Kamakura: Japan’s Most Underrated Town

Kamakura: Japan’s Most Underrated Town

You know, when people talk about Japan’s most historic cities, the answer tends to be a bit predictable. Kyoto, of course, maybe Nara, if you’re paying attention. And sure, someone will toss in Tokyo just because, well, it’s Tokyo. But here’s the kicker, Tokyo, for the most of Japan’s long, and I do mean long long history, wasn’t even on the radar. Until the 17th century, what we now call Tokyo was basically a fishing village with ambitions. All right, let’s zoom out for a second. Japan’s story began way back in the Paleolithic period. We’re talking 50,000, more realistically, 38,000 B.C. Land bridges, early settlers, the whole ancient human starter pack. So when you start to look at the timeline, 400 years of Tokyo fame is kind of a blink in Japan’s historical eye. Now, Japan officially traces its imperial routes to around 600 B.C., with Emperor Jimmu, said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess. But most reliable records start around 400 AD, and it’s from there that the real city building history kicks in. So I ask the question, Which cities shape Japan’s cultural and political legacy? And here’s what came back, the top five. No surprise. Kyoto, the imperial heart of Japan for over a thousand years. UNESCO sites for days. Two, Nara., the first permanent capital, with a giant Buddha that still stops people in their tracks. Number three, Kanazawa, a castle town that dodged World War II bombs and preserved Edo period elegance. Number four, my town, and more importantly, Japan’s first military capital Number five, Himeji, that epic castle, not just for postcards, it was a Tokugawa era stronghold. So today, I want to shine a light on number four, Kamakura, because this isn’t just some coastal temple town. Kamakura literally rewrote the playbook on how Japan was governed. It was here that the samurai rose to power It was here that the shogunate took control, and it is here, now, that you’ll find a mix of ancient roots, coastal vibes, and real deal Japanese living. So join me today as we take a closer look at Kamakura. Not just a temple stop, but a living, breathing peace of Japan’s soul. And yeah, my hometown. Let’s go. All right, listen up. If you’re heading to Kamakura from Tokyo and you’re not totally useless with a train map, you’re probably hopping the Tokaido line. Only six stops, no drama, boom, Ofuna. It’s like the loading screen before the game starts. You’re not in Kamakura yet, but you’re close enough to smell the incense and overpriced matcha ice cream. Now, for most people, breeze through Ofuna on their way to Kamakura proper but if you pause for a moment, you’ll find it’s got its own low key charm, and a few surprises. right off the platform, look north, and you’ll spot something hard to miss. The Ofuna Kannon. And I’m not making this up. People see what looks like a 30 foot tall Buddha lady staring down at you from the hillside. Yeah, the Ofuna Kannon, giant bust, pure white. Been watching people since 1960. She started construction in 1921, and like most of us, got totally derailed by the Great Depression. Didn’t get finished until the Beatles were a thing. She’s the Buddhist embodiment of compassion and clearly has the patience of a saint, watching over the commuters and confused tourists for the past 60 years. Ofuna’s kind of the working class hero of Kamakura. People live here. There’s real stuff like government buildings, grocery stores, sushi, that doesn’t cost $80. Oh, and one of the best hospitals in the region, Shonan Kamakura General. Not your back alley clinic. This place has JCI accreditation. Does proton beam therapy, runs 24/7 emergency care like a medical Marvel movie. First hospital in Japan to get certified to treat international patients. Not bad for a neighborhood that most tourists sleep on. The terrain, hilly, green, chill. And if it’s not smoggy or raining sideways, you can sometimes spot Mount Fuji often a distance, like, “Hey, remember me? Yeah, Fuji’s 60 miles out.” Oh, and here’s a pro move if you’re not into temples today. Take the Shonan monorail from Ofuna to Enoshima. I know, sounds like a gimmick, but it’s actually a slick scenic ride and drops you off near the beach, avoiding the tourist herd dragging selfie sticks through town in like a parade. Next up, Kita Kamakura. Old school Japan with moss covered temples and zen gardens older than your country. Don’t fall asleep. So you step off the train at Kita Kamakura, and boom. It’s like someone hit rewind on a videotape and dumped you straight into the 1930s Japan. No escalators, no elevators, no vending machines, yelling at you in seven languages, just a platform, a few benches, and that eerie sense that you’re about to bump into a samurai who’s late for tea. “KITA” means “North, by the way, not some deep metaphor just geography doing its job. But the real magic, this place feels like a postcard that never got updated. Trees, hills, little wooden buildings that haven’t been bulldozed in the name of progress. It’s what Tokyo wishes it still had after it paved over its soul. If Dorothy from Kansas got off this train, she wouldn’t say, “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” She’d say, “Forget Kansas, we’re not in Tokyo anymore. Toto.” And she probably ditched the ruby slippers for some Tabi socks and just go full Zen Monk. This is my favorite stop in Kamakura, and I’m not just saying that to be different. It’s got a calm, almost sacred energy. and only a two minute walk from here, one of the most stunning and underrated temples around, Engakuji. It’s old, it’s peaceful, and it doesn’t need a flashy light show to impress you. it just is. Let me show you around a bit. You’ll see why this place has a grip on my soul and my ankles, because some of these steps are no joke. First stop, Engakuji temple The name ENgakuji roughly means the Temple of Perfect Enlightenment, which is kind of funny because you’ll absolutely be swearing and wheezing up some of the stairs before you feel any kind of enlightenment here. It was founded in 1282. Yeah, I said 12 freakin’82. Right after the Mongols failed to invade Japan. This place wasn’t built for Instagram It was built for reflection, discipline, and probably a fair amount of yelling by Zen masters in the 1300s. It’s one of the most important Rinzai temples in Japan, part of the Kamakura Gozan, basically, it’s the Zen big leagues And this one, it’s rank number two. But man, the architecture, timeless. The gardens, whisper quiet, like they were designed by poet who got tired of talking. There’s this massive wooden gate, Sanmo, that looks like it’s been holding the sky up for 700 years. And if you keep climbing, yeah, there’s climbing, always climbing, you’ll find a Sheridan, which allegedly houses one of Buddha’s teeth. No idea how they ended up in Japan, but, hey, nobody’s questioning it. So I come here every season, spring, summer,, fall, winter, and every damn time I walk around, it’s like the first time. The peace, the beauty, it just sucker punches the noise right out of your head. Now, right next door, we got Megitsuin. Locals call it the Hydrangea Temple. And trust me, you’ll see why. This place is like Mother Nature’s Instagram filter, but old school, hand grown and mood Swingy as hell. I swing by every season because the vibe shifts completely. One day, it’s soft and dreamy, next it’s moody and mood mystical. Hydrangeas in June, maple leaves and fall. Even winter’s got this frozen Zen poetry thing going. Let’s go take a look. All right, so this next place is called Meigetsuin. Yeah, try saying that after a couple of Sapporos. It’s one of the most popular temples in Kamakura. And let me tell you, this place is kind of like Carrie Underwood of temples. Real pretty, real polished. Everyone’s taking pictures like it’s going to file their taxes or something. But if you’re into that soulful, stay with you kind of vibe, you know, the Alison Krauss of temples, then maybe this ain’t it. But hey, I get it. People like Pretty. And get this. It was built in 1160. No, no, that’s not a typo. 1160. The Crusades were happening in Europe. And these guys were already stacking stones into Zen masterpieces. Meanwhile, back in Boston, natives were still fighting wolves with rocks. It used to be a part of the big temple complex called Zenkoji But then Japan went all religion, spring cleaning, during the Meiji Restoration and said,Yeah, let’s toss the Buddha and keep the rice gods. Shinto stayed, Buddhism got the Boot!. Go figure! But this one, it survived, like your one weird uncle who makes it through three divorces and still shows up for Christmas with a fruitcake.. Why? Because it had roots. The community was like, “Nah, this place is peaceful. It’s got good vibes. We’re keeping it.” Megetsuin thing is Zen Buddhism Rinzai flavor, which basically means sit down, shut up, and appreciate a rock garden before your brain explodes from the silence. It’s all about clarity, detachment, and realizing that everything in life is temporary, like your gym membership. Oh, and in June, this place is Hydrangea Palalooza. The whole temple turns into pale blue floral fever dream. People lose their minds, taking selfies like they’re going to use them on Tinder profile It loves long walks through ancient Japanese shrines with 900 other tourists. But the real gem here is the round window called Satori, no mado, or Window of Enlightenment. You look through it, and it’s like Mother Nature said, Yeah, I do portraits now.” It’s a perfectly framed Zen garden that basically whispers, “Relax, you uptight jackass. Then in the back, there’s a bunch of these old cave tombs where apparently, samurai and monks are buried. I mean, of course, they are. It’s Japan. Every time you turn around, there’s a 700 year old tombstone or a shrine to a cat. So, yeah, compared to the big, busy ones like KenChoji or Hachimangu, Megetsuin is quiet. It’s intimate. It’s like that jet jazz club you randomly stumbled into one night, and now you think you’re deep. I come here every season because every time I do, I walk around like an idiot going, “How is this even real?” And that, folks, is the magic. A warning, though, when hydrangeas are in full bloom, the lines are long. I mean, like waiting for the the Beatles reunion tickets long. All right, folks, buckle up, ‘cuz we’re taking a short stroll to Tokeji. And you’re not going to believe this one. It’s literally called the Divorce Temple. Yeah, that’s right. A place where women in the 13th century Japan went to get unhitched. Take that, Dr. Phil. So this place was founded in 1285, and for centuries, it was like the original No Fault Divorce Court, but with more bamboo and less yelling. Back in the Edo period, a woman couldn’t just walk out the door like in a country song and take the dog. No, no, no. She had to flee her dude, go fully Zen fugitive, and live at the temple for two to three years. Can you imagine that? You’re stuck with some grumpy samurai who never talks about his feelings. You bolt out in the middle of the night, show up at this temple like, “Hey, I need a futon and maybe a divorce.” And the temple, get this. They have the authority to grant it. No lawyers, no subpoena, just monks, and incense gone. Yeah, we think you’ve suffered enough, you’re good to go. People even nicknamed it Enkiri Dera, which actually means “Temple for cutting ties”. That’s not a nickname. That’s a power move. I mean, this was the OG Divorce Court, right? No judge Judy, no DNA test, just a solemn chance and some 14th century coaching. Hopefully, nobody was walking away with a samurai Seppuku settlement package, right? You keep the sword, I’ll take the rice cooker. So, yeah, if you thought your divorce was rough, imagine spending three years at a temple just to get the paperwork signed. But, hey, at least it came with a peaceful garden and some deep spiritual reflection. So much for “Stand by your Man” So last but not least in the Kita Kamakura area, a magnificant spectacle of temple showmanship. Kenchoji, Japan’s OGG Zen powerhouse. All right, now we’re talking heavy hitters here. You like temples? You like big ones with serious, spiritual street cred? Then welcome to Kenchoji, the Shohei Ohtani of Japanese temples. Yeah, I said it. This place isn’t just the top of the lineup. It’s batting cleanup for Zen Buddhism. Located right here in Kamakura, Kenchoji is ranked number one among the five great Zen temples of the area a.ka.a the Kamakura Gozan. But this isn’t just some tourist selfie spot. No, this was Japan’s first full blown Zen training monastery, founded way back in 1253. And again, that’s not of typo, 1253. So it all started when this Chinese monk named Lang Xi Dao Long, or Rankei Doryu, if you want to get fancy, got invited over here by Hojo Tokiori, one of those shogunate VIPs, with a little too much power and a sudden interest and inner peace You know the type. Even the Emperor Go Fukakusa got on it. Hey, try saying that ten times real fast.” He ordered this place built during the Kencho era, which is how it got its name. So yeah, Kenchoji wasn’t just about meditating under a pine tree and hoping for enlightenment. This was a full blown institution. Back in the medieval days, the monks here didn’t just chant and sip tea. They were like Ivy League of Buddhist politics These guys had influence in the capital. They helped shape the inner workings of the country. You’re not just looking at a temple. You’re standing in the middle of a spiritual think tank with a whole lot of incense. Architecturally, it’s stunning. Gigantic wooden gates, towering halls, gardens that make you want to rethink every decision you’ve ever made. And that Zen energy hits you as soon as you walk in, like you’re being told, yeah, take off your mental shoes before you come in here, buddy. So if you’re in Kamakura and you want the real deal, the heavyweight, the Hall of Famer, this is it, Kenchoji, still schooling souls after 770 years. By now, your watch is sucking up time faster than a camel pulling into a Tesla water stop. in the middle of the freaking Sahara. Yeah, we’ve been temple hopping like spiritual Uber eats over here, and that stomach of yours is probably whispering sweet nothings about soba noodles. So here’s the deal. You’re about halfway between Kita Kamakura and Kamakura stations. You’ve got two options. You could go hoofing it, burn a few calories, walk that to the convenience store get some onigiri, maybe stumble into Hachimangu shrine, on foot, like a real Zen pilgrim, or this is totally fine, by the way, you can hop the train one stop to Kamakura station grab a coffee, and pretend you’ve been walking the whole time when no one’s even looking. Either way, you’re about to hit the heart of old Kamakura, and trust me, it’s worth the steps. The Kamakura Station area. All right. So you’ve made it to Kamakura Station, aka.a the cultural hot zone where history meets. Hey, is that line for squid on a stick? So this is basically the Times square of Zen. wall to wall tourists jammed in from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., all bumping elbows, taking selfies with macha soft serves, while pretending they’re finding themselves. You step off the train and boom, you’re hit with that salty sea air and about 12 different languages shouting out for gelato. The station itself, let’s call it romantically rusted. Charming in the way your grandparents garage was charming. Old place platform, wood beams that looks like they’ve been through 14 typhoons and one Godzilla rehearsal. But that’s Kamakura. Gritty charm. She’s the cool aunt who drinks whiskey neat and still wears shoulder pads unironically. Now, look, Kamachi Dori, that narrow little tourist funnel they call a street, it’s cute. Sure. If your idea of cultural enlightenment is buying a 700 yen, cookie shaped like Buddha head It’s basically a sideways stampede headed towards Hachimangu shrine, which, yes, is beautiful, but not exactly my idea of peace and serenity when there’s 4,000 people elbowing each other for the best iPhone angle on the bridge Hachimangu is old, like Minamoto Yoritomo, founded the Kamakura shogunate, kind of old. 1063. That’s before Columbus, before Shakespeare, before TikTok destroyed our attention spans. It’s a warrior god shrine. Think of it like the original. UFC octagon, but with more koi ponds and less cauliflower ears. It’s got ponds, it’s got Torii gates. It’s got a scenic staircase designed to remind you how out of shape you are. And there’s even a museum tucked in there, which, I’ll admit, I’ve never been to because I thought it was a full, weird, modern art installation, like Zen and the Empty chair, turns out it’s a samurai history. My bad. Now, if you’ve survived all this and your feet haven’t filed a lawsuit yet, jump on the local bus or the Enoden line if you like riding a train so narrow, it feels feels like you’re brushing someone’s living room curtain. You think I’m kidding? No. You’re going to head to Hokokuji, better known as the Bamboo Temple. And listen, this place is gorgeous, peaceful. It feels like someone hit mute on the outside world. The bamboo forest, it’s like walking into a Japanese Monet painting. Except right after that, someone hands you a bowl of matcha tea, which let’s be honest. Matcha, tastes like your dad’s lawnmower bag got wet and someone strained it through through a sock. But you drink it anyways, because you’re in the mood and it’s tradition. And besides, some old lady with centuries of wisdom just handed it to you like she’s brewed with stardust. So you say, thank you, sip, and try not to wince. Oh, in these Ashikaga clan tombs., unreal. We’re talking 700 year olds, still standing despite earthquakes, fires, and probably a few disgruntled samurai ghosts. So, yeah, Kamakura station area. It’s not my favorite. It’s a little too “Step Right Up” for my taste. But I get it. It’s got the hits. It’s the rock concert part of the trip. You come for the history, stay for the tourist chaos, and maybe just maybe you leave with a a little bit more respect for just how much this city’s carried on its back over the centuries. while still managing to serve you Yakatori at 11 a.m. and before you sprint out of here like your pants are on fire, let me give you give a little credit where credit is due. Wakamiya Oji. The street is basically Kamakura’s version of the red carpet, but like it was lined with Torii gates, ancient family run shops, and old ladies yelling at you to try a rice cracker. It’s got this centered walkway the Dankazura, flanked by roads on either side, lined with cherry trees that come in spring. This turns this place into a pastel explosion. and walk? Yeah, it’s long. But when those cherry blossoms are popping, man, every step is worth it.. Like Mother Nature decided to show off and go, Yeah, I still got it.” And speaking of Kamakura traditions, at some point, you’re going to be handed a famous pigeon cookie. Now, I don’t know if it’s a pigeonon or a dove. The packaging’s trying real hard to make it feel poetic, like, ah, yes, the bird of peace. But let’s be honest, no one’s ever looked at a pigeon and thought, “Hmm, that seems delicious.” You see a pigeon and you think, “That’s a rat with wings, just dive bomb my sandwich.” But whatever, the cookie’s pretty good. It’s like a buttery shortbread thing that tastes better than the name sound. And you’ll probably buy a box for your aunt just to say, “Hey, I went to Japan and brought you something weird.” So, yeah, Wakamiya Oji is a great little reset button. After all that temple hopping and tourist dodging, especially in spring, it’s a freakin cherry blossom parade. Okay, that’s going to wrap it up for Kamakura station area. Let me tell you, if you’ve made it this far and you still have feeling in your legs, congrats. You’re halfway to sainthood. Now it’s time to head down to Enoshima, the beachy side of town, where locals pretend they’re in Malibu, minus the Botox and overpriced smoothies. Now, you got options, and when I say options, I mean, too many for the average tourists brain to process well, sweating through their Uniqlo backpack. Option one, Hop on a local bus to Enoshima. Yeah, it’s a bus. It goes where it’s supposed to, eventually. It’s Japan. It’ll be on time, but it might stop 43 times for that one guy who can’t figure out the IC card. Option two, take the Enoden line. This is the tourist favorite, because it’s cute. It winds through the light neighborhoods like it’s a Tomica touristy train. I’ll cover this in another video because this line deserves its own Oscar, all right? It’s like Disneyland meets narrow Japanese streets, the musical. And then there’s option three. This one’s for people who actually plan ahead, head back to Ofuna, take the JR monorail, underground.rated gem. It’s elevated, smooth, less packed, and quicker Unless you’re allergic to efficiency, this is the way to go. Plus, it kind of feels like you’re in Blade Runner without the dystopian depression. Okay, option number four. Okay, hear me out on this. You take a train from Ofuna to Fujisawa. Then jump on the Odakyu Enoshima line and ride it straight to Katase Enoshima station. And this station, I swear to God, it looks like a high end Panda Express. had a baby with Tokyo Disneyland. You expect chopsticks and chow mein at the ticket gate, but hey, it drops you off right near the beach. And lately, this one’s been my move Less drama, better scenery, and you don’t have to wrestle 80 tourists for a window scene. Bottom line, pick your poison, but make it count. and Enoshima’s next. And trust me, you’re going to want to see it before the next typhoon season slaps the coastline back to 1954. All right, folks, this is it. The end of the line, literally, you’ve ridden the endoden train so long, you’re starting to think you’re on the train. Now, you land in Enoshima, Japan’s best impression of Malibu or Venice Beach Except, you know, without the stoned skateboarders, half naked fire twirlers, or guys yelling about Bitcoin. Kind of quiet on the weirdo front, but it’s still got charm. On summer weekends, this place is like Tokyo unplugged. Everyone bails from the concrete toaster oven of the city and flocks to Enoshima, like its spring break in Daytona It’s got that whole fun in the sun vibe. Surfs up, sunscreen on, and teenage heartbreaks loading up by the minute. Honestly, it gives me flashbacks to Chicagoland summers at the Warren Dunes or Indiana Beach. But instead of pickup trucks and Bratwurst, you’ve got mopeds, Matcha and $30 flip flops from a store called Aloha Whatever Now, listen, get there early, and I mean, crack of dawn early, or you’ll be dodging crowds like it’s a mosh pit at a ColdPlay concert. And around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., a whole new crowd rolls in like clockwork, setting up for that Instagram perfect Mount Fuji Sunset moment You know the shot. Look at me, I’m reflecting on life in front of nature’s most elusive volcano. to be fair, when it hits, it’s breathtaking, like a Hallmark postcard level gorgeous. But most of the time, Fuji’s playing peekaboo behind a cloud bank like it owes child support. She’s shy. You see her full face maybe three times a year, tops. Now, I love this place to vegetate. You sit back, breathe in the ocean air, and watch the real entertainment. Kite hawks, dive bombing tourists for their. 7-Eleven sandwiches. It’s like planet Earth meets candid camera. You’ve never seen a grown man scream like a toddler until a bird swoops in and steals his egg salad sandwich. Midbite. Okay, let’s talk surfing, kind of. You’ve got hundreds of surfers bobbing up and down like they’re seaweed in a Jacuzzi. They’re all suited up like they’re about to take tackle the Hawaii’s banzai pipeline. But the waves, I’ve seen bigger ripples in my bathtub, folks One foot rollers, folks. You’re not surfing, you’re waiting in style. The only extreme sport out there is trying to peel off a wetsuit on a 90 degree humidity without clearing a five block radius. Smells like a gym sock mated with a sea lion. Stroll down the coastal road and you’ll swear you’re in some alternate universe where Venice Beach got quiet and clean. You’ll pass joints called California Dreaming. and Hawaiian Smile Cafe with a side of ukulele, the music playing as Porsche’s roll by. Car Culture, coastal cruising. It’s all here, baby. So, for the best view, head over to the Cape Inamuragasaki Observatory. If Fuji’s out of witness protection that day, you’ll get the whole sweep, surfboards, beach, and Enoshima Island and Fuji towering in the back like it’s saying, “Yeah, I still got it.” last stop Enoshima Island. connected by a long ass bridge that somehow always feels longer on the way back. Technically, it’s Fujisawa’s baby., but most tourists think it’s Kamakura. Let’s not tell them. It keeps the foot traffic down. The little rock is packed. Winter light shows, fireworks in the summer, a botanical garden, a shrine to Benzeiten, the goddess of music, beauty in the water, triple threat. Legend says Benzeiiten literally made the island rise out of the ocean. Now that’s a flex. There’s also an aquarium where you can see porpoises jump, turtles, chill, and jellyfish do their floaty little blob dance. Me? I’ve hit enough aquariums in my life. They all start blurring together after a while. If you’ve seen one penguin trying to find its dignity in a glass tank, you’ve seen them all So, yeah, Enoshima is no joke, a little cheesy, a little spiritual, and very much worth the walk, even if you leave with sunburn, sand in your shoes, and a cookie shaped like a pigeon. or a dove. I mean, what kind of bird sells merch anyways? you earned it. Grab a drink, watch the sunset, and pray a hawk doesn’t snatch it out of your hand. So if you actually survive this whole Kamakura adventure, congrats. You’re either in peak condition or you’re just too stubborn to quit. And if you didn’t come home looking like a lobster and poppin Tylenol and all like Tic Tacs, well, then you didn’t do it right. Between the sun, stairs, and deep fried street food, you’re going to need a nap. maybe a medically induced one. I’m talking 48 hours down, socks still on, still tasting that mystery sauce you shouldn’t have eaten in the first place. Now, I know somebody out there is gonna scream, but you didn’t talk about Kamakura Kokomae station, that place from that “Slam Dunk” with the train and the ocean and that Anime magic. Yeah, I know, I know. Relax. It’s cute. Kids love it. Big old crowds line up with their phones, trying to time that one perfect shot of the train zooming by. Me, not my thing. It’s not exactly my generation, all right? I didn’t grow up on Anime, I grew up on Chicago Winters and Led Zeppelin. But hey, enjoy it. Take the picture, do the pose, be part of the fun, just don’t block traffic or take out an old lady to get your Instagram moment. Now, seriously, I hope I gave you at least one good reason why to choose to live here. Kamakura’s got it all, nature, temples, beaches, history, crazy birds stealing your lunch. What’s not the love?? It’s got this quirky mix of old world Zen and modern chaos. It’s not just a tourist spot. It’s a living, breathing samurai built madhouse, and I love it. And yeah, in the Japan City showdown, Kyoto, Nara, Amazing! But Kamakura, she punches above her weight class, right up there at the top of my list. So if you dug the ride, go ahead, hit that like button, slam that subscribe like it owes you money. And if you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t be that person who skips Kamakura, because you saw a temple once and you thought, eh, put it on your map, put it on your schedule. Put on some decent walking shoes. This is the home of samurai baby. Show some respect. Until next time, stay safe, stay curious, and for the love of sushi, hydrate. Thanks for watching, and as always, adios for now. Take care. Real Quick. If you get questions about living in Japan, stuff like legal help, job issues, or how senior care works, don’t go down that Google rabbit hole. Just hit up navigatorJapan.com. One word, no fluff It’s clean, clear, and answers the kinds of questions most people are too afraid to ask. And yeah, it’s free. I use it. You should too. navigatorJapan.com. Go there. be smarter. Boom. Done.

Think Kamakura is just a quiet temple town for history nerds? Think again.
In this episode, I take you through the real Kamakura — the city I’ve called home for over 3 years. From hillside Zen temples and bamboo forests, to beaches full of surfers chasing ankle-high waves, hawks snatching snacks, and locals dodging anime selfie mobs — Kamakura’s got everything.
This ain’t Kyoto. It ain’t Tokyo. It’s got samurai roots, beach town soul, and enough history to make your Fitbit explode.
We hit Ofuna, Kita-Kamakura, downtown Kamakura Station (aka the tourist gauntlet), and wrap up along the Enoshima coastline with Mt. Fuji doing its best peekaboo act.
➤ Whether you’re a first-time tourist or thinking about retiring in Japan, this video’s for you.
🔔 Don’t forget to hit Like, Subscribe, and drop a comment if you’ve ever been here — or want to be!
➤ Thinking about moving to Japan or visiting? Check out: https://NavigatorJapan.com — Practical info. No fluff.

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