Greater Tokyo

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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
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
Yokohama Budokan

Yokohama Budokan

As a center for connecting “people,” “city,” and “culture” through sports and entertainment, this facility was opened on July 24, 2020, complete with a martial arts hall that can accommodate roughly 500 people on the first floor, an arena that can accommodate nearly 3,000 people on the second floor, and a VIP lounge on the fourth floor. It is primarily used for martial arts events, basketball, futsal, gymnastics, table tennis, and professional wrestling. In addition to sports, this facility can also be used to host music events.

Culture & Arts Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle Shop

Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle Shop

Given Kamakura’s beauty, tranquil atmosphere and relative size, getting around by bicycle is a recommended way to see the best of Japan’s ancient capital.At this bicycle rental shop, which has been in operation since 1974, choose between standard-, multi-speed- and electric-assist bicycles. Prices start at 600 yen (standard bike / 1 hour). For an additional 300 yen, you can also choose to drop off your bike at Enoshima Station (by 4pm) but advance registration is required. After exploring Kamakura’s leafy side streets and stopping off at some of its Buddhist temples, ride along the coast towards Enoshima, enjoying the views of the ocean and Mt. Fuji along the way.

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA