Travel Guide
Kamakura
Where heritage, art & contemplation converge
Where heritage, art & contemplation converge
Temples, artistic treasures, natural beauty—this coastal town distils essential aspects of Japan within modest bounds. Forested mountains on three sides, open sea to the south. The former capital rewards those who linger, yet lies just beyond Tokyo.
Wooded paths and moss-covered stones. Museums and neighbourhood restaurants. Craft shaped by generations.
Under an hour by train. Worth far longer.
Forty venues—from moss-covered temples and museums designed by renowned architects to neighbourhood restaurants known only to locals. This is not a comprehensive directory; it’s a selective edit, with full portraits and essential discoveries, each earning its place through character and substance.
Three extended interviews—with a temple priest, a museum curator, and a winery founder—offer deeper encounters with figures whose work embodies the town’s cultural spirit. Working in the native language, we engage directly with the people who shape these places—access rarely available elsewhere.
Writing and photography come from the same perspective—no separation between observer and narrator. Every article reflects sustained research; every image is made with the same intent. The result is a singular portrait of Kamakura—unified in voice and vision.
Pages designed to slow you down. Generous white space, images that breathe, and moments of stillness between destinations. This is a guide meant to be lingered over, not rushed through.
An interactive map accompanies the guide, with all featured venues pinned for easy reference.
The guide is available in two digital formats, each suited to different reading preferences.
A limited print edition is scheduled for early 2025.
36°N is an independent travel media exploring Japan’s depth and nuance. Created for thoughtful travellers, our publications offer narratives woven from enduring heritage—tracing the interplay between tradition and modernity with respect for responsible travel practices.
Next, our attention turns to the coastal villages of Zushi and Hayama, followed by the mountain landscapes of Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes. Each guide will bring the same depth and care to a new corner of Japan.
Updates and reflections shared on Instagram @thirtysix_north.
