KAMAKURA - AN ANCIENT CITY WITH BEAUTIFUL NATURE AND HISTORY

The old capital, KAMAKURA, surrounded by spectacular mountains and the sea, once thrived during the Kamakura Era (1185-1333) as the political center of Japan. Here, you will find a great number of historical temples and shrines featuring gardens adorned with flowers from all seasons. Particularly impressive are the picturesque scenes which can be witnessed during the hydrangea flowering season in June, and the magnificent red leaves in autumn.

Kamakura is counted as one of Japan’s “Old Cities” together with Kyoto and Kanazawa, but its appearance is somewhat different from that of the other cities. Fascinating contrasts can be seen between the two historical capital cities of Kamakura and Kyoto; Kamakura has traces of Samurai culture, while an aristocratic atmosphere remains in Kyoto. As Samurai practiced Zen Buddhism, Japan’s first Zen temple, Kencho-ji temple, was built in Kamakura. This majestic temple, along with many other locations in Kamakura, features the distinctly Japanese sense of beauty called “wabi-sabi” (austere beauty and elegant simplicity).

KAMAKURA - CITY WITH CULTURE

Kamakura is also a city with deep and rich culture. Scenes from many well-know Japanese literature are based in Kamakura. The city is featured in “Spring Snow” by Yukio Mishima and “Kokoro” by Soseki Natsume. Numerous other writers such as Yasunari Kawabata, Ryunosuke Akutagawa and Seishu Tachihara have roots in this ancient city.

Also, many of today’s TV series, movies and animations are based in Kamakura. If you are an anime lover, an “anime pilgrimage” is recommended. Many big names from the anime industry live in Kamakura. The house of Hideaki Anno, famous for “Evangelion”, was once opened to the public. Writer, Eiko Kadono, of “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (animated by Studio Ghibli), works energetically in Kamakura city, regularly making appearances at the “Book Carnival in Kamakura” which is held annually. The Lantern Festival is held every summer. Hundreds of lanterns gently light up the way to the shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangū including paper lanterns hand written by celebrities.

KAMAKURA - A COZY TOWN FOR LIVING

Kamakura is recognized as a major tourist destination, but it is also ranked highly as a place of residence due to its pleasant weather, low crime rate and convenience. It only takes around an hour to the center of Tokyo on one railway line (Yokosuka Line). It is easy to become envious of the lifestyle of those who live in Kamakura as it is a place where residents can enjoy an early morning swim in the ocean before heading for work.

ABOUT KAMAKURA

• Population: approx. 174,161 (April 2012)
• Area: 39.53 km²
• Weather: Average Temperature 16.7℃ / Average Humidity 79.7%
• National treasures, cultural properties: 216 (May 2015)
• Annual tourists: approx. 21,000,000
• City flower: Japanese gentian
• City tree: Hill cherry
• Sister cities: Nice (France), Dunhuang (China)

ref. Kamakura city official website

ACCESS TO KAMAKURA STATION

◎From Narita airport (TYO/NRT)

【By train】
-Take JR line Narita Express to Ofuna station. Transfer to JR Yokosuka line to Kamakura station. (approx. 2h)
-Take direct JR line (Narita line / Sobu line / Yokosuka line) to Kamakura station. (approx. 2h 30min)

【By Bus】
-Highway Bus by Keisei
Take Highway Express Bus (Tokyo Shuttle) to Tokyo station. Transfer to JR Yokosuka line to Kamakura station. (2hrs ~ 3hrs depending on the traffic)

-Limousine Bus by Airport Transport Service
Take Limousine Bus to YCAT(Yokohama City Air Terminal). Transfer at Yokohama station to JR Yokosuka line to Kamakura station. (2hrs ~ 3hrs depending on the traffic)

◎From Haneda airport (TYO/HND)

【By train】
-Take Keikyu line to Yokohama station. Transfer to JR Yokosuka line to Kamakura station. (approx. 55min)

【By Bus】
-Take Keikyu bus to Ofuna station. Transfer to JR Yokosuka line to Kamakura station. (approx. 1h 25min)

RECOMMENDATION

We’d like to share Kamakura stroll map that Little Asia staff recommends.

COMING TO JAPAN?

We will help you discover our beautiful country with its mix of modern technology and traditionnal culture. On top of providing quality Japanese classes, we can also arrange accomodation and activities in the quiet and traditionnal Kamakura, but also in the surrounded busier cities like Yokohama, Kawasaki or Tokyo.

ALREADY LIVING IN JAPAN?

Language is a tool that enables someone to understand and deepen its connection with the culture of a country.
We will support you to overcome your daily communication struggles and help you to connect with locals, providing you with a deeper understanding and respect of the “Japanese mind”.