Kamakura is an ancient city, just 50 km from Tokyo, but it feels like at the end of the world. There are no high-rise buildings or neon bars there. Once the city was the capital of Japan, during the shogunate from 1185 to 1333, and the fourth-largest city in the world. It’s a wonderful destination, ideal for day trippers from Tokyo, stopping there to enjoy the cooling sea breezes, while they visit the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Photo by: kiri-fuda

The city is surrounded by mountains to the north, west and east, and by sea to the south, a natural fortress. Kamakura has a dramatic character today, as it was centuries ago. The main landmark is the monumental bronze Buddha, which look over the city. During the thirteenth century the city was also the cradle of Nichiren Buddhism. Photo by: akumach

To explore Kamakura at its best, take the three-hour walk from the Tokeiji, up through the forest to the Kotokuin. Go to the Zenairai Benten shrine to see the money-washing ceremony. The only sound you will hear is the song of nightingales, as you pass bountiful plum trees. The picture displays bamboo forest by the Hokoku-ji Temple, famed for its beauty and Zen-like serenity. Photo by: jonathan_pui

The city is not all about ancient history. The beach is a big attraction, as well as the senbei – crisp rice cakes grilled and sold fresh along the main shopping street. Try one to taste the real Janaese food. Photo by: ThiswaytoDrew

Photo by: zyryntyrah