For everyone either having no time to spend a few days of travel or need to be close to Tokyo, Kamakura located in the Kanagawa Prefecture is a perfect destination. With its unique temples and nice beaches having a very relaxed atmosphere, only an hour away from Ebisu Station, on the Shonan-Shinjuku Line going towards Zushi. No transfers, easy direct line. If you live in Shibuya at Homat Monarch or Minato ku at Homat Sharon, Homat Virginia, Homat Ambassador, Kara Blanc or any of the Homat properties is an easy travel plan. An excellent day trip or an overnight trip if you have the time.
Kamakura had been the political capital during the Kamakura Shogunate until the year 1333. Until the Tokugawa clan moved the capital to Edo.
Kamakura did sustain much damage during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Since then it has become the hub of tourists with wonderful ancient Buddhist and Shinto shrines and temples with its beautifully manicured gardens. If traveling with children, there are beaches, aquariums and the famous Enoden （Electric train ）traveling among homes running from Kamakura station toFujisawa station, a fun ride for all. Great for trekking or short hikes on various trails.
There are a couple of festivals and events happening in the month of September.
September 13 is the Zeniarai Benzaiten Grand Festival about a 25 minute walk from the station. This place is known for bringing in a lot of fortune by washing your money at the shrine. Located in a very cozy area, that has a mountain spring water, to wash your coins and paper money to bring forth good fortunes.
September 14-16 is the Reitaisai at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, located near the station, everyone in the parade is dressed in kimonos and wearing armors of the ancient samurai.
September 16 at the same shrine is the Yabusame, archers dressed in the traditional kimonos riding their horses while riding aiming at a target. A great event you do not want to miss.
*Due to the Covid please call the shrine 0467220315 if the event is canceled or not.
Kamakura is spectacular all season long, with the spring hydrangeas all along the roadsides and gardens to the autumn and winter foliage on the mountains. Summer is fun at the beaches, with swimmers, surfers and water fun events.
While in Kamakura here are some of the many venues to visit.
Asahina Pass / Hase-dera /Jochi-ji / Meigetsu-In / Sasukeinari / Tokei-ji
Kotoku- In 「Great Buddha ）/ Engaku-ji
Enoshima Aquarium is famous for its gorgeous jellyfish display. One of the very few places that not only displays but breeds them as well.