I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience in the Japanese countryside, outside of Tokyo. First stop, Kamakura, south of Tokyo, which was the capital of Japan from 1185 to 1333. The highlight of this small quiet town is Daibutsu, the Great Buddha which was cast in 1252 and is 42 ft tall. We also visited the really beautiful Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. I also enjoyed walking along Komachi Street where there were some great arts and crafts shops plus some wonderful sweets shops.
It is an easy day trip by train.