Kamakura is one of the most magnificent cities in Asia for its natural beauty and Instagrammable places. Where is Kamakura? Because this city is not so popular among travellers, you may ask where is Kamakura. This city is located in the south of Tokyo, in Japan. Among the places to see in Kamakura, you will find some of the best places to visit in Japan and take your most liked photo on Instagram. What to do in Kamakura? Among Instagrammable places in Kamakura, you will find many nice spots to take the most liked Instagram photos during your travel to Japan. In this post, you will read about the 12 Instagrammable places in Kamakura to visit during your travel to Japan for taking some of your most liked Instagram photos. Moreover, you will find answers to your questions, such as where is Kamakura, what to do in Kamakura, which natural places to visit in Kamakura, what historical places to see in Kamakura, etc.
1. Hasedera - Kannon Temple
The temple is the oldest temple on the route and was founded in 721. It is 500 years older than most of the other temples and shrines in the region. There are a beautiful pond and extensive gardens. Directly connected is the Kannon Museum, in which you can see statues of the bodhisattva Kannon. This place stands at the top of the best places to visit Japan to take the most liked photo on Instagram.
2. Great Buddha at Kotoku-in
The Daibutsu, the Great Buddha, is one of the most visited and most photographed places to visit in Kamakura. You have probably already seen photos of it. It is an 11-meter high bronze Buddha statue with a patina layer of centuries. It is located in the Kotoku-in Temple, which is the main attraction in Kamakura. Accordingly, it is also full of school classes. Even so, there is less going on here than at the most popular temples in Tokyo. Behind the place, with the statue, you can find space to linger in peace. Otherwise, the statue is accessible from the inside (for 20 yen).
3. Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine
You can reach Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine through a short tunnel cut through the rock. The history of the shrine is quite adventurous. A god appeared in a dream to the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, Yoritomo. He reported a spring with magical water. Yoritomo then went out, found the spring, and built the shrine. It happened in 1185. Since then, the spring has been used for Shinto rituals. What to do in Kamakura? Money laundering. And differently than you normally imagine. Small raffia baskets are rented on-site, in which visitors put their banknotes and bathe in the holy spring. That should bring luck and prosperity.
4. Grave of Yoshimoto
Then you can visit one of the essential places to go to Kamakura, the grave of Hino Toshimoto, a samurai warrior. The grave is on the top of the hill. From this point, there are Instagrammable views in several directions so that you can take several of your most liked Instagram photos. Here a sign indicates that you can see Mount Fuji from this hill. At least in clear weather, you can see it. The Kuzuharaoka Shrine is located on the hilltop. From this point, the hiking trail becomes a really Instagrammable path through the forest. Then you continue on a narrow, beaten path: past moss-covered stones, wooden stairs, and memorial stones.
5. Jochi-Ji
A green zen temple in the forest is one of the best places to visit in Japan. Jochi-Ji is a Zen temple of the Rinzai school. It is slightly remote in the forest. So that is what makes it so attractive. Here you can breathe the clear forest air, which gives an idea of what life was like in the Japanese Middle Ages. The temple complex consists of smaller buildings. A stone statue of Hotei, the god of luck, is located in a rock grotto. The shrine's bamboo grove is a great photo opportunity that you can share on your Instagram account. Then you can continue the path to Kanronoi spring. At the bridge, you will think of standing in 1250. The bridge looks just amazing. With a thick layer of moss patina. Goosebumps moment.
6. Kamakura's Beaches
Since Kamakura is right by the sea, you can look forward to some nice beaches during your travel to Japan. Especially in summer, they are the meeting point for many Japanese people who want to enjoy the sun and the sea's sound. The two Kamakura beaches Yuigahama and Zaimokuza, are the most popular. In the high season, numerous shops and restaurants open here selling beach equipment and Japanese delicacies to guests. So if you want to escape the city for a few hours, you can sunbathe here, swim a bit in the sea or even surf if you feel like it.
7. Enoshima Island
If you're already in Kamakura, you should not miss the small island of Enoshima. It is among the must-see places to visit in Kamakura. At first glance, it may not have much to offer, but appearances are deceptive. It is best to plan your trip to Kamakura to have still a little time to explore the island. It is worth it! To get to Enoshima Island, you can board the Enoden train line at Kamakura or Hase Station. You should then get off at Enoshima Station. From there you only have to walk 15 minutes to the island. One of the island's most popular attractions is the Enoshima Shrine, which dates back to 552. Three deities are worshipped inside the shrine, collectively known as the Enoshima Okami.
8. Iwaya Caves
Another of the Instagrammable places to see in Kamakura and highlight on the Enoshima island is the Iwaya Caves. There are numerous Buddha statues in one of the two caves and a small shrine for the goddess Amaterasu. On the other hand, the second cave houses a dragon god's statue, who is considered the patron god of fishers. You can also discover Mount Fuji on the horizon from the narrow Chigogafuchi cliffs with a lot of luck. But please do not set your expectations too high: The mountain is very shy and only comes out when the view is clear.
9. Zuisen-Ji
Zuisen-Ji is a Zen Buddhist temple located northeast of Kamakura. Sometimes also called "the temple of flowers," it is worth the detour for its gardens, which take the aspect of a jungle in summer. Besides, the blooms of many varieties of flowers and other plants follow one another throughout the year. It is also the last stage of the Tenen hike. The temple Zuisen-Ji was established in 1327 at the end of the Kamakura period when the city was the capital of Japan. Muso Kokushi's founder was a Buddhist monk and writer known to have designed many Zen gardens. Surrounded by greenery in the heart of Momijigayatsu (the valley of red maples), a small remote valley, this place lends itself to meditation. Its entrance is marked by a pretty door in the middle of the street, in a typical residential area of Kamakura city.
10. Myohon-Ji
It is a Nichiren branch Buddhist temple located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Its history is directly linked to the Kamakura shogunate and dates back to the 13th century. Easy to access from the city's railway station. However, tourists rarely visit them. From April to August, the temple's surroundings bloom and bring a certain colourful gaiety to this very peaceful visit, a bit monastic perhaps. It is possible to join the Gion-Yama path behind the temple, which goes deep into nature and crosses the surrounding hills. This is one of the shortest hikes in Kamakura.
11. Meigetsu-In
The Michelin Green Guide has awarded the Kita - Kamakura Meigetsuin two stars. The wonderful view of the rear garden from the round window in the main hall is very famous. Due to its beauty during the fall foliage season, many people line up for photography. One of the city's highlights is the hydrangea, also famous as Meigetsu-In Blue. It is full of tourists who will be cured even in the season when the beautiful hydrangea flower is blooming.
12. Kamakura Museums
In Kamakura, you will not lack art. The city has many museums, such as the Museum of Literature, History and Culture Exchange Center, Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, Kawakita Film Museum, etc. While Kamakura is famous as one of the most interesting and best places to visit in Japan, here you will find many historical and religious artefacts and pieces of art that admire you. If you have enough time during your travel to Kamakura, I recommend visiting all museums, but the Art Museum is a must if you are short of time. So, apply for a Japan visa today and experience the trip of your life.
