4 stops on the map.
Where Hilma would send you
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1
Tsurugaoka Hachimangū
Landmark
Sep 8
Tsurugaoka Hachimangū★★★★★ Hilma's pick
The great Shinto shrine at the heart of Kamakura, founded in 1063 and moved here by Yoritomo in 1191. Cherry-lined approach, a thousand-year gingko (the new one), and on Sep 14–16 the year's finest festival with yabusame horse archery.
2-1-1 Tsurugaoka, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan -
2
Kōtoku-in (Great Buddha)
Landmark
Sep 8
Kōtoku-in (Great Buddha)★★★★★ Hilma's pick
The Great Buddha of Kamakura — 13-metre bronze Amitabha cast in 1252, seated in the open since his temple washed away in 1495. You can step inside him. Patience made visible.
4-2-1 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan -
3
Kenchō-ji
Landmark
Sep 8
Kenchō-ji★★★★★ Hilma's pick
Japan's first Zen training monastery, founded 1253. Walk the pebble garden, the 700-year-old juniper, the concentric halls. Sunday morning meditation open to anyone — arrive before 8am. Five minutes from Kita-Kamakura Station.
8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan -
4
Komachi-dōri
Shop
Sep 8
Komachi-dōri★★★★ Hilma's pick
The 350-metre shopping arcade from Kamakura Station to the shrine — shirasu-don, grilled seafood, matcha soft serve, hato sable. Come hungry, eat standing, never look at a menu twice.
1 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006, Japan