Travels around Japan: near Tokyo

There are plenty of easy trips to take from Tokyo. Most can be done in either a day or a weekend. My favourite is Kamakura (see below), but I also enjoyed trips to Kawagoe (dress up in kimono and visit a sake brewery), Hakone (outdoor art museum, great shrine, good onsens) and Mount Takao (hike).  

I’ve made a Google Maps list of all my favourite places in Japan from my 6 months, which you can access here.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a little seaside town South West of Tokyo. It has lots of temples, a beach and is known for having a similar old-world feel to Kyoto. 

The Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) is my favourite Buddha in Japan. It is particularly cool because it is outside. According to temple records, the statue dates from around 1252, during the Kamakura period. Since that time it has resisted floods, waves and earthquakes which have flattened the surrounding buildings. More recently, as explained by this in-depth article, it has been in danger of corrosion due to pollution from nearby Yokohama. 

In spring the yabusame horseback archery event takes place. Samurai (or at least their modern equivalents) race up and down a strip of earth, firing arrows into targets along the way. It’s very cool. Make sure to reserve tickets in advance (or go early and watch the practice). 

Like many places in Japan, Kamakura is highly seasonal. If you are there at the right time of year, you can see any of the following:

• Spring: cherry blossoms.
• May: hydrangea, notably at Meigetsu-in.
• Summer (usually July): a magnificent firework display, ideally from the beach in Kamakura. Also look into displays in nearby Zushi. These displays are far less crowded than the big one in Tokyo itself, where you are also often watching between buildings.

For something special, try one of the  experiences offered by Kamakura Mind. Make sure to email in advance, so that they have time to make preparations.