Tag Archives: kamakura

Golden Week 2025 – Day 4 – Finishing up Kamakura and Heading Home

My final day in Kamakura.
The weather for the first three days was slightly balmy, but Tuesday brought a cool rain.
I found it quite relaxing, especially since a lot of the crowds had dispersed.

I got to some temples I hadn’t made it to on the days prior, and I did a bit of personal shopping before returning to Tokyo.

Morning

For the last time, I had an early start and made my way east to begin my sightseeing.
I indulged a bit by stopping at several cafes and bakeries, picking up a few items I was hoping to snack on during the day, and upon my return.
I also stopped for cake at a restaurant near Jomyo-ji.

Places visited: Kōmyō-ji, Ankokuron-ji, Myohoji, Egara Tenjin Shrine, Kamakuragu, Sugimoto Temple, Jomyo-ji

Afternoon and Return

I finished up my visit with the Ichijo Ekan Sanso garden, and the Houkokuji temple.
Afterward I returned to central Kamakura where I visited the British Antique Museum and dined on a place of Okonomiyaki.

Places visited: Ichijo Ekan Sanso, Houkokuji, BAM Kamakura (British Antique Museum)

Golden Week 2025 – Day 3 – More Kamakura and Enoshima Island

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My third day of Golden Week, second day of Kamakura was initially going to take me to Enoshima in the morning. Instead I redirected and planned for Enoshima in the afternoon.
I do not recommend this when traveling alone for reasons I will detail later.

Other than that, I had a pretty excellent time and got to see a lot of very interesting things.

Morning

I started off with another early morning, taking the train a few stops to Hase to see some temples.

Places visited: Kosoku-ji Temple, Hasedera, Joju-in, Kotoku-in, Sasuke Inari Shrine, Gokuraku-ji, Zeniarai Benten Shrine, Cape Inamuragasaki, some pretty cool shops : )

Afternoon

In the afternoon I made my way toward Inoshima. Stopping by another temple before heading to the island.

Places visited: Ryuko-ji, Katase-Enoshima Station

Enoshima

I finally made it to Enoshima and my overall impression was less than spectacular. It was quite crowded, and there wasn’t any service on the island. I made my way across the island to the Iwaya Cave. It was ok.
I think this location is ideal for people in groups. I really just stood in line for most of my time, and the lack of service left me alone with my thoughts. My lonely, lonely thoughts.
I didn’t end up making it to all of the attractions. So I would sort of like to go again. Probably with another person though.

Also I had ramen for dinner with a Suntori Highball. Then I stumbled home drunk.
Haha just kidding. I was only slightly inebriated.

Places visited: Zuishinmon Gate, Enoshima Shrine – Hetsunomiya, Enoshima Shrine Nakatsunomiya, Enoshima Shrine Okutsumiya, Enoshima Iwaya Cave

Golden Week 2025 – Day 2 – Kita-Kamakura

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The rest of my Golden Week trip was spent in Kamakura. Here are pictures from the first day there.
I immensely enjoyed my time there and have some tentative plans to return for a pottery class or two this summer.

Morning

I left Yokohama at around 7 in the morning and arrived in Kita-Kamakura.
Most places open later in the afternoon, but I did find a coffee shop that was open early. I ate a pretty delicious sandwich and started making my way through some temples and shrines.

Places visited: Jōchi-ji, Eishō-ji Temple, Kencho-ji, Hansōbō Shrine, Meigetsu-in, Butsunichian, Engaku-ji

Early Afternoon

Around 11 I backtracked into the hills to visit Takara no Niwa, a quaint venue that hosts events like tea ceremonies. They also have some pottery classes I am interested in trying out.
At the time, curry and drinks were being sold. I bought an un-pictured pudding.

Afternoon

After my pudding break, I returned to sightseeing. Crowds were getting much denser, but wandering through neighborhood roads was still very enjoyable.
The highlight of this portion was definitely the Kitakamakura Old Private House Museum. There were a lot of beautiful and interesting works on display.
The goldfish art was particularly adorable.

Places visited: Kitakamakura Old Private House Museum, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, probably a few others I forgot to mark down

Late Afternoon to Sunset

After several hours of sightseeing and temple visits, I headed into town to check out some shopping. It was very crowded and the extent of my visit was just walking down Komachi Street.
I did end up buying the famous Hato Cookie Omiyage, and several strawberry jams to give as gifts.
After filling my arms I made my way to my accomodation where I would get cleaned up before heading back out for dinner.
It was a hamburger.

Places visited: Former Residence of Marquis Kachō Hironobu, Komachi Street, Kamakura Station (passed by)