Zenkyoin Temple
Zazen sessions at Zenkyoin Temple offer a profound experience of Zen meditation in the heart of Kamakura, the former capital of Japan. Nestled in a beautiful mountainous landscape, this historic temple provides an ideal setting for the practice of seated…
Menkake Gyoretsu Mask Festival
Every year on September 18, Goryō-jinja Shrine in Kamakura honors Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa, an 11th century samurai who became a protective deity. The day begins with sacred rituals, including the Yutate Kagura: bamboo branches are dipped into a cauldron of…
Rickshaws, an Asian Icon
The term “rickshaw” is essentially an anglicized version of jinrikisha, the Japanese word for this human-powered vehicle. Although it is difficult to determine who actually invented it, most sources state that the rickshaw was created in Tokyo in 1869 by…
Yuigahama Beach, a Summer Heaven
When the mercury approaches 40 degrees, Yuigahama Beach becomes an essential spot to cool off. The sea breeze offers a welcome respite, while visitors can sip a cold drink and enjoy a stunning view of the bay. Known for its…
Kamakura Talent Show
Kamakura Talent Show: A Dream Turns into a Family Celebration. On June 14, 2025, the auditorium of the Kamakura Shōgai Gakushū Center came alive with an extraordinary performance. For the first time in Japan, Shanda Clifton, wearing the dual hats…
A Surprise Marriage Proposal in Kamakura
Capturing the moment when everything changes. Some photo sessions require special care. Not because of their technical complexity, but because of the emotional weight they carry. This surprise marriage proposal in Kamakura was clearly one of them. Photographing such an…
Wearing a kimono in Kamakura
Wearing a kimono in Kamakura is a true immersion into traditional Japan. From the cobbled alleys of Komachi Street to the steps of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and the cherry blossom–lined paths, every corner of the city becomes a perfect backdrop…
The Enoden Retro Railway
The Enoshima Electric Railway, better known as the Enoden, runs through Kanagawa Prefecture, south of the Greater Tokyo area. This small train connects Fujisawa to the historic city of Kamakura via Enoshima and is one of the best ways to…











