A Day of Temples & Tastes in Kamakura

One of my greatest passions, besides cooking, is travel. I love discovering new countries, experiencing their culture, and, of course, tasting the local food. I also run a small private tour business, which allows me to share the two countries I call home—Bulgaria and Japan—with the wonderful people who join my tours. One of the greatest joys of guiding is introducing them not only to beautiful places, but also to the local restaurants and hidden eateries I’ve come to treasure over the years.

Today I’m taking you to Kamakura—a picturesque seaside town just an hour from Tokyo and one of my favorite places to visit with guests. Japan’s capital from the late 12th to the 14th century, Kamakura is home to countless temples and shrines, including the five great Zen temples of eastern Japan. Today, it beautifully blends history with a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Ancient temples, tranquil Zen gardens, and traditional teahouses stand alongside trendy cafés, artisan shops, and some truly wonderful places to eat.

In this story, I’d like to share one of my favorite temples and a unique restaurant that I always recommend to anyone visiting Kamakura. 

We begin our day at Hasedera, a beautiful 12th-century temple nestled on one of Kamakura’s hillsides. I never miss a chance to visit it. Its gardens are beautiful in every season, peaceful streams wind through the grounds, koi glide quietly through the ponds, and at the heart of the temple stands an impressive 9-meter-tall wooden statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion.

Legend tells that this statue was one of two carved by a monk in Nara in 721. While one remained at Hasedera Temple in Nara, the other was entrusted to the sea and, fifteen years later, washed ashore near Kamakura. The temple was built to enthrine and honor this sacred image. Standing before Kannon is one of those rare moments that invites silence. There is such a gentle yet powerful presence about the statue that visitors instinctively lower their voices and simply stand, taking it all in.

Just a five-minute walk from Hasedera Temple is Akatsuki, a cozy little restaurant specializing in aged bluefin tuna. The food is beautifully prepared, well balanced, and absolutely delicious, with something on the menu for everyone.

I love salmon, so the Grilled Salmon Lunch Set is usually my choice.

If you’re in the mood for sashimi, Akatsuki offers several tuna bowls, including one made with aged bluefin tuna—a true delicacy. Much like beef, tuna can be carefully aged to deepen its flavor and develop even more umami. 

And for those who prefer meat, the restaurant also serves an excellent Wagyu steak lunch. A selection of sake, Japanese beer, and tea makes the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

But wonderful food isn’t the only reason I keep returning to Akatsuki. I also love its calm, understated interior. It has a distinctly Zen feel—simple and uncluttered, with just a few carefully chosen traditional touches that make it unmistakably Japanese.

The warm hospitality is the final ingredient. On my last visit, after discovering that my group and I were Bulgarian, the manager sent us off with a cheerful “Dovizhdane” (“Goodbye” in Bulgarian). It’s little moments like these that stay with you long after the meal is over.

Akatsuki has limited sitting so reservations are preferable.

Address: 3 Chome-8-17 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan

Phone: +81 467-37-5323