Enoshima Island and the Bamboo Temple: Top Scenic Spots Near Tokyo

Kamakura and Enoshima Travel Guide: A Relaxing Journey Through Nature and History

Kamakura and Enoshima are very popular as places to enjoy Japanese history and culture.

The beautiful nature, elegant townscape, and history of the area attract many people.

In this section, we will tell you about spots that you should especially visit and their charms.

Learn more about the pleasant and inspiring moments you will experience in each spot and their special backgrounds.

Now, let’s explore this fascinating area together.

Luxurious experience to reset your mind at “Hokokuji Temple,” an extraordinary space in Kamakura

Many people may have an image of Kamakura with its historical buildings. Among them, however, Houkokuji Temple stands out in a unique way. Hokokuji Temple is known as a place that invites visitors into an extraordinary world with its emotional space created by bamboo groves.

The biggest attraction of this temple is the bamboo grove that stretches behind the temple grounds. It is a beautiful space that looks like a Japanese painting, and as you walk through it, the bamboo makes a soft rustling sound, which is soothing to the senses. Just by walking through the bamboo grove, you will feel the stresses of everyday life melt away.

There is also a coffee shop on the grounds where you can enjoy a quiet moment while gazing at the bamboo grove. In particular, there is nothing more luxurious than enjoying the fantastic view of the bamboo grove while sipping matcha green tea.

For example, you can visit with a friend or loved one to share the tranquility of the place, or spend a meditative and relaxing time alone. This is a must-visit spot for travelers who want to take the time to experience good old-fashioned Japanese culture.

Enoshima, the symbol of Shonan, offers spectacular views

Next we will introduce Enoshima, the symbol of Shonan, which is well known for its fame. Enoshima is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, and is a small island with spectacular natural scenery. It is an easy place to visit and is chock-full of sights and spectacular scenery.

At the top of Enoshima is a lighthouse called the Enoshima Sea Candle. From this observatory, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, especially the beauty of Sagami Bay to the south and Mt. A walk while watching the sun set is sure to be a moving experience.

There is also a cave called “Enoshima Iwaya” on the back side of the island. This place is known as the birthplace of the Enoshima faith and has been visited by many people since ancient times. This is a spot where visitors can feel the power of nature while experiencing its historical background.

Your heart will be greatly enlivened as you tour these sights. Near the bridge to Enoshima is the Enoshima Aquarium. Here, you can observe many marine creatures and enjoy dolphin shows. It is a perfect sightseeing spot for families and couples.

The beauty of the four seasons at Meigetsuin Temple in Kitakamakura

Our next recommended destination is Meigetsuin Temple, located in Kitakamakura. This temple attracts visitors with its beautiful hydrangeas and autumn leaves. In particular, Meigetsuin Temple is also known as “Hydrangea Temple” because of its nature.

There are a whopping 2,500 hydrangea plants at this temple. In fact, walking among the hydrangea flowers spreading all over the temple, one’s cheeks naturally smile and one’s mind becomes peaceful. During the hydrangea season in early summer, many tourists visit the temple to enjoy the scenery.

And in the fall, the autumn leaves add vivid colors and the entire temple grounds are dyed in beautiful reds and yellows. I personally especially recommend the summer season, when the cicadas are chirping. The midsummer sun shining down on you is blocked by the leaves of the trees, and the cool air of the Meigetsuin temple grounds is very mysterious and makes you feel like one with nature.

There is also a unique round window called the “Window of Enlightenment” on the main path. The autumn leaves and snowy landscape viewed through this window is like a living painting, drawing you into the beauty of the moment. Visitors to Meigetsuin can experience the beauty of nature throughout the year, and can enjoy different attractions at any time of the year.

Sea fun in Enoshima and the charm of the Enoshima Aquarium

Enoshima, a symbol of Shonan, offers not only abundant natural and historical spots, but also a variety of sea-themed activities. Especially in summer, many people visit the beach to enjoy swimming and marine sports.

One of Enoshima’s other attractions is the opportunity to fully enjoy contact with the sea through fishing, yachting, surfing, and other activities. With facilities that can be enjoyed even by beginners, anyone can enjoy the pleasures of the sea.

Located near the island is the Shin-Enoshima Aquarium, which is also a must-see. The Enoshima Aquarium is characterized above all by its abundant exhibits. It exhibits a wide variety of marine life, including some of the rarest species in Japan. In particular, the jellyfish exhibit is unique and creates a fantastic world.

In addition, there are dolphin and sea lion shows, which many visitors come for. These shows are powerful enough to enthrall children and adults alike. A visit to Enoshima will be made even more fulfilling with this kind of sea fun.

Enjoy Japanese sweets that can only be found in Kamakura

If you visit Kamakura, you should definitely enjoy the Japanese sweets that can only be found here. In Kamakura, there are many Japanese sweets specialty stores and sweets cafes where you can enjoy traditional tastes.

For example, Kamakura Mameya in Kamakura is famous as a long-established bean confectionery specialty store. The colorful bean confections are all made with natural flavors and are not too sweet, allowing you to feel the deliciousness of each bean. The shop also offers seasonal limited editions, so no matter how many times you visit, you will never get tired of them.

The Kamakura Kintsuba store is also known as one of the best Japanese confectionery stores in Kamakura, and its kintsuba, filled with the delicious taste of beans, has many fans among locals and tourists alike. The balance between the crispy thin crust and the moist red bean paste inside is exquisite, and once you try it, you will never forget the taste.

Also popular in Kamakura are beautiful sweets that can be enjoyed by looking at them, such as “green tea sweets” and “Japanese parfaits. In particular, matcha parfaits and matcha lattes enjoyed at cafes with a retro atmosphere are sure to be a picture-perfect experience. This is the perfect spot to visit for souvenirs or a quick break in Kamakura.

Charms of Kamakura and Enoshima that change from season to season

Kamakura and Enoshima are full of various charms throughout the year, as their expressions change from season to season. In spring, fresh greenery and cherry blossoms are beautiful, especially the rows of cherry trees at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Hase-ji Temple. Walking under the cherry blossoms and enjoying the atmosphere of the ancient capital is a quaint experience.

In summer, visitors can enjoy the bustling ocean scenery, cool Japanese sweets, and activities on the sea that soothe and enliven the spirit. And in autumn, the beautiful autumn leaves spread out, and a walk around Houkokuji Temple and Engakuji Temple, in particular, will teach you the beauty of the season that will stay in your heart.

Even in winter, sightseeing in the quiet and enjoying a walk through the streets while feeling the good old days of Kamakura will warm your body and soul. Fuji in the clear winter air is always a special sight to behold, and a spectacular view that one cannot help but take pictures of.

I would like to visit Kamakura and Enoshima again and again to enjoy these seasonal changes. This is because there are new discoveries to be made each time you visit, and there are different ways to enjoy the area depending on the season. We hope you will add this area to your next travel destination.

That’s all for now, we have introduced the charms of Kamakura and Enoshima.

The historical townscape, natural beauty, and delicious Japanese sweets attract many visitors.

Please enjoy a relaxing trip and feel the rich culture and nature that Japan has to offer.

And if you visit next time, try to discover new attractions.

We hope your wonderful travel memories will be even richer.