Countless flights leave daily to the cosmopolitan attraction of Tokyo, a world famous city for its glittering sky scrappers and marvelous modernity that brings with it the ease, comfort and joy we long for. Apart from being the centre of attention for international business meetings, trade and conference, Tokyo is fully laced with some wonderful tourist attractions. Also, what makes it more convenient for a tourist is the availability of cheap flights to Tokyo from London, which, these days are offered at minimal prices to boost tourism in the region more details can be seen at cheap flights to Japan.

Kamakura is a coastal town in Kanagawa prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo. A small relaxed town trapped between the sea and a circle of wooded hills, Kamakura is steeped in history. It was Japan’s capital for more than 100 years beginning in 1192. The atmosphere of old Japan still remains in Kamakura.

Kamakura is a good day-trip destination from Tokyo. It is famous for its many temples, shrines and the statue of The Great Buddha. Some of them like Sugimoto-dera is over 1200 years old. Kotuku-in with its monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amide Buddha, is the most famous. A 15th century Tsunami destroyed the temple, but the statue survived and has remained outdoors ever since. Tsurugaoka Hachiman-go shrine is the largest Shinto shrine; just a bit north of the station, this shrine attracts a million visitors on New Year’s Day to see the first sunrise of the year. If you are lucky you may see the traditional wedding going on in the plaza in front of the main shrine. Hasedera is home to the largest wooden statue in Japan. Sugimotodera is a tranquil hillside temple which gives the view of the town. Kenchoji is number one of five Zen temples, the oldest in Kamakura and one of the oldest in Japan. The temple bell is designated as a National treasure, and there’s a nice Zen garden as well.

Zeniarai Benten shrine is famous for doubling the money. It is said that money washed in the Shrine’s spring will double. Tokeiji is a small temple which serves as a shelter for women who suffer abuses by their husbands and sought a divorce. The town is also famous for its spring blossoms and autumn colors, many temple gardens are famous for a particular flower- for example Japanese Apricot at Zuisen-ji and Tokei-ji and Hydrangea at Meigestu –in.

An important and characteristic feature of Kamakura and also worth seeing is a type of grave called Yagura. They are the caves dug on the sides of hills during the Middle Ages to serve as tombs for high ranking personalities, usually present in the cemeteries of Buddhist temples in the town, estimates of their number always put them in the thousands.

Kamakura lies at the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Large beaches are located just about 20 minutes from Kamakura Station by foot. You can feel the atmosphere of the Shonan Coast in the bright sunshine and have a good time there, especially in summers. Some other famous beaches are Yuigahama (a good sight to watch Kamakura firework display held in summer). Inamuragasaki and Shichirigahama (many surfers enjoy surfing here).

The city of Kamakura has many festivals and other events in all of the seasons, usually based on its rich historical heritage. January in particular has many because it’s the first month of the year, so authorities , fishermen, businesses and artisans organize events to pay for their own safety and health , and for a good and prosperous working year. Kamakura’s biggest festival takes place in April and mid September, including displays of horseback archery and costume parades. Kamakura is also well- provided with a number of restaurants and other tourists oriented amenities and is close proximity to Tokyo makes it a famous tourist destination.