Kamakura is a lively coastal town in the Kanagawa Prefecture. Just an hour south of Tokyo, the city’s historic heritage and picturesque beaches make it a popular getaway for a day trip. As medieval Japan’s political center, Kamakura boasts several Shinto shrines and Buddhist Zen temples. One of the best testaments to the grand old days of Kamakura is a lofty bronze statue of the Great Buddha housed in the Kotokuin Temple. Nearby, the peaceful bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple offers respite from the bustle around you. Apart from tanning on the sunny beaches of Kamakura with Mount Fuji in distance, there is plenty more to do. Popular trails in the area offer a reasonable amount of outdoor activity while also offering a better vantage of the seaside town. Back in town, quaint pedestrianized streets include Komachi-dori, where the quirky local specialty of purple potato soft serve ice cream should cheer you up for long walks. Hop on a train to Enoshima Island nearby, which offers caves and aquariums to explore, and more beaches to laze on!