Worth visiting- Kamakura

Hello! Today I want to mention one of my favorite's places in Japan- Kamakura. Kamakura is situated near Tokyo and that's why I strongly recommend for everyone staying at Tokyo to go on one-day trip to this beautiful town at the seaside. Kamakura is an ideal places for a trip. There are many beautiful temples, charming streets, sandy beaches, as well as the paths among the forests. 

The name Kamkura also determines a period in the history of Japan, which lasted from 1185 to 1333. This period of time started dominance of military commanders, called Shogun. For almost 700 years the emperor and his court were brought to the role of a purely ceremonial and symbolic meaning. Civil , military and judicial  power was controlled by the bushi class, of which the most powerful one was chosen as a ruler of Japan.

Mon of Kamakura Shogunate

LIST OF MONUMENTS

Great Buddha- The most famous monument in Kamakura is a temple known for its Great Buddha statue made of bronze. The statue was created in the thirteenth century and it is 13.35 meters tall and weighs about 93 tons. Until the nineteenth century the statue stood inside the wooden temple, but it was destroyed by the tsunami. However statue survived and is now in the open air.

Hasedera- Hasedera is a temple of Jodo sect and it is famous because of its statue of Kannon (the goddess of mercy). Hasedera is built on a mountain and surrounded by forests. It has a beatiful garden with ponds full of koi, which creates a breathtaking scenery. Hase temple is also well-kown for the statues of Jizou, a Bodhisattva who helps the souls of unborn children to reach the paradise (because of miscarriage or abortion).

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu- is the most important shire in Kamakura and also the place of many festivals. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai class. The path leading to the shire is decorated with toori gates and garden. Until 2010, at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu there was growing the famous 1000 years old ginko tree.

It is all for today :) I hope you like it!