Seasoning the Seasons — Season 1, Episode 10: Kamakura: Samurai and Zen

Episode synopsis

Kamakura, like the two old capital cities of Nara and Kyoto, also served at one stage as the nation's political center. Minamoto no Yoritomo chose Kamakura as the seat of Japan's first shogunate or military government in the 12th Century. It very much retains the flavor and ideological legacy of the warrior class. We go on a tour of the place that laid the spiritual foundations and led to the flowering of Japanese culture, showing why it continues to attract so many visitors. The itinerary includes the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a spiritual pillar for the warrior class; the Great Buddha, which is Kamakura's most famous landmark; and Kenchoji Temple, an important center of Zen Buddhism.

About Seasoning the Seasons

This program visits places across Japan to introduce the charms of their local daily life and festivals fostered by the nation's long history.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Kyoto: Coloring the Season
• E2Kakunodate: Stories of Old Families
• E3Spirited Away to Tono
• E4Japanese Towers: Memories Past and Present
• E5Matsushima: Islands of Beauty and Prayer
• E6Suwa: A Celebration Down Through Time
• E7Niyodo River: Living with Japan's Clearest River
• E8Mt. Fuji
• E9Awa Dance: Obon Festival with 100,000 Dancers
• E11Itsukushima: Island of the Gods
• E12Hand-Made in Japan
• E13Dolls: Bearers of Dreams