May 2026
Kamakura Alps
I hiked the “Kamakura Alps” and “Shonan Alps”—trails once walked by Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata—from Meigetsu Valley to Kanasawa Bunko. The hike took 6 hours and 30 minutes. I then extended my walk to Shōmyō-ji Temple, which was ablaze with autumn colors, bringing this beautiful late-autumn day to a close. Kamakura has many hiking trails; to put it somewhat dramatically, Kamakura is a hiker’s paradise.
Ashikaga Takauji, the Prince of Kamakura
Ashikaga Takauji, the shogun and the “Prince of Kamakura,” did not discriminate against or hate others; he trusted people and did not doubt them; even toward his enemies, he was never cruel but always forgiving; he spared no expense and gave everything he had to others without hesitation; he knew no fear; even in life-threatening situations, he remained calm enough to compose waka poems; and he was also a devoted practitioner of Zen. In short, Takauji was a charismatic figure who even men found captivating.
Minamoto no Sanetomo: A Ray of Light Piercing Through the Mountain Shadows
Historically speaking, if Minamoto no Sanetomo had never existed, the charm of modern-day Kamakura would be far more than merely halved. Sanetomo did not let trivial matters sway his mood; he possessed the noble spirit passed down through the Minamoto clan, a compassionate heart, and was a genius poet of extraordinary talent. Though it is tragic that Sanetomo passed away before fulfilling his destiny, I still feel compelled to thank the God for having brought him into this world.
Overlooked tourist spots in Kamakura (especially the former strongholds of the Later Hojo clan)
The members of the “Later Hojo clan”—also known as the “Neo-Hojo”—and particularly the “Tamanawa Hojo,” represent another important, yet often overlooked, facet of Kamakura. I encourage you to explore the traces they left behind on the outer side of the Kiridōshi” (the mountain pass).There are also other historic sites associated with sad anecdotes and unique legends.
The “Kamakura History and Culture Exchange Center”: A Premier Kamakura-Style Space
The Kamakura History and Culture Museum is a beautiful building designed by the renowned British architect Norman Foster. The museum houses a wealth of valuable exhibits, and its grounds feature numerous historical sites that epitomize Kamakura, spanning from the medieval to the modern eras. Climb up to the observation deck for a breathtaking view of the ocean.