By Unthinkable1
Although Kamakura is famous for its temples and the impressive Daibutsu, these are not the only reasons to go. There are also some very pleasant hiking trails, and even on a busy Sunday the crowds rarely infiltrate the hills.
We got off the train at Kita-Kamakura station and crossed the tracks, immediately feeling revitalised by the fresh aroma of the trees. We followed the road to Jochi-Ji, and then headed up the track to the left of the temple, where the hiking trail begins.
The trail heads up quite steeply at first through the forested hills. After about 30 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace, we arrived at Genji-yama Park, a lovely hill-top park full of plum trees and cherry blossoms. From here there are many different routes including one that leads to the Daibutsu.
We opted for another path that took us down to Kamakura station. It was a very pleasant stroll through the forest, down narrow paths and through temple graveyards until finally, some 30 minutes later, we arrived amongst the lively streets behind Kamakura station.
From Kamakura station we headed towards the beach, stopping for lunch at Kua Aina, the Hawaiin Hamburger restaurant, and then arrived at the beach front. The beach/sea isn't the cleanest of Japan, but comes as a nice contrast to the refined elegance of Kamakura's temples and shrines. The sea was packed full of wind surfers and surfers making the most of the approaching typhoon.
We walked along the beach and headed up to Zushi Marina. We saw many surfers checking the waves; windsurfers checking the wind; and little kids checking the sand. At the end of the beach we climbed the steps and entered Hawaii. Well, it was Zushi Marina, with very tall palm trees! We sat down and admired the views of Enoshima in the distance; saw some massive boats and yachts; and relaxed whilst watching the waves crash against the rocks.
From Zushi Marina we walked towards the bus stop. We dropped by a little supermarket to buy an ice cream and were greeted with such a warm welcome that we began to feel as though we were deep in the countryside, where no foreigners had ever set foot. As we left, an old lady kept shouting out, "ki wo tsukete ne~".
We caught the bus and headed back to Tokyo, suntanned and chilled out.
The two worlds of Kamakura : The refined splendour of traditional Japan, with its temples and wooded hillsides; and the trendy, laid back beach-side area with its wind surfers, sea views and palm trees. Maybe this is what they mean by living a balanced life!
Tips:
- The train back from Kamakura station is often packed around mid to late afternoon, so if you are in Kamakura, go one stop back to Zushi station where you can get a seat for the journey back to Tokyo.
- If you're thinking of buying food and eating it on the beach, think again - the kites are always hungry!
