Driving Record

Kamakura and Enoshima are great places to escape from the summer heat on a refreshing day-drive. Comfortable sea breeze will welcome you into this area facing the Pacific Ocean. We will explore the appeal of Kamakura, which was loved so much by Kamakura bunshi (eminent writers from the area) since Meiji era and furthermore, proceed to Enoshima for a delightful driving along the coast. Just a day trip but good enough as an escape from the city heat.

with New Prius Escape from the summer heat + Driving ～ A day trip to Kamakura & Enoshima

1.Feel the pleasure of driving! (Daisan Keihin / Rt. 466 to Kamakura) 8:00am ～ 9:10am

Start off from Tamagawa IC on Daisan Keihin to Kamakura via Yokohama Shindo and Yokosuka doro. New Prius is your driving companion. It will take you by surprise with its smooth motion and the quiet engine sound as soon as you start the car…the power is not to mention. This hybrid experience will make your trip even more enjoyable.

Enjoy relaxed driving with hybrid car both in cities and on the highways

Comfortable driving with Prius to Kamakura takes approximately one hour. Take route 16 to Kamakura. Inside of Prius is spacious, and the engine sound is incredibly quiet with little vibration.

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2.Try “shakyo” (transcribing a sutra) at Hasedera Temple 9:20am ～ 10:45am

There is a way of thinking in Buddhism - by returning the body to balance, you can feel coolness from your mind (by getting the breath together, you can find peace of mind and later coolness from there). We decided to try “shakyo” (Sutra copying) at Hasedera Temple; one of the greatest temples in Kamakura. One of the Buddhist practice, shakyo is a special way of doing Japanese calligraphy. Today, many people do shakyo not for religious reasons, but for meditation. What you need to do is trace letters following a Buddhist sutra using a brush. First, wash your hands to purify yourself and pray to the Buddha. Sit down, grind an ink-stick on an ink stone keeping your mind clear and then start shakyo. After finished copying it, you will feel refreshed and find peace in yourself. Your calligraphy will be purified with prayers and kept at the temple.

Hasedera Temple

Address
Hase 3-11-2, Kamakura-shi
Tel
0467-22-6300 (Japanese only)
Hours
Summer (from March through September), winter (from October through February) 8am ～ 4:30pm (closed at 5pm), open seven days a week
Admission
300 yen for adults and over 12 year-old, 100 yen for children. 100 yen for shakyo per person (10am ～ 2pm, no appointment necessary but application at ticket booth is required)
parking
30cars / Parking Fees: 300 yen / 30 min. (passenger cars)
Here's what you'll do, how to grind an inkstone. As you see, you only need to trace the samples. Today's sutra is Enmei Jikku Kannongyo. It took 40minutes to finish. This is Bentendo, shakyo studio at Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple, built in A.D. 736 (Tempyo 8 in the Nara period) is one of the foremost temples in Kamakura with a long and established history. Visitors will enjoy beautiful scenery at the well-kept garden all year round. When we visited the temple in June, there were approximately 2,500 hydrangeas (Ajisai) of over 40 kinds were blooming. One of the biggest wooden Buddha figures in Japan, Hase Kannon located in the Kannon-do Hall has 11 heads. Inside of a sutra archive, Kyozo, there is a rotating bookrack for Buddhist sutra, called rinzo. It is said that you accomplish the same achievement as reading all the sutras by turning the rinzo. Besides above, the temple also offers a beautiful view of Yuigahama.
All temples in Kamakura are well maintained and you will enjoy beautiful scenery with various flowers.

This is the main gate of Hasedera Temple, its landmark is a big red chochin (paper lantern). This is the Rinzo of Hasedera Temple, which is supposed to be rotated only on the 18th of each month. Hasedera Temple is known for its Ajisai (hydrangea), but there are many other flowers by season. Gentle smiley face of soothing jizo (Buddhist monk). A Japanese style cafe, Kaiko-an at Hasedera Temple. It's specialty is Daikichi dango. You can look over Yuigahama from here. In front of Kaiko-an is the best place to appreciate Ajisai. Bussokuseki is footprints of Buddha. One of famous strawberry shaped lucky charms from Hasedera Temple.Ladybeetle shaped lucky charms are for children.

All temples in Kamakura are well maintained and you will enjoy beautiful scenery with various flowers.

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3.The great Buddha of Kamakura 11:00am ～ 11:40am

5 minute walk from Hasedera Temple will take you to the great Buddha, an icon of Kamakura. The overwhelming size (11 meter in height and 121 tons) will give you a strong appeal. Behind the Great Buddha, there is a stone monument with poetry by a prominent poet, Akiko Yosano.

You can go inside of the great Buddha with an admission fee of 20 yen. These two windows allow the sunlight into the inside of Buddha. A stone marker with Akiko Yosano's tanka A pair of huge straw sandal of the great Buddha, about 2m in length. There are 656 Rahatsu (tightly-curled hair knots) and the ear length is 1.9m.

The Great Buddha and Kotokuin Temple

Address
4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
tel
0467-22-0703
Hours
April ～ September: 7am ～ 6pm, October ～ March: 7am ～ 5:30pm
Admission
200 yen for adults and over 12 year old, 150 yen for children
parking
12 cars

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4. Writers and Kamakura11:50am ～ 12:40am

Kamakura has attracted many great writers and novelists. Soseki Natsume and Sakutaro Hagiwara visited here many times in the Meiji period. Ryunosuke Akutagawa and Ikuma Arishima in the Taisho period as well as Yasunari Kawabata, Jiro Osaragi, and Ton Satomi in the Showa period lived here and wrote stories based on this city. There have been over 300 scholars of literature who were associated with Kamakura. We visited Kamakura Museum of Literature. The building with a beautiful garden, which was built by Japanese marquis Maeda family as their summer house is one of the handful of western style buildings from early Showa period that is open to the public.

Kamakura Museum of Literature

Located in the city where most visitors come to sunbathe during summer, this museum will take you back to a quiet summer of good old Japan. Original items related to famous writers such as original draft, letters, etc. are displayed. One of the writers, Yukio Mishima wrote his novel based on this area and used this building as a model for a summer house. It has a Japanese-inspired art deco style interior and it may be an interesting building to see if you are into architecture.

Stained-glass windows enhance the European atomosphere of the building Many autograph manuscripts and letters of famous writers are displayed. As this museum is located on a hill, you can have a great view of Yuigahama from here. Shokakudo tonnel near the museum Special roses named Haru-no-yuki (snow in spring)which is the same name as one of Yukio Mishima's novels This building was built in 1936 and now three-stories wooden building is rare.

Kamakura Museum of Literature

Address
1-5-3 Hase, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Tel
0467-23-3911
Hours
9am ～ 5pm (4:30pm from Oct. through Feb.) *Visitors should enter half hour in advance of closing time. Closed on Monday (when national holiday falls on Monday, the museum will be closed on Tuesday)
Admission
300 - 400 yen for adults and 100 yen ～ 200 yen for children under 12 year-old (depending on the exhibition)
Parking
N/A (there are several meter parking areas available near by)

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５.Lunch with a spectacular view of the coast 1:00pm ～ 2:00pm

Though Kamakura is a historical city and we should have chosen a traditional Japanese restaurant, we decided to go for an Italian restaurant just for the reputation of food and the incredible view of Shichirigahama, one of the most popular beaches in Kamakura from the patio. Seafood is directly delivered from Misaki, Koshigoe, or Nagai’s fishing ports everyday. Vegetables are picked every morning directly from the market or contract farms. The chef is very selective for the ingredients…not to mention fishes and vegetables but even with water and salt. Highly recommended restaurant for the food, location and service.

Today's special course lunch with full of fresh local ingredients You can have an ocean view from any tables There is also a terrace area in the restaurant

Ristorante AMALFI

Address
1-4-8 Shichirigahama, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Tel
0467-22-0703
Hours
Monday to Friday: 11:30 am ～ 11:45 am (last order), 5 pm ～ 9 pm (last order), weekend and holidays: 11:30 am ～ 9:30 pm (last order), open 7 days a week
parking
21cars
　

Special Lunch Course: 3,150 yen
Appetizer: Oiso-rocket salad wrapped by prosciutto, mackerel with Shonan tomato, and shrimp with purple cauliflower
Pasta: Spaghettini with spear squid and round courgette
Main dish: Herb-crumbed broiled Japanese sea perch from Misaki port with lemonDessert with a cup of coffee
*The menu is subject to change 　

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６.Mini trip to Enoshima resorts2:20pm ～ 4:20pm

Enoshima is a small island which has been loved by the public since the Edo period. Pleasant breeze will make you feel that the wind-chill temperature here is lower than that of other areas. Only in Japan…but there is an outside escalator in this small island, which takes you to the top of the island within 5 minutes or so. You may prefer hiking for 20 minutes in the nature to this though. Enoshima Lighthouse Observation Tower offers a 360 degree panorama view of the island including the Iwaya cave.

Enoshima was not just a resort island. We found many historical sites, too!

Don’t miss them! Places of interest of Enoshima

Hetsumiya shrine is popular among those hoping to tie the knot. There are Nakatsumiya Shrine and Okutsumiya Shrine also and all those shrines are together called Enoshima Shrines.

Chinowa is used for one of popular Shinto ceremonies, in Hetsumiya. In Chinowa Kuguri people go through a big ring made of kaya (pampas like weed) wishing for good health. This is Nakatsumiya, the current building has been renovated in 1996. Handprints of Kabuki actors; Onoue Kikunosuke 5th (left) and Onoue Kikugoro 7th (right) near Nakatsumiya Happo-nirami-no-kame (Turtle Glaring in Eight Directions); this is a painting of a turtle on the ceiling of Haiden (Worshippers' hall) in Okutsuno-miya.

Enoshima Escar

Hours
9am ～ 5pm (daytime), 5pm ～ 6:45pm (night time operation is limited to Sat. & Sun. & holiday, during summer and special occasion), open 7 days a week
Admission
350 yen for adults, 170 yen for children under 12 year-old
parking
624 cars

Located inside of the Samuel Cocking Garden. The height is 62 meters and approximately 100 meters above sea level. 360 degree view of Sagami Gulf is definitely worth visiting the Observation for.

A view of Enoshima shore from the top of the observation tower. A yacht harbor of Enoshima

The garden was originally established by a British merchant Samuel Cocking in 1880, but destroyed at the time of Great Kanto Earthquake (1923). Later it was redeveloped by Fujisawa city.

Mexican ageratums in the garden Teihekitei is a rest area with traditional Chinese architectual style Samuel Cocking Garden, well-kept garden with full of flowers

Samuel Cocking Garden

Address
2-3-28 Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa
Hours
9am ～ 5pm
Admission
Samuel Cocking Garden
200 yen for adults, 100 yen for children under 12 year-old Enoshima Lighthouse Observation Tower
3300 yen for adults, 150 yen for children under 12 year-old

Once upon a time, an evil dragon with five heads fell in love with a beautiful heavenly maiden. The dragon cleaned up his act for his loved one and later his feelings came to a head. This bell was made in 1996 based on the legend of a heavenly maiden and five headed dragon. It is said that couples who rung the bell will stay together forever… There is a tremendous number of pad locks placed by couples next to the bell.

Ryuren-no-kane (Bell of Dragon’s love) Stunning number of padlocks!

Enoshima Iwaya

Hours
9am ～ 5pm (closed at 4pm during Nov. to Feb.)
Admission
500 yen for adults, 200 yen for children (junior high and primary school students). Closed for bad weather
The inside is cool even in summer Getting narrower as you go foward

This cave located very deep in the island was made by sea water erosion. It is said that well known monks in Japanese history, Kobo-Daishi and Nichiren-Shonin spent their time here for ascetic training. Also it is known as the place where shogun, Yoritomo Minamoto prayed for the victory in battles. There are 2 caves; the first cave is 152m and the second one is 112m in depth.

As you know, all Japanese post boxes are in red, however, there are only two black ones from the Meiji period in Japan and one of them is in this historical city. 　　　　　　

A specialty dish of Enoshima, Shirasu-don (raw whitebait over rice) is one of our recommended dishes at this cozy Japanese restaurant with a commanding view of Mt. Fuji.

Enoshima-tei

Address
2-6-5 Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa
Tel
0466-22-9111
Hours
10:30am ～ 6:30pm (closed at 7pm on weekends and holidays)
* As they do not have fixed holidays, we recommend calling and checking beforehand.

New Prius’ functions make your driving easier in summer. Equipped with TOYOTA’s first solar ventilation system (solar panel) and the world first remote-controlled air conditioning system, new Prius enable to turn on the air conditioning before getting on the car.

Solar panel on the roof of PriusA/C button is for remote-controlled air conditioning

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7.Relaxing landscape (from Enoshima to Kamakura)

After a mini trip to Enoshima, it is a time to head back to Kamakura. If you take route 134, you will be enjoying a pleasant driving on the coast.

Stylish Prius will look perfect on the streets of Kamakura & Enoshima.

Nice driving on the coast The green train on the left is Enoden With Prius, it is easy to drive even on the steep hill

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8.Relaxing landscape (from Enoshima to Kamakura) 16:30pm ～ 18:30pm

There are lots of unique shops in Kamakura. We picked some shops and cafe where you can find goods only available in Kamakura ～ an old-fashioned coffee shop loved by great writers, old bookstores, antique shops with broad assortment, a handmade wind-bell shop and a Japanese style confection shop.

Surugaya

Address
1-11-21 Hase, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Tel
0467-22-1886
Hours
9:30am ～ 6:30pm (closed on Wednesday)

This Japanese style confection shop has been in business for 72 years. The ingredients are highly selected, especially azuki beans (red beans), which are produced in Tokachi in Hokkaido. We recommend dorayaki (sweet bean paste pancake) and shio-daifuku (rice cake stuffed with salt seasoned bean paste). Dorayakis are sold at the shop front for demonstration. Pancakes are fluffy and anko tastes very rich.

The entrance of Surugaya Shio-daifuku (left) and Dainagon dorayaki (right), 170 yen each

You will find handmade Take-ibushi-Furin (wind bells smoked by bamboo), which is toreutic wind bell made by copper, and smoked by bamboo to prevent from rust and to add special texture.

13,000 yen each for toreutic wind bells and 3,000 yen for non-touretic bells Carved by hands one by one

Kamakura Bells

Address
1-10-11 Yurigahama, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
tel
0467-43-1799
Hours
10am -5pm (closed on Monday and Thursday)

Antique Yu

Address
1-1-14 Yuigahama, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
tel
0467-22-9556
Hours
11am ～ 7pm (closed on Tuesday)

Most of goods at this shop are table wares and you can use them for everyday life. Tags on each item show the price and age. Their glass lamp shades are something to see.

Most of them are from Meiji, Taisho, or Showa era Many fancy lamp shades
Precious books are stored in the glass case Photo album of Kamakura & Enoshima by Shigetaro Tamura issued in Meiji 34 (8,400 yen)

An antique bookshop founded in Showa 15. If you are looking for a rare book, this is the place to look. Precious books such as first edition of a book published in early Showa period are in a glass case.

Kumondo Shoten

Address
1-1-14 Yuigahama, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Tel
0467-22-0134
Hours
110:30am ～ 6pm (closed on Thursday and the 3rd Wednesday)

Iwata Coffee

Address
1-5-7 Komachi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Tel
0467-22-2689
Hours
10am ～ 6pm (closed on Tuesday and the 2nd Wednesday)
Those thick pancakes are sold 100 / day on weekdays and 160 / day on weedends (800 yen) The front of Iwata coffee, food samples are displayed on the right

A coffee shop located at the entrance of Komachi-dori (Komachi street). It has been on business since Showa 23, for more than 60 years. It is known for receiving a patronage from two famous writers; Yasunari Kawabata and Jiro Osaragi. The specialty dish, pan Cakes with crispy surface and moisture inside is worth being in a queue for.

※Please note that all shops do not have individual parking spaces.
There are meter parking areas available near by.

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9.A natural hot spring in Kamakura 7:00pm ～ 8:00pm

The finale of Kamakura and Enoshima trip is the natural hot spring. This hydrogen carbonate spring contains ingredients to make your skin healthy. In addition to the indoor baths and a sauna, there is an open-air bath where you can feel the sea breeze from Inamuragasaki, however, you will not be able to see the ocean view from there.

Inamuragasaki hot spring

address
1-16-13 Inamuragasaki, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Hours
9am ～ 9pm (no fixed holidays. Prior checking recommended)
Admission
1,300 yen (August 8th to 16th) * No entry for people under 18 / people with swimming suits
parking
30cars
The sign of Inamuragasaki Onsen Bijin-no-yu (hot water for beauty) Open-air bath Good for souvenir! Skin lotion made by bijin-no-yu

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Driving Companion of this issue

The side of Prius, stylish! User-friendlly buttons The back of Prius

Prius　Grade：Gbody color：Aqua blue metallic

Drive Train
2WD
Capacity
5people
Fuel Efficiency
35.5 km / L (10:15 mode)
MSRP
2.45M yen (consumption tax included)

Comments from driver

I was impressed by smooth move. I liked to have options such as “eco mode” driving when I want to drive in a fuel efficient mode or “EV mode” which enable you to drive only with motor (without engine) when I want to drive quietly. Checking monitor for difference of settings among many different functions…it was like playing a computer game with the car.

Comments from passenger

The quiet sound of electric motor took me by surprise. As soon as the car was in motion, I felt the difference of hybrid engine and the high performance. It was very relaxing to be inside of Prius because of the high quality interior and ample space of rear seats where even adults can stretch their legs. Both inside space and storage space seem to be bigger compared to the previous model.

Cooperation by

Tokyo Toyopet Kamata branch A sales staff at Tokyo Toyopet Kamata Branch

Tokyo Toyopet Kamata Branch

Address
1-50-8 Nakarokugo, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Access
5 minutes walk from Zoshiki station on Keikyu line
Tel
03-5480-5811
Hours
10am ～ 6pm (closed on Tuesday)
Comments on Prius from sales staff
Prius’ main feature is its fuel efficiency. The world’s lowest fuel consumption of 38km/L (L grade) and the lowest emission have realized the car for the global environment and our better future. People will enjoy driving without stress with 1800cc engine displacement and the power mode which generates 2.4L level driving performance and equivalent feel of acceleration. Tokyo Toyopet Kamata branch is located on the national road and has a big entrance. We have many vehicles for display and test drive. Please feel free to visit us at anytime.

※All information from this issue is as of June 2009.

LEXUS ver.

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