Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture): A Tourist Destination Blending History and New Experiences—Best Enjoyed on a Long-Term Plan Beyond Short Trips
- Overview of Kamakura
Kamakura is a fantastic tourist destination, just an hour away from Tokyo. It’s a perfect blend of history and nature, offering a rich history dating back to the 12th century with the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate. You’ll love exploring the historical buildings, beautiful natural landscapes, temples, shrines, old townscapes, and seasonal scenery. It’s a place you can enjoy all year round!
- Recommended Visiting Seasons
Kamakura is amazing to visit all year, but spring and autumn are the best times to go. In spring, you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms at places like Engakuji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. In autumn, the temple gardens light up with vibrant foliage. And in the summer, you can chill out at beaches like Yuigahama.
- Itinerary Considerations and Challenges
Kamakura is such a charming place with lots of historical sites and anime pilgrimage spots. However, it can be a bit tricky to squeeze it into a 7-day tour. For instance, in a typical 7-day itinerary, you’d arrive in Tokyo (Day 1), explore Tokyo (Day 2), visit Mt. Fuji (Day 3), check out Hiroshima (Day 4), see the sights in Kyoto (Day 5), visit Osaka (Day 6), and depart from Osaka (Day 7). With so much to see and do in Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Osaka, there’s little time left for Kamakura. Including Kamakura would mean cutting out other important destinations. So, if you really want to make the most of your trip, I’d recommend planning for a longer stay.
- Anime Pilgrimage Spots and Overtourism in Kamakura
Kamakura is a beloved spot for anime fans on a pilgrimage. It’s the real-life setting for popular series like Slam Dunk, and Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, drawing in many fans. One famous location is the railroad crossing near Kamakura High School Station, which is perfect for photos. However, it gets really crowded, which can be tough on the locals and transportation. Visitors are asked to respect local customs and manners when they visit.
5. A New Travel Experience in Kamakura: TROUVER’s Electric Mobility
When you’re in Kamakura, why not spice up your adventure with TROUVER’s electric mobility services? TROUVER offers rentals and sales of electric mobility vehicles, opening up exciting new ways to explore the area. Whether you fancy a leisurely cruise along the coastline or want to quickly reach distant scenic spots, TROUVER’s electric mobility can add a whole new dimension to your trip.
By hopping on TROUVER’s electric mobility, you’ll have more time to savor local delicacies and connect with friendly locals. Just a heads up, there’s a fee for this service, and some electric mobility vehicles may require an international driving permit. Be sure to check the requirements beforehand to ensure a smooth and delightful exploration of Kamakura!
- Highlights of Kamakura
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: This impressive shrine in Kamakura is said to have been founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo. You’ll love the area’s beautiful ponds, gardens, and historical architecture.
• Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kotoku-in): This magnificent 11-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue symbolizes Kamakura. You can take in its grandeur from the open space around the statue.
• Hasedera Temple: Known for its statue of Kannon, this temple offers a stunning view of Sagami Bay from its grounds. During the hydrangea season, the temple is adorned with colorful blooms, attracting many visitors.
• Komachi Street: A lively street filled with souvenir shops and cafes, perfect for enjoying a leisurely food stroll.
- The Current State of Inbound Tourism
Inbound tourism to Kamakura is slowly recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is strong interest from tourists in Asia and Western countries. The charm of Kamakura has spread through social media, leading to popular spots becoming crowded with foreign visitors. Moving forward, there is a need to enhance tourism services to meet the diverse needs of visitors.
At Last
Kamakura is a fantastic place to soak up history and natural beauty while experiencing Japanese culture. You can visit anime pilgrimage sites, check out historical landmarks, and try new travel experiences with electric mobility. To make the most of your trip, consider planning a longer stay. Kamakura is the perfect spot for your next adventure, where you can take in the seasonal beauty and enjoy all the modern attractions.
