Kamakura v Nikko?
Hear me out, experienced travellers. I'm thinking of doing a spot of traveling across the Japanese countryside for four days and three nights at the conclusion of a study exchange program. However, I'm currently torn between Kamakura and Nikko. The latter is more accessible from where I'll be living (bear in mind I won't be buying a JR Pass as travel opportunities within Japan will be extremely limited for the duration of the program) but I don't want to discount Kamakura based on distance alone.Any help would be much appreciated!
1
It's been a while, but I recall thinking that the wildly colorful and ornate temple complex in Nikko was so different from most of the other temples I had visited in Japan that it stood out for that (and the 3 wise monkeys, of course). It was the middle of winter and bitterly cold, so we did not do much more, but the surrounding area looked very scenic (Lake Chizengi? was frozen over). About all I remember from Kamakura (besides the Buddha) is renting a bike and riding around town - rather plain and unspectacular. Hope that helps.2
if distance/travel time were not a factor, I'd definitely choose Kamakura. There's an incredible amount to see there, a lot more than the (IMO over-hyped) Buddha.However, if you're just outside Nikko so it's that vs. a two-hour one-way trip to Kamakura, I'd probably just go to Nikko.
Search for a thread (I started) titled "Nikko update" for some interesting opinions on Nikko you might want to consider.
If it's the conclusion of your program and you're then flying out from NRT or HND, perhaps you could spend a day in Kamakura on your way to airport?
3
bea_sure wrote:
Hear me out, experienced travellers. I'm thinking of doing a spot of traveling across the Japanese countryside for four days and three nights at the conclusion of a study exchange program.
Hear me out, experienced travellers. I'm thinking of doing a spot of traveling across the Japanese countryside for four days and three nights at the conclusion of a study exchange program.
What dates do you plan on visiting? For me, this would have a signifcant influence on the decision.
However, I'm currently torn between Kamakura and Nikko.
They are both interesting and I don't think you can really make a bad choice.
The latter is more accessible from where I'll be living
Which is where? What visa will you have?
(bear in mind I won't be buying a JR Pass as travel opportunities within Japan will be extremely limited for the duration of the program)
Depending on where you are (and maybe your visa) some of the Tobu Nikko Passes may be useful.
http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_002.html
but I don't want to discount Kamakura based on distance alone.
Which is how much?
I think I'll wait for your exact dates before suggesting one over the other.
4
Definitely Kamakura. Nikko is pretty, but I can't imagine being stuck there for four days - there's just not that much to do. Whereas Kamakura has the ocean, mountains, lots of temples and historic sites, and an interesting town. You can ride the beachfront tram down to Enoshima and see the aquarium and climb to the top of the island, or visit Fujisawa for shopping.5
I'd attempt to see both. Kamakura is quite close to Tokyo & quick and easy to get to using the local trains. I went to Nikko in February last year and after the freezing, Siberia-like winters of Seoul (-25c at the end of January) it felt like Springtime. Just a little snow still around and sunny with blue skies. Daytime was quite pleasant but early morning & evenings were a little chilly. Dress in layers. I only had 5 days in Japan so no time for the many waterfalls & lakes around Nikko.http://www.trekearth.com/viewphotos.php?l=7&p=1321524
