Greater Tokyo

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Enoshima

Enoshima

Enoshima is an island with a circumference of around 4 km and you can enjoy the popular sightseeing spots throughout a year, such as Enoshima Shrine, Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, Enoshima Sea Candle, Dragon Bell, Chigogafuchi Marine Plateau, and Enoshima Iwaya Cave. The Enoshima Yacht Harbor was the sailing competition venue for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. The area is abundant with seafood such as shirasu, Ise Shrimp, sashimi, sazae and clams, all of which are very popular local cuisines to the tourists.When the tide is low, people flock to Chigogafuchi Abyss to take in the panoramic views of the sea and the magnificent skyline.The Chigogafuchi Rest House is a two-story building offering visitors a place to sit down and have a bite to eat before or after exploring the Iwaya Caves.Connected to the Chigogafuchi Abyss is the Sunset Reef. As the name suggests, it offers a stunning view of the sun setting into the sea. During the seasons of low tide, various marine life can be seen swimming amongst the reef, making it a popular fishing spot.The First Cavern is 152 metres long, and can be accessed by taking the left-side path where the cave splits at the entrance. When you walk further into the cavern, the cave splits again into two. Because of the extremely cold winds that sometime blow from the left-side path, it is rumored that the cave is somehow connected to Mt. Fuji, but this cannot be confirmed as it is closed to the public.On scenic Enoshima Island you can see historical temples, stroll around a botanical garden, take in the view from the lighthouse, or cool off in a cave created by the sea. In summer, the neighbouring beaches are lined with fun temporary bars.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Amanawa Shinmei Shrine

Amanawa Shinmei Shrine

This shrine was founded in 710 (Wado 3) by famous priest Gyoki and constructed by Tokitada Someya, a powerful and rich man. It is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Minamoto no Yoriyoshi prayed to this shrine and his son, Minamoto no Yoshiie was born here. Founder and the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, Minamoto no Yoritomo, his wife, Masako, a political leader, and their son, Minamoto no Sanetomo also worships this shrine. Here, you can find the well used for Tokimune Hojo’s (regent of the shogun) first bath and said to be Marquis Nijo’s favourite well. There is also an Man’yōshū (collection of Japanese poetry) inscription originating from the rear mountain named Mikoshiyama Mountain. This place also appears in the novel “The Sound of the Mountain” by Yasunari Kawabata.The greenery enveloping the worship hall and the straight, symbolic shrine path is lit up, creating a mystic and sublime atmosphere that beckons visitors.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Ofuna Kannon Temple

Ofuna Kannon Temple

The Ōfuna Kannon in the west of Ōfuna Station in Kamakura City is an eye-catching huge white statue of Kannon. Although there were instances where the construction of this statue had to be stopped due to WWII, it was completed in 1960 (Showa 35) and is now a symbol of Kamakura City Ōfuna Ward, gently protecting the many visitors who come to pray.This modern temple is home to the Ofuna Kannon, a 25-meter statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, watching serenely over visitors. At the Yume Kannon Festival held in autumn each year, you can watch performances of music and dance from around Asia.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Umi no koen (Marine Park)

Umi no koen (Marine Park)

This is Yokohama's only park featuring a seaside swimming beach! Along the coastline, a sandy beach lush with greenery stretches approximately 1 kilometer, making the perfect space for visitors to interact with the ocean. Despite its natural appearance, this sandy beach was artificially created using sand transported from Chiba Prefecture. Today, it is home to numerous creatures such as crabs and clams. In early spring, visitors can enjoy clam digging, and in summer, the beach comes alive with the start of swimming season. The calm waves and gently sloping shoreline make it the ideal beach for sand play and windsurfing. The park also features marine sport facilities like beach volleyball courts and a windsurfing storage shed. In addition, the Nagisa Plaza hosts a grass field suitable for soccer and other fun, as well as a barbecue area, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of seaside leisure activities.

Nature & Views Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Discover the Zen Spiritual Experience with a Volunteer Guide in Saijoji Temple

Discover the Zen Spiritual Experience with a Volunteer Guide in Saijoji Temple

Welcome to Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple, a sacred Zen sanctuary where tranquility and solemnity reside. Located in Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple stands as an important Zen temple of the Soto sect, preserving its long history and deep faith to this day.The main hall was designed by Ito Chuta, the first Japanese architecture historian, and embodies the traditional Japanese aesthetic of finding the beauty in shadows. The approach leading to it is lined with approximately 20,000 cedar trees, many over hundreds of years old, enveloping visitors in a quiet, mystical atmosphere.A beautifully proportioned pagoda welcomes worshippers, evoking a sense of being transported to ancient Japan. The legendary ascetic Tengu (a type of Shinto spiritual being) stands guard before Kekkai-mon (the sacred barrier gate), and is said to ward off evil spirits and protect worshippers while also guiding the path to enlightenment.Atop 354 stone steps lies the sacred sanctuary Okunoin, quietly standing to offer deep healing and insight to visitors. This space, woven from the natural beauty of the four seasons and the spirit of Zen, is the perfect place for a journey away from daily life to center your mind.We invite you to experience the “authentic Japan” where tranquility and strength coexist at Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple. Zen practice through zazen meditation and sutra copying awaits you.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA