Combine three trails into an epic day-long hike around the city
Epic Kamakura Day Hike
Summer in Kamakura
There's no denying it: Rainy season is over (something like 22 days earlier than average!), which means summer is here and it is hot. And humid. And it's going to last at least two months. Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way in a beach town — who wants cool, drizzly summers when … Continue reading Summer in Kamakura
A Guide to Kamakura’s Hydrangeas
This is an unofficial history, recounted to my husband by his kobudo teacher, who assures us that his memory is correct: ***** Once upon a time, some 40 or 50 years ago, the city of Kamakura had a problem: June — the rainy season in the area — saw tourist numbers plummet, and the much-needed … Continue reading A Guide to Kamakura’s Hydrangeas
Kannon-sama Pilgrimage: Jochi-ji and Tokei-ji
At the end of the Daibutsu-Kuzuharaoka hiking trail, in Kita-Kamakura, sits Jochi-ji, temple number 31 of the Kamakura Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. Not far down the road is Tokei-ji, temple number 32. In Japan, Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimages are fairly common. According to Kamakura City's webpage on its Kannon-sama pilgrimage, the first Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage — the … Continue reading Kannon-sama Pilgrimage: Jochi-ji and Tokei-ji
Firefly Festival at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
The best part about June? Fireflies.
Kamakura Bungakukan Rose Festival
Roses are red... and pink, yellow, orange and white at the Kamakura Bungakukan's Rose Festival
か is for Kamakura 33 Kannon Pilgrimage
A great way to get to know Kamakura is to undertake the Kamakura 33 Kannon pilgrimage.
じ is for Jomyo-ji
At its peak, Jomyo-ji must have been incredible. That's not to say that it's not a beautiful spot now — it is, and very peaceful, too. But in 1386, it was comprised of seven buildings and 23 pagoda. Iso Mutsu writes that "in bygone days Jomyo-ji was one of the five most prominent temples of … Continue reading じ is for Jomyo-ji
Breakfast In Kamakura
Morning eats in the Kamakura area
Bon Odori Summer Festivals
Japanese summers are pretty spectacular. They buzz (cicadas) and DON DON DON (taiko drums). They whistle and gong and chant (festivals). They're burning hot and impossibly humid. But if you let the music drifting from the festival grounds carry you along, not only will you make it to fall without melting into a puddle … Continue reading Bon Odori Summer Festivals
鎌倉ペンション・Inn By The Sea Kamakura 