kamakura Shogunate era, the struggle between two aristocratic clans for power, and the reasons why Kamakura became Japan's first military capital.
What to Expect
City of Hundreds of Temples and Shrines
Upon arriving in Kamakura, you will be amazed at how many temples can be found in such a small town. Out of the 110 Buddhist temples and 50 Shinto shrines in Kamakura, we will visit the most significant and interesting ones: the Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the Buddhist temple of the Jodo Shinshu school housing the Daibutsu - the Great Buddha in the open air, and the magnificent 'Flower Temple' Hasedera, surrounded by a two-tiered Japanese garden. On the lower tier, you will see a pond with carp and the Kannon Hall with an 11-headed wooden statue of the deity, and on the upper tier, you will walk along the 'hydrangea path,' admiring cherry blossoms, lilies, plums, and daffodils.
History and Legends of Kamakura
In the 12th century, Kamakura became Japan's first military capital: we will discuss the Minamoto and Taira clans' struggle for control over the imperial palace and other pivotal historical events of that time. You will learn about Minamoto Yoritomo and the first military government Bakufu, the Mongol invasions of the city, and the ancient legends of Kamakura. Afterwards, we will talk about the modern realities of the city, which is considered a quiet and pleasant Japanese resort nowadays thanks to the fresh sea breeze, the proximity to the bay, and the landscapes of the Kamakura mountains.
Organizational Details
- Excursion price does not include the train ticket and public transportation in Kamakura. The guide's transportation costs are also covered by the travelers.
- The excursion route will be challenging for children under 5 years old.
