鎌倉Kamakura Home to the first shoguns

Kamakura makes for an enjoyable Many historical sites remain. side-trip from Tokyo. The city lies 45 Buddhism widened its influence km to the south-west of the capital, during the Kamakura period. about an hour’s travel, and it can be Previously it had been popular only done as a day trip. But ideally spend among the aristocracy. Leaders of a night or two, as too quick a visit will the Kamakura shogunate no doubt have you saying, ‘I wish I patronised Buddhist temples; Zen could stay longer’. Buddhism in particular was favoured by the samurai. There are Kamakura is not such a large city many temples in Kamakura that date today with a population of 174,114 [as back to this time. But one of the most at 01 Dec. 2009]. However, it was once famous sites is the Shinto shrine, a military and political stronghold. Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, which Kamakura played a pivotal role in was the Minamoto family’s tutelary The Great Buddha, Daibutsu, at Kotokuin Japanese history and witnessed the shrine. From the steps of this shrine, rise of the warrior class (samurai) you get a good view back over the dates from 1252 and it too was once under Minamoto no Yoritomo. city of Kamakura. Today there are housed within a structure, but at the Indeed, the very period of history height restrictions on buildings to end of the 15th century a tsunami when this occurred is named after protect the atmosphere of the city. washed the building away. the city, Kamakura. Its natural environment adds to the Hasedera, Kotokuin and the The Kamakura period can be said to city’s atmosphere. Kamakura sits on Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine are extend from 1180 when Yoritomo Sagami Bay and is surrounded by must-sees on most itineraries and hills. This once can be busy with people. It is made it easy to worthwhile visiting some of the defend as the quieter temples in the hills, too. As shogunal head- you step into the forested surrounds quarters, but today you can appreciate a more tranquil the city is favoured side of Kamakura. for its location and temperate climate. Kamakura recently made the Its proximity to headlines when US President Barack Tokyo has seen Obama, during his first official visit to it become a Japan in mid-November 2009, rather exclusive mentioned his memories of seeing residential area. the Great Buddha as a child and enjoying green tea ice cream. This Kamakura is a resulted in strong sales of green tea Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine was the guardian shrine of the popular destination Minamoto family. It has been at its present site since 1180. ice creams in Kamakura well into the all year round and colder weather of late autumn! made what was then a small seaside for tourists there is much to see and experience. Hasedera is an ancient village into his headquarters*. *There is some debate about what year the temple built in 736 and is famous for Kamakura had become the centre of Kamakura period should start: some say 1180, its ‘eleven-headed’ Kannon which is the date Yoritomo established his headquarters, political power by the time Yoritomo 9.18m high. However, it is the Great others say 1185 when Yoritomo’s forces was granted the title of shogun in Buddha or Daibutsu in nearby defeated the rival Taira family, yet others 1192. The Kamakura period lasted 1192 which coincides with the dates of the Kotokuin Temple which has become until 1333 when the Kamakura Kamakura shogunate (1192-1333) The usual the face of Kamakura. The Daibutsu shogunate was destroyed. dates given are 1185-1333.

For more information about Kamakura The Kanagawa Prefectural Tourist Association has good information about the main temples, shrines, gardens and museums, including access details and maps. www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/index-e.html Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) as always has good information. It has a suggested one-day trip to Kamakura. JNTO has launched its VISIT JAPAN 2010 campaign. You can find all this at www.jnto.org.au .

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