An expansive collection of Buddhist and Shinto shrines and artifacts add interest to the bamboo forests and undulating mountains of Kamakura. Standing by the banner of being the "Kyoto of the East," this countryside town is filled with history-laden architecture and Old Japan vibe, offering comfort to those tired of being in the company of crowds and persistent vendors.
Japan's largest wooden statue, Kannon, is inside Kamakura's Hase Kannon Temple, dedicated to a Buddhist deity. At the height of 13.35 meters, the overlooking Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue is also a hard-to-miss landmark in Kotokuin. Found nearby Hase Kannon is the Zeniarai Benten Shrine, where visitors wash their money in a cave, believing that the money will eventually double its sum.
In the town's outskirts, tourists can have a sip of the local matcha (green tea), a popular Japanese beverage. Complementing the clean taste of matcha are the Zen gardens of Jomyoji and Hokokuji.