Kamakura is a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour from Tokyo Station. Kamakura was established as the location of a shogunate government in 1192. The area was selected because it was surrounded by wooded hills and the sea and easy to defend against attack. Kamakura is a busy seaside resort today, and its old wooden homes, temples, and shrines make it a wonderful place to visit. Near Kamakura lies the sacred island of Enoshima. Here visitors can take in the various sights of the island and escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.