Kamakura

Kamakura, city in Kanagawa prefecture, Honshu, Japan. Situated on the Pacific Ocean south of Yokohama, to which it is connected by rail, modern Kamakura is primarily a seaside resort and residential district. The city was historically important as the seat of Japan's first military government, established by Yoritomo Minamoto, who set up his headquarters there in 1180 during the Minamoto clan's struggle with the Taira. He kept it as his capital after he was appointed shogun in 1192. Well protected by surrounding hills, Kamakura was also at a safe distance from the enervating court life of Kyoto. The Hojo clan, who took power as shogunal regents after Yoritomo's death, retained Kamakura as their seat of government. The shogunate's patronage encouraged the building and expansion of many temples and shrines in Kamakura, especially Zen temples. Kamakura lost all political importance after 1333 when the last of the Hojo, defeated by the pro-imperial rebellion led by Emperor Go-Daigo, committed suicide there.

The production of lacquerware is a local craft that has been practised since the 13th century. The many temples and monuments preserved since the days of the Kamakura shogunate include the city's most celebrated landmark, the 12.8 m (42 ft) high Great Buddha, cast in bronze in 1252. The nearby beaches of Shichirigahama and Yuigahama are popular with visitors, who also come to see the Kenchoji and Engakuji temples. Population 175,051 (2006).