Where in Japan I'd rather live - Kamakura City

For a few years, I taught at a Kamakura City school, commuting a ridiculously long distance from my home base in Chiba Prefecture. You might wonder why I endured it. 

It was so enriching! The commute was a bit arduous at nearly 2 hours each way, but the benefit was a seat on the Shonan Shinjuku line against traffic each way. The quiet commute gave me time to read about the geography and lore of Kamakura City, the former capital of Japan.

The school spoiled our students and faculty with an annual performance of 雅楽 gagaku. This is the hauntingly beautiful imperial court music performed by musicians based at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. The Shinto and Zen Buddhism heritage infused school life. Some days, we heard monks ringing bells as they walked old pilgrimage paths near the school. Occasionally, we caught the scent of incense wafting in the open windows when temples held ceremonies.

On breaks, walking and hiking the paths along the ridges above the Kamakura valley provided perspective. The routes take you to the myriad historical and natural landscapes that have not changed in centuries.

Kamakura is only an hour from Shinjuku Station. Within the city, the Ofuna Station area. overlooked by the massive Kannon statue, has a high rating on Walk Score. Within a 15-minute walk of the station is just about everything you need. And it's the gateway to the Kamakura valley.

Two years of commuting to Kamakura City only scratched the surface. On walks in my free time, I encountered residents who gave me a glimpse into the vibrant life of the city. You could delve deep into Buddhism, arts and crafts, and cuisine as you make connections in the valley.