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Kamakura, Odawara Pictures
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Day trips out of Tokyo, Kamakura: unless you have organised a tour package - which is not a bad idea considering the complexity of Japanese travel systems - you will be jumping trains.
For example, Kamakura, on the coast and about an hour from Tokyo is one of Japan's oldest capitals but hardly even a city now], dating from the 12th - 14th centuries. This ancient and attractive town, though generally jammed with tourists, is scattered with more than 70 well-preserved Buddhist shrines and temples.

Kamakura, Big Buddha, Japan

The bronze Daibutsu, i.e. Big Buddha, Kamakura's leading attraction, constructed in 1252 and originally inside a building that was deleted by a tsunami in 1495.

Getting to Kamakura: the most convenient line from Tokyo is JR [Japan Railways] Yokosuka line, but there are others
From both Kamakura and Kita [north]-Kamakura stations there are fine walks around ancient buildings, through alleys and parks and up green hills, though do expect the usual pile of concrete monstrosities, plastic housing and overhead cables mixing it with Buddhist, Shinto and Zen delights.
Bicycles can also be rented from various locations, rickshaws too, for the affluent.

Kamakura, Hasadera temple, Japan

The Hasadera temple with a 9 metre statue of the Goddess of Mercy, a vast rotating prayer wheel, a prayer-cave network, a terrace overlooking the town and coastline and...

Kamakura, Jizo figurines, Japan

...thousands of little Jizo figures left in memory of deceased babies and children.

Another popular day trip out of town is an hour on the Odakyu line to Odawara castle.

Odawara Castle, Japan

Grandly styled, with imposing presence and home to a small, interesting museum of classic Japanese weaponry Odawara castle is hardly a must-see but could be the first stop of a busy day travelling the mountainous and scenic Hakone province, with views of Mt Fuji to boot. Odakyu rail stations sell a Hakone Free Pass for tourists which is good for all transport, including cable cars and boats across Ashinoko Lake.

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