Kamakura - North Western Bike Ride
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March 16, 2013 - Kamakura - North Western Bike Ride
Just like a smaller version of Kyoto - spending one day in Kamakura does not do justice to how much there is to see in this small town. Below is a general bike ride that could be completed within 5-6 hours with attractions or a full day via walking. Hint - there is a bike rental store close to the East entrance of Kamakura station. It's not cheap - but it does let you get much further than via walking.
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This general tour starts near Kamakura station and travels north west to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
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The shrine is about 10 minutes by bike from Kamakura station. Traffic seems to always be busy getting here. Hint - this will be a perfect place for Hanami in a week or so as there is a long walkway towards the shrine which is adorned by many cherry trees.
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Entrance to the Shrine is free - but there is a treasure house which can be visited in the middle that costs 250 Yen from memory to enter. There are also quite a few food matsuri stores on the walk towards the shrine.
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To get to Kenchoji Temple, head 10-15 North West by bike from the shrine. Going left will take you towards this temple and the others. You know you are going to right way if there is a reasonably large hill and a small tunnel. This temple is quite a large complex and has lots of small walks and other temples towards the back. Entrance is 300 Yen and you could at least spend 30-60 minutes here.
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Almost directly across the road from Kenchoji Temple is Ennoji Temple . It costs 200 Yen to enter and is as a temple quite unspectacular. However - there are some very interesting and old statues inside the temple. For some people - these statues will be one of the highlights of Kamakura and for some they will think it's a waste of money....
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Another 5 minutes down the road towards Kita-kamakura station is Chojuji Temple. It was closed at the time but is meant to cost 300 Yen to enter. If it's worth visiting is still a mystery....
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If you keep riding towards Kita-kamakura station you will see some train lines - cross the train lines and follow the signs to Meigetsuin Temple. It should take no longer than 5 minutes to get here from the previous temple. This temple costs 300 Yen and you don't come here for the buildings but for the nice gardens. I really enjoyed coming here - but would look even better in later spring, summer or autumn. I would not come here in winter.
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To get to Engakuji Temple you will need to backtrack towards the train lines but turn right just before the train crossing. It should take no longer than 5 minutes to get here from the previous temple and it's almost opposite Kita-kamakura station. It costs 300 Yen to enter and once again it's a huge complex. This place will look spectacular during cherry blossom season in a week or so.
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Once again, you cross the train line and Tokeji Temple is a whole 3 minutes away. It costs 100 or 200 yen to enter (cant exactly remember) and it has a nice garden and tea room. It's meant to be famous and very busy in summer because of the hydrangeas.
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To get to Jochiji temple, head towards Kamakura station and ride for a whole 3 minutes. This temple once again has a nice garden and is famous for the God of Happiness. It would be easy to spend 20-30 minutes strolling around or even longer if you want to soak up the atmosphere. 200 Yen entrance
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It's around a 15 minute bike ride to Kamakura station from here. It's mainly downhill or a small decline.
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