Things to do in Kamakura

About Kamakura

Kamakura is a coastal town south of Tokyo that served as the political center of Japan during the Kamakura Shogunate in the 12th century. The city is defined by its rugged topography, which protected it as a natural fortress and now surrounds numerous historic sites like the towering bronze statue at Kotoku-in. Visitors can explore the hillside paths of Houkokuji, famous for its dense bamboo grove, or the seasonal hydrangea blooms at Meigetsu-in. The city balances this medieval heritage with a relaxed seaside atmosphere, anchored by the coastal vistas of Kamakura Yuigahama Beach.

Good to know

1. 1

   Kamakura was the first city in Japan to establish a military government, effectively shifting political power from the Imperial Court in Kyoto to the samurai class.

2. 2

   The city's unique geography, characterized by mountains on three sides and the ocean on the fourth, served as a natural defensive barrier that influenced its urban layout.

3. 3

   Despite being a major tourism hub, Kamakura retains a strict height restriction on new construction to preserve the skyline of its surrounding hills.

4. 4

   The city is home to the 'Kamakura Five Mountains,' a ranking system of the most important Zen temples established during the Muromachi period.