Back when I was carefree and child-free, I left planning to the minimum. I felt that I had to be so responsible and follow organisational protocols and abide by best practices during my working life. When it came to those precious holidays where I could breathe and finally be my authentic self, I’d rather just go with the flow, like sats finding a route.
That was then.
Next month, I will spend some time in glorious Japan. Among the things I could do include a day trip to Kamakura. I have a back story for this.
You see, when my brother-in-law got married in Tokyo, my wife and I flew there to join my parents-in-law and attend his wedding. Since we had made it to Tokyo, we wanted to visit Kamakura, the ancient capital.
Just that on the day when we intended to explore it, it rained cats and dogs. Plan scrapped.
Many years later, I still endeavour to visit Kamakura - but with my two kids in tow. This necessitates some changes. First, I got to do research before the trip instead of arriving at my destination and just winging it on the stop.
Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
- DIY. Easily accessible via trains
- Don’t drive. Route R134 is known for traffic jams.
- But note that there are two 2 Kamakura Stations (JR & Enoden, both in the same location)
- The Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass will take you to Enoden Kamakura Station, so it is not applicable for you if you intend to take the JR line
- Hilly area, so lots of slopes and stairs. Take a bus whenever you can.
- Lots of cafes to take it easy
- Engage a volunteer guide here: https://kamakurawelcome.guide/en/
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Temple is within the vicinity of Kamakura Station. Then take a stroll on the Komachi dori back towards the station. You can enjoy street food here
- Cyclists can rent electric bikes near the station and ride to places around Kamakura and the beachside path.
- Travel from Kamakura to Hase via the Enoden Line (https://www.enoden.co.jp/en/train/station/hase/ ) to see the Great Buddha (Kotoku-in) and go window shopping. Proceed to Hasedera which showcases a panoramic view of the coast.
- Itinerary offered by Odakyu Railway (https://www.odakyu.jp/english/sightseeing/itineraries/Enoshima_kamakura_1day/)
Next, when it comes to Kamakura, it seems that the Great Buddha is a must-visit. But looking at the train schedules and considering the fatigue involved with handling two kids, I don’t think we have the capacity to travel to see the Great Buddha, even though it’s actually not situated very far from Kamakura Station. I will probably alight at the station and visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Temple and the adjoining shopping street, Komachi dori. Taking it slow, chilling at a cafe or two, tucking into snacks before rushing back to Tokyo.
The windows of opportunity are closed to travelling parents because they have to prioritise the welfare of their kids and calibrate their energies accordingly.
Are you able to travel as you used to before you became a parent? Have you taken to this new way of travelling because at the end of the day, the quality time spent with your kids trumps all?