Kamakura: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Kamakura, a Place of Prayer - Traditional Culture in Kamakura-" (祈りの地 鎌倉 -鎌倉の伝統文化-), was uploaded by "Ryo Hayashi" (林良).
This work was submitted to the Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism Video Contest by "Ryo Hayashi", who uploads videos that capture the beautiful daily life of Kamakura.

Kamakura is located in the central area of Kamakura, Kanagawa, in Japan's Kanto region. Known as the ancient capital of Japan, there are historical buildings and you can see the culture that Japan is famous for around the world. In addition to the spots in the video, there are many temples in Kamakura and it can be said to be a place of prayer.
The video fully conveys the charms of Kamakura as a tourist destination. Be sure to watch the video to learn more about Kamakura, the land of prayer.

Recommendation – The Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in Temple During Cherry Blossom Season

Photo：Cherry blossoms and the Kamakura Daibutsu

When people think of Kamakura, the first shrine or temple that comes to mind is probably Kotoku-in Temple, home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura. It's so famous as a symbol that many people who don't know of Kotoku-in Temple will recognize it when they hear of the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

The Great Buddha is approximately 11.3m tall and weighs around 121 tons. Although it's not as big as the Great Buddha of Nara Todaiji Temple, it is known as the second largest seated Great Buddha and is a National Treasure of Kamakura.

In spring, you can also take pictures with the Great Buddha and cherry blossoms. A photo of the Great Buddha with cherry blossoms and blue skies is sure to look good on Instagram and make for a memorable shot!

A Wedding Ceremony at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Featured in the Historical Japanese Drama 'The 13 Lords of the Shogun'

Photo：A wedding at Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine

Tsuruoka Hachimangu is a shrine that represents Kamakura, and is the subject of the popular historical drama The 13 Lords of the Shogun. The enshrined deities are the 3 Hachiman deities (Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Himegami), and are said to bring benefits, such as increased luck and improvement in arts, and also ward off evil.

Wakamiya Oji, a road that stretches from Yuigahama Beach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, is also a famous tourist spot. You can also watch the video of the festival held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the enshrinement anniversary festival and the Sachiakari ceremony.

Sachiakari is a night wedding ceremony at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
It is held for only one group per day in the magical precincts illuminated by bonfires. Weddings held in the evening are very rare in Japan.
[Video] 0:26 - Enshrinement Anniversary Festival, Sachiakari Ceremony

Menkake Gyoretsu – A Festival at Goryo Shrine

Photo：Menkake Gyoretsu, a unique festival at Goryo Shrine, Kamakura

Take a look at the video to see what Menkake Gyoretsu (masked procession) at Goryo Shrine looks like. This festival, which has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of the prefecture, is said to be based on an event held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine's Hojokai. This procession is depicted in the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Festival Procession Map at the Tokyo National Museum.
If you rub the big belly of the big-belled okame (person wearing an Okame mask), it's believed you will be blessed with easy childbirth.
[Video] 0:35 - Goryo Shrine's Menkake Gyoretsu

Other Shrines and Temples in Kamakura

Photo：Kenchoji Temple, one of the Five Temples of Kamakura

Kamakura is home to many temples. Kamakura once prospered as the center of the Kamakura Shogunate, the first samurai government, and samurai culture flourished there throughout the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333 AD). Zen Buddhism was especially valued in samurai society, and Kenchoji Temple, Engakuji Temple, Jufukuji Temple, Jochiji Temple, and Jomyoji Temple are known as the Five Temples of Kamakura.

In addition, there's Gokuraku-ji Temple and Anyo-in Temple, which are related to the Kamakura Shogunate, Ashikaga Takauji's Choju-ji Temple, and Ryuho-ji Temple which has ties to the Later Hojo clan. Meigetsu-in Temple, which has a deep connection with the samurai government, is also known as a hydrangea temple. The garden's 2,500 hydrangeas are in full bloom from early to late June.

A Serene Zen Meditation Experience at a Zen Buddhist Temple

Zen Buddhist temples offer a variety of experiences. For example, you can experience Zen meditation at Hokokuji Temple, and experience sutra copying and shabutsu (写仏, tracing the image of Buddha) at Hasedera Temple. Kenchoji also holds zazen meditation sessions that you can participate in twice a year.

Komyo-ji Temple is also known as Neko-dera (猫寺, lit. "Cat Temple") because cats are taken care of by the temple residents and neighbors. It's known as a place where you can enjoy seasonal flowers together with the cats on the temple grounds.

Highlights and Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Kamakura

Photo：The Enoden Line and railroad crossing in front of Kamakura High School, Kamakura, Kanagawa

Kamakura as a place of prayer is a tourist attraction visited by many people each year. Thanks to the historical drama it's becoming even more popular this year.

The most famous station is the Enoshima Electric Railway's (commonly known as Enoden) Kamakura Kokomae station. There is a famous railroad crossing that appears in the opening of the anime Slam Dunk here, and it is visited by anime fans from all over the world.

The Kamakura Museum of Literature is fashionable and displays manuscripts of poets, as well as a variety of books. Roses bloom in spring and autumn, and the collaboration with the Western-style building from Japan's early Showa period is incredibly photogenic.
Shichirigahama Beach is popular among yacht and windsurfing enthusiasts, and Koshigoe beach is also popular during the sea bathing season. Wakaenoshima, the oldest harbor construction site, is also a place that history buffs should visit at least once. Furthermore, the natural beauty created by wave erosion on the western side of the Miura Peninsula is currently attracting attention.

For the Best Food in Kamakura, Head to Komachi-Dori!

If you want to enjoy some delicious food, head over to Komachi Street. There are many restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy whitebait dishes and dishes using vegetables grown in Kamakura, as well as do some souvenir shopping. Also, at the beginning of October each year, Oktoberfest is held. You can experience a slice of German culture with refreshing beer, food stalls, and exciting stage performances.

At the Kanagawa Prefectural Ofuna Botanical Garden, visitors can enjoy the nature of each season, including plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and autumn leaves.

Summary – Power Spots in Kamakura, a Place of Prayer

Photo：Kamakura

Have you seen the video of Kamakura, the Land of Prayer? Kamakura, an ancient city with a long history, is actually creating opportunities for regional revitalization with a unique business model called "Machi no Coin."

Kamakura City has a population of approximately 173,000 and is visited by approximately 7.38 million tourists annually. You can also explore the historical and cultural town on foot or rent a bicycle. There are also many hiking courses with different attractions and levels for people of all experience levels. If you get tired, you can take a rest at a hot spring inn too. How about recharging your mind and body in a wonderful city with history, culture, and power spots?

【TripAdvisor】Kamakura, Kanagawa
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303156-Kamakura_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto-Vacations.html