In Kamakura, there is a lot of things to do, visiting shrines and temples (big Buddha), enjoying Kamakura’s food, chilling on the beach, feeling the season, and so on. Here is a guide for you to explore Kamakura!
Kamakura Information
Kamakura is a Historical Place
One of famous sightseeing spots in Kanagawa is “Kamakura” where was developed in Kamakura era. It was a capital in the past; Kamakura period, there are many historical places with a long history.
Perfect Destination as Day Trip from Tokyo
It is only 1 hour from Tokyo by train, and not difficult to get there. I remember i visited there as a day trip when i was an elementary school student, it was like a group of students makes a plan in advance, go by train & bus, and explore by themselves. I know some of you might be surprised if it’s ok for only students (minors) do those things, but yes it is completely fine in Japan.
Best Time To Visit Kamakura
I’d say that Spring and Autumn must be great in terms of both weather and avoiding crowds.
In summer, it’s not only too hot, but also it is packed with people on weekends, so i would recommend you visiting on weekdays if possible.
Also you should avoid Golden Week which is the end of April to the first week of May, since a lot of people have 1-2 week(s) of vacation in Japan.
Best Things To Do in Kamakura
- Visit shrines and temples
- Enjoy Food in Kamakura : Matcha soft served, Dango, Shirasu, Kamakura Yasai (local grown veggies)
- Chill on the beach : Yuigahama beach, Zaimokuza beach
- Watch beautiful sunset : Inamuragasaki, Shichirigahama
- Go to neighborhood of Kamakura : Enoshima island, Zushi marina
- Seasonal Fun in Kamakura
Let’s see more details for each one below!
Visit Shrines and Temples in Kamakura
There are over 150 of shrines and temples in Kamakura City. I introduce you some of famous ones.
Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine
This might be one of the most famous shrines in Kamakura, it is big site. Also there is a wide and 2 km long road to visit the shrine in front of it.
This shrine is strongly related to Minamoto Family, and Yoritomo Minamoto was a commander in chief in Kamakura period.
In some occasions, there are many shops and food venders aside on the way to the shrine, which might be interesting for you to enjoy street food there.
- Free Entrance
- Parking Available (Paid)
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine – Official site (English)
Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine : Power Spot
Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine is known for a power spot, especially for money. People wash their money with “special water” there.
It’s quite far away from any station, but it takes 20 minutes by foot. Also there is a hill to get there, so it might be rough if you need to push a baby stroller or wheelchair. Please make sure to check the road, weather on the day, and bring enough water or something if needed.
- 8 am – 4 pm
- Free admission
Kotoku-in (Kamakura Daibutsu) : Big Buddha
This might be the most famous temple in Kamakura, where you can see the big Buddha (Daibutsu).
You can not go inside of the statue of Buddha anymore, but it used to be. I went inside when i was 12 years old, and it was fun! Hope they start doing it again.
- 300 yen / adult, 150 yen / child ( 6-12 years old )
- No parking *you can book in advance if you are on wheelchair
Kotoku-in Temple – Official site (English)
Hase-dera Temple
It was built in 736, and it’s 5 minutes away from Hasedera station in Enoshima Line, so many tourists visit here. Especially in June, people come to see Hydrangeas.
There are some “Ojizo-san” statues which is being said “you are lucky if you can find it”.
- 400 yen / adult, 200 yen / child ( elementary school students )
- Summer (March – September) 8 am – 5 pm ( Closed 5:30 pm ）
- Winter (October – February) 8 am – 4:30 pm（Closed 5pm）
- Parking Available (Paid)
Meigetsu-in Temple : Hydrangea
Meigetsu-in Temple was built in 1159. It’s well-known for beautiful Hydrangeas in Rainy season (June). And in autumn, it’s beautiful with colored leaves, too!
- 500 yen / adult ( 16+ years ), 300 yen / Kid + child (6 – 15 y.o)
- 9 am – 4 pm ( Last Entry 4 pm, Close 4:30 pm）
Enjoy Food in Kamakura
Hato Sablé : Famous Snack From Kamakura
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Speaking of famous sweets from Kamakura, it must be Hato Sable. There is a shop close to Kamakura station, so check it out if you like sables. The company making Hato sable was found in 1894. It’s been loved by many people 😉
Matcha Sweets
There are a lot of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy Matcha in Kamakura.
If you want to try “real” matcha, you can go Kamakura Cha Cha, where you can try different levels of matcha. It’s very rich taste which means pretty bitter.
I personally like to have Matcha soft served ice cream mixed flavor with purple sweet potato soft served. My favorite shop is Imoyoshi nearby Kamakura station and Kotoku-in (Daibutsu).
Dango
Dango is one of Japanese foods which you can enjoy with less cost. My favorite place located in Komachi road. They have a lot of kind of Dangos, also seasonal ones according to each season. Those looks good and photogenic as you see. In addition, their iced matcha is my favorite. It is not too bitter 😉
Shirasu – Seafood
Seafood are good since it’s close to ocean. Especially “Shirasu” is very famous in Enoshima area so you can try it around Kamakura too.
Kamakura Vegetable
There are local grown vegetables called “Kamakura Yasai” (Yasai = vegetable), colorful and beautiful.
My most favorite restaurant nearby Kamakura station is “Miyoshi” kamaage Udon Noodle restaurant which is chosen by Michelin. You can have tempura (Japanese style deep fry) of Kamakura veggies there! Their handmade udon noodle is great, and super delicious.
Street Food on Komachi dori in Kamakura
If you like exploring food on the street, you should go to Komachi dori street. You can enjoy a lot of kinds of food!
Chill on the Beach in Kamakura
You can also go to the beach. There are some beautiful beaches that i need to introduce you.
Yuigahama Beach
Closest beach to Kamakura station, it takes 15 – 20 mins from Kamakura station by foot.
Zaimokuza Beach
It is next to Yuigahama Beach, but a bit less people. Just saying, this is where i got engaged 💍
Watch Beautiful Sunset
Inamuragasaki
5 mins walk from Inamuragasaki Station in Enoshima Line. If you want to see sunset, this is the place for you 😉
Shichirigahama Beach
5 mins walk from Shichirigahama Station in Enoshima Line.
If you would like to have some food, shopping, you can have them around Shichirigahama Beach. If you are lucky, you can have a break with nice view at restaurant.
Go To Neighborhood of Kamakura
Enoshima Island
If you love to beaches, you can also go to Enoshima island by train in Enoshima Line from Kamakura station.
Enoshima island Guide – Food & Restaurant, Sightseeing, Route
Zushi Marina
If you go east from Kamakura, it’s Zushi city, Kanagawa. There is a big area called Zushi Marina where you can find cafe, restaurant. shop, hotel, etc. Not much, but very relaxing vibe.
Feel the Story at Historical Building
Kamakura Museum of Literature
The building was built in 1936 (early Showa period), for Toshinari Maeda who lived here. There are many valuable items displayed, you cannot take pictures inside though. What I liked the most was the view from the balcony!
There is a beautiful rose garden too.
Unfortunately, it’s closed now until March 2027.
Starbucks (Old Japanese-style House Remodeled)
You might think why starbucks? but there is a reason. This place had been owned by manga artist Ryuichi Yokoyama. And Starbucks made a shop but they keep his favorite cherry blossom, wisteria, and a pool.
It is nice to sit down at Engawa (Terrace) and have a cup of coffee.
Have Seasonal Fun in Kamakura
There is much nature in Kamakura, so you can also enjoy Kamakura in each season with seasonal stuff.
Sakura – Cherry Blossom
In Spring, you can find a lot of cherry blossoms blooming.
Hydrangea
In rainy season which is usually in June in Kanagawa, Japan, hydrangeas are beautiful. Meigetsu-in and Hase Temple are famous for hydrangea, but it would be so crowded. You need to go early morning.
Autumn Color
It changes color of leaves, and it’s pretty of combination of autumn leaves and old buildings like temples & shrines.
Kamakura is my favorite place in early or late summer! I would make an article about day trip plan too!
