June 10, 2026

Beyond Tokyo, Part 1 — Kamakura

Located on the shores of Sagami Bay, Kamakura is about an hour drive south of Tokyo, but it feels like a different world entirely. Our group spent a full day exploring this ancient coastal city, and its natural and cultural wonders did not disappoint.

A group of students and group leaders pose for a photo in front of a temple.

Beginning our day in Kamakura at Hokokuji Temple. Photo by Mariko Ishikawa.

We began at Hokokuji Temple, where a quiet grove of towering bamboo stopped us all in our tracks. There is a stillness to the soaring shoots, and standing among them makes you naturally go still.

The view upwards from within a bamboo grove.

The soaring, calming bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple in Kamakura. Photo by Luke Strosnider.

From there, we headed to Hasedera, a hillside temple known for its sweeping views of the coastline and its lush, layered gardens.

Upwards view of a wooden structure with a bell.

The wooden bell tower (Shoro) at Hasedera Temple in Kamakura. Photo by Luke Strosnider.

Our final stop was the Kotoku-in Great Buddha — a 40 foot tall bronze figure that has sat serenely outdoors since the 13th century. Standing in front of it as a group, the scale really sinks in.

A group of students and group leaders pose for a photo in front of an enormous Buddha statue.

Our group poses with the Great Buddha, which was cast in the 13th century, at Kōtoku-in. Photo by Mariko Ishikawa.

Kamakura was a reminder that the most memorable learning often happens when you're simply exploring somewhere extraordinary.