Revel in the quaint and quiet streets of Ofuna Town, a 45-minute drive away from Camp Zama and NAF Atsugi, for a laid-back day of exploring.

Often overlooked on the way to Kamakura, where the big Buddha statue draws thousands of tourists every year, Ofuna has its own charms and less crowds.

My family enjoys a monthly trip to the area because Ofuna’s lively market streets offer great prices on local vegetables, fish and daily necessities. There are also plenty of restaurants and izakaya pubs perfect for a nice lunch or early dinner.

Beyond the market busy with locals buying their groceries, a walk through the sprawling fields at Hibiyakadan Ofuna Flower Center is like a breath of fresh air. The garden displays 3,000 plant varieties and many flowers to enjoy throughout the year. The garden is a must-visit during rose, Chinese peony and iris seasons. In this early spring, catch brilliant camelias, plum and cherry blossoms and tulips.

Ofuna also has a stunning Buddhist temple and statue of its own. From Ofuna Station, you can see the impressive bust of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, from the grounds of Ofuna Kannonji.

The concrete-and-reinforced-steel statue rises 25 meters on a hill overlooking the station. Completed in 1960, the Kannon statue and surrounding grounds offer an incredible view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enter the statue through the back where thousands of small, wooden Buddha statues are dedicated as wishes for world peace.

A visit to Ofuna is a refreshing escape into small town charm without the crowds.

Ofuna Botanical Garden (Hibiyakadan Ofuna Flower Center)

• Location: 1018 Okamoto, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture (a 45-minute drive from NAF Atsugi)

• Hours: Mar – Oct, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Nov – Feb, - 4 p.m. (closed 2^nd and 4^th Mondays)

• Admission: Ages 20 and older, 400 yen; ages 18 – 19, 200 yen; ages 15-17 or 65 and older, 150 yen  

• URL

• Tel: 0467-46-2188

Ofuna Kannonji Temple

• Location: 1-5-3 Okamoto, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture

• Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Admission: High school students or older 300 yen; elementary and middle school students 200 yen

• URL

• Tel: 0467-43-1561

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Camp Zama

Naval Air Facility Atsugi