Kamakura Literary Museum

Overview

The Kamakura Literary Museum is an art museum showcasing literary figures and works connected to Kamakura. Housed in a renovated former Kamakura villa of the Maeda Marquis family, the building is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan, exhibiting the architectural charm of the Taisho Romanticism period. Inside, you'll find original manuscripts, letters, and photographs from literary giants who flourished from the Meiji to Showa eras. The museum also features works inspired by Kamakura's landscapes and materials offering insight into the lives of Kamakura's literary figures. The Kamakura Literary Museum offers a chance to delve into Kamakura's history and culture and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese literature. Surrounding the Kamakura Literary Museum are numerous sites associated with Kamakura's literary figures and places to enjoy Kamakura's beautiful natural scenery. Why not make the museum your starting point for exploring Kamakura? For example, Gokurakuji Temple, a five-minute walk from the museum, was founded in the early Kamakura period and visited by literary figures such as Natsume Soseki and Mori Ogai. Gokurakuji boasts a beautiful garden where you can appreciate flowers throughout the year. Yuigahama Beach, a ten-minute walk away, is a representative beach in Kamakura, offering stunning views of blue ocean and white sand, bustling with beachgoers in summer. A short walk from Yuigahama brings you to Zaimokuza, an area beloved by literary figures, with trendy cafes and restaurants where you can savor Kamakura's fresh seafood. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a 15-minute bus ride away, is a leading shrine in Kamakura, showcasing buildings and beautiful gardens that reflect the history of the Kamakura period. Nearby is Dange, a stone-paved road loved by Kamakura's writers that stretches from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine to the sea, ideal for strolling through Kamakura's streets. Kotoku-in Temple, home to the Great Buddha, is about a 20-minute bus ride away. This temple houses an 11.3-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue cast in the early Kamakura period, symbolizing Japan's Buddhist culture. Beyond the Great Buddha, Kotoku-in Temple also features buildings and gardens that reflect Kamakura's history. The Kamakura Literary Museum offers a profound understanding of Kamakura's history and culture. Be sure to visit during your trip to Kamakura.