by PhotoMann
A visit to Kamakura will give you a glimpse of 12th
century Japan. Kamakura was the nation's capital from 1192 to 1333.
The numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines make it one of the
most interesting day trips from Tokyo. The city offers an attractive
blend of old and new Japan. I was fortunate recently to have the opportunity
to spend some time in Kamakura while on business in the Tokyo area.
The best way to see Kamakura is by foot. Start at the
Kita-Kamakura station on the JR Yokosuka Line. When you leave the station
turn right and follow the signs for the temples and shrines. If you
follow the road for about a mile you'll eventually end up at Kamakura
station. This will likely take you two hours but could be much longer
depending on how much you explore. Along the way, stop at one of the
street vendors and buy a map of the area which will be in both English
and Japanese. The most notable sites along the road are the Engakuji
Temple, Tokeiji (Divorce) Temple, Jochiji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Shrine.
There is another must-see temple which contains the
Great Image of Buddha which is a 37 foot high bronze Buddha. You can
take a bus but it is most easily reached by train. When your trek eventually
brings you to the Kamakura train station take the Enoshima-Dentetsu
(Enoden) train line to the Hase station. When you exit the Hase station
take a right and follow the road straight for about a quarter mile.
The Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) will be in a small temple on the
right. Just follow the crowds of tourists. When retracing your steps
back to the train station you should visit the Kosokuji Temple which
will be a right turn about half-way to Hase. Just look for the signs.
The Great Buddha faces directly south so the lighting is generally good
in the morning and afternoon. Lighting at the Kosokuji Temple will likely
be best in the morning. Most of the Kamakura area is heavily wooded
so shadows are everywhere. Most of the sites have beautiful gardens.
Unfortunately I was there just as the flowers started to blossom. In
full bloom everything will be very colorful. You will likely have the
opportunity to photograph women in kimonos at one of the shrines. Most
of the temples open from 9am to 4pm. A few open earlier, including the
Great Buddha which allows visitors starting at 7am. Bring your walking
shoes and lots of film!
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