The Mandarado Yagura

Samurai Tombs in Kamakura’s Hills

The area of Kamakura is not entirely a tourist trap like Asakusa. Nevertheless it is no stranger to the occasional foreign guest. After all, from 1185–1333 the city was the functioning military capital of the nation (though Kyoto area remained the spiritual center). The area does a good job of drawing attention of both Japanese and foreign tourists alike to attractions like the gigantic Buddha statue at Kotoku-in. Despite the constant traffic however, many of its lesser known historical assets go under appreciated even by the locals.

Keeping with the tradition set by its predecessor, Kamakura is situated in a valley that like a natural fortress. Surrounded on the north, east and west by thickly wooded hills with Sagami Bay guarding the south, entering the ancient military capital would have been a daunting task even on peaceful terms. Here hidden among the hilly forests and out of the view of the casual traveler is one of Kamakura’s best secrets; the Mandarado Yagura.

The word yagura means cave-like tombs in Japanese and they serve as the final resting place of both samurai and Buddhist monks alike. While common throughout all of Japan, the topography of the Kamakura Valley mean that there is an abnormally high concentration littered throughout the hills. The Mandarado Yagura site in particular has…