Kamakura — The Great Buddha

Kamakura was Japan's political center in the 13th–14th centuries — the seat of the first shogunate and a temple city that rivaled Kyoto. Today, the small coastal town is a perfect day trip from Tokyo (1 hour by JR Yokosuka Line, ¥940).

The main highlight is the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at the Kōtoku-in Temple — a 13.35-meter-high, 121-ton bronze statue from 1252. Originally housed in a hall, which was swept away by a tsunami in 1498 — since then, the Buddha has sat outdoors, meditating under the open sky. For an extra ¥50, you can climb through a door into the hollow back of the statue.

Other highlights:

• Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū: Kamakura's most important shrine, at the end of a wide avenue lined with cherry trees. In September, Yabusame (mounted archery) takes place here — one of Japan's most spectacular festivals.
• Hasedera: Temple with a 9-meter-high, gilded Kannon statue and a cave corridor with hundreds of small Buddha figures. The garden offers a sea view.
• Komachi-dōri: Lively shopping street between the station and the shrine — souvenirs, matcha ice cream, dango (rice dumplings).
• Enoshima: Small island accessible by bridge (20 min. by train from Kamakura). Caves, shrines, sea views, and Fuji panorama in clear weather.