Looking at Kamakura’s beautiful and scenic streets of today, it is difficult to imagine it has gone through many bloody battles before and after its establishment in 1192. There are more than 170 Buddhist temples in Kamakura mourning the dead. Some built by the powers at that time, are magnificent and impressive to look at. We will start the tour at the Kita- Kamakura Station. The second most important Zen temple, Enkaku-ji is just 2minutes walk from the station. We will enter the temple through the great “Sanmon Gate”. Then go to “Butsuden” (Buddha Hall) to admire Buddha statue. Moving on to “Hatto” (Dharma Hall) to see the picture of a dragon painted on the ceiling. After that, climb 135 stairs to see “Bonsho” (temple bell), a national treasure. As a reward to your effort to climb these stairs, you can enjoy the scenic view of Kamakura from Enkaku-ji’s Bonsho. We will then visit the most prestigious Zen temple in Kamakura,“Kencho-ji”.
“Sanmon Gates”, “Butsuden”, “Hatto” (Dharma Hall) and “Bonsho (national treasure) awaits at a grander scale.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, was built to display and impress the power of the first Shogun, and it has been the symbol of Kamakura ever since. The shrine is dedicated to the Hachiman kami(deity), the deity of good fortune in warfare. Located at the top of the hill, you can enjoy the scenic view of Kamakura.
We will walk through ”Dankazura”, the 450m walkway that extends to the Third Torii gate from the then sea coast marks the entrance to the grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. It was also built by the first Shogun to pray for the safe delivery of an heir. The road is also famous for cherry blossoms.
Kamakura is also home to beautiful and powerful Kamakura Lacquerware (METI certified Japanese traditional craft), that was originally made by Buddhist sculptors 800 years ago. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Kamakura-Lacquerware spread beyond Buddhist ritual items, and daily goods began to be produced. They are popularly used in tea ceremonies nowadays. We will be visiting Kamakura Lacquerware Museum that displays works from Muromachi period (1336～1568) to the present day.