Kamejikan story 1925～2021
Zaimokuza area developed in Kamakura era 800years ago as a port town. It has lade back feeling with good old community and old style shops like liquor shops, fish shop, vegetable shops and a public bath still exist. Along the street of the town, there was a gorgeous wooden house built by a carpenter who was specialized in building shrines. The residence once turned into a steak house then left untouched for 15 years.
The guest house project started in 2009 by two members of the Transition town Hayama which aims to make sustainable community in the area. The house was renovated into the guesthouse with the help of the members of Transition town and local people and opened in 2011. The house regained its charms once again and tells us the history of Kamakura with the big shrine in the lounge area of the house.
No TV nor clock are put in the house so that you could feel the real atmosphere of the old house and have a relaxing time away from daily life. We manage the guesthouse in sustainable way not to damage our environment with DIY spirit. We welcomed 10 years anniversary in 2021 and now we hope to cerebrate 100 years anniversary of the house in 2025.
Kamejikan Movie
“Welcome to Kamejikan! Guesthouse in Kamakura”
Kamejikan short movie. Drone footage clearly shows the location of Kamejikan in Kamakura.
Staff
Masa, the owner
After graduating from university, Masa volunteered as a teacher in Nepal, and then worked in the music industry in Tokyo for several years. In 2000, he embarked on a world tour; traveling across Asia to Africa. In Cape Town, South Africa, he worked at a vegetarian cafe, and then later in Zimbabwe, encountered the mbira, a Zimbabwean music instrument that he started to learn. After three years of travel, he came back to Japan and got involved in several music projects. The idea of setting up a guesthouse in Kamakura came from his own life experiences and the desire to build a sustainable community. He found a partner with the same vision, and with the support of the local community, Kamejikan opened in April 2011.
Sumi, the IT manager
Having traveled all over Latin America and India, Sumi now enjoys a slower-paced life in Japan. His love for travel is expressed through different mediums like his books, photos and job at Kamejikan. He often gets bitten by the travel bug, and the place he wishes to visit varies from day to day. Our website with Sumi's beautiful pictures is also created and managed by him.
Hiroe,Apron of Kamejikan
I was born and raised in this beach area and now I am a mother of three daughters. I love my family and this area and I make each day worth it. I once stayed at Kamejikan and now became one of the staff. I enjoy eating delicious foods like dumplings, potato, beans, soup, all kinds of drinks, time in the cafe and hand work like sawing and embroidery.
Natsuki, night shift staff
I had stayed at Kamejikan as a guest and fascinated by its special atmosphere away from daily life and became a staff. I am happy meeting guests of different backgrounds and listen to their life stories. I sometimes work out at the lounge.