Kamakura, an ancient capital city during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), may not be as popular as Kyoto, but it is one of the few places near Tokyo where visitors can explore the nation's ancient history.

Currently major tourist draws, the Great Buddha statue, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and other temples and shrines dotting the area reflect the power of the Kamakura shogunate (1192-1333) of times past.

Strolling through the bamboo garden at Hokokuji Temple, tourists can easily forget that it's just an hour's train ride from skyscraper-filled Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the garden, which sports some 2,000 stalks of bamboo, while sipping matcha green tea at the temple cafe.