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Ancient shrines and temples -- even a giant Buddha statue -- connected by hiking trails. A seaside town with good food, artsy boutiques, and hip cafes. Sandy shores and the occasional wave, plus fireworks and beach shacks in summer. Kamakura has A LOT going for it. No wonder it's one of Tokyo's most popular day trips. Want to make the most of your visit to Kamakura? Then is for you. For around , an English-speaking guide will show you the highlights of the area, and it includes temple entrance fees and lunch (a small transport fee is extra). In a hurry? Kamakura essentials: Getting there: JR Yokosuka or Shōnan–Shinjuku Line direct from Tokyo, Shinjuku, or Shibuya -- about 1 hour, one way Can't-miss sights: the Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, and Hōkoku-ji's bamboo grove Easiest guided option: with lunch and entrance fees included Kamakura: Why visit? A long-ago political capital alongside Nara and Kyoto, Kamakura is a great place to get your taste of ancient Japan if you can't reach Kansai. Where is Kamakura? Kanagawa Prefecture About an hour south of Tokyo Kamakura is a destination on the Shōnan Coast, south of Tokyo and Yokohama and on the shores of Sagami Bay. It's easy to reach by train from either city -- one reason it's such a popular day trip. Pro tip: Go deeper into Japanese culture, and make your own hanko seal in Kamakura. Getting to Kamakura JR lines to Kamakura Station Depending on your departure station in Tokyo, getting down to Kamakura from Tokyo takes about an hour and costs one-way, or with an IC card (JR fares went up in March 2026, so older guides may quote less). Both JR Shōnan–Shinjuku and JR Yokosuka line trains can take you there direct -- on the Shōnan–Shinjuku Line, make sure it's a Zushi-bound train (Odawara-bound services head elsewhere). Cheapo tip: If you're traveling from Shibuya Station, rather than the JR Shōnan–Shinjuku Line, you can save around by taking the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line to Yokohama Station and then changing to the JR Yokosuka Line towards Kamakura -- about all up, in exchange for one easy transfer and an extra 10 to 15 minutes (ride a Tōkyū express or limited express -- locals take noticeably longer). You can also get to Kamakura via the local Enoden Line that runs between Kamakura and Enoshima, in which case you can make use of the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass. What rail passes cover travel to Kamakura? You can use the , the , or a JR East regional rail pass that covers the Tokyo area to travel to Kamakura by JR lines. However, since getting to Kamakura from Tokyo doesn't cost much, we don't recommend using a pass. Unless maybe you've got an extra day to use up. The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass 1-day pass Odakyu Line from Shinjuku (or Fujisawa) to Katase-Enoshima and the local Enoden Line from Fujisawa; from Shinjuku This pass won't take you all over Kamakura (it does not include local buses), but it is convenient if you are planning on a day trip to Enoshima with a little bit of Kamakura thrown in. The pass comes in digital and physical versions. Buy the Shinjuku version and it includes one round trip on Odakyu lines between Shinjuku and Fujisawa Station -- the cheaper Fujisawa version skips that leg. You'll need to pay extra if getting on the faster, fancier train: the Romancecar. At Fujisawa Station, you'll have to change to get to Katase-Enoshima. You can take as many trains as you want between Fujisawa and Katase-Enoshima, as well as on the Enoden to Kamakura and back. You can also get small perks at local attractions -- at Hase-dera Temple, for example, pass holders receive a little commemorative gift. Tours from Tokyo to Kamakura Kamakura can be an easy place to get lost in -- which is half the fun. However, if you'd like to save time then it's worth jumping on a tour. You can combine Enoshima and Kamakura in one day with for around . It includes an air-conditioned bus from Tokyo, entry to the Great Buddha and Hase-dera Temple, and a guide working in English and Chinese -- but note that lunch is at your own expense. Already in Kamakura? meets at the tourist information center by Kamakura Station and costs around for a 3.5-hour guided walk, finishing near Hase Station -- just note that transport and temple entry along the way (about combined) are extra. How to get around Kamakura Kamakura is so lovely that even the transport is part of the experience. There are plenty of buses as well as the Enoden line, so if you don't fancy walking, you will still be able to see plenty of sights. The Enoden Line (Enoshima Electric Railway) The Enoden -- short for Enoshima Electric Railway -- was founded in November 1900 (the line itself started running in 1902) and has kept every inch of its old-fashioned charm. Popular in anime, manga, and TV dramas, it adds a touch of nostalgia -- be it from childhood stories or local old-school trams. Tickets can be bought from vending machines. You can also use IC touch transport cards, or tap a contactless credit card (Visa, JCB, American Express, and others) on the station card readers. During Golden Week, note that the city has been testing priority Enoden entry at Kamakura Station for locals (with pre-issued passes) on the busiest afternoons -- boarding at Hase Station or exploring on foot can be faster. How to take a photo of the Enoden Line Snapping a photo of the passing Enoden Line has become an attraction in itself. While you can photograph the train anywhere along its route, the most iconic shot -- featuring the train with the coast in the background -- is best captured near Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station. Long a favorite filming location -- and thrust back into the spotlight by the anime Slam Dunk -- this spot often draws crowds of eager photographers. The train passes roughly every 14 minutes, so depending on when you arrive, you may need to wait. If you plan to linger, please be mindful of local residents and pedestrians. Local Kamakura buses You may have to use a bus to reach the more difficult areas of Kamakura, including the north and east. For general bus tickets, take a numbered ticket as you board and then pay the amount shown on the board above the exit when you leave. You can also go contactless and touch your IC card in and out. If you're paying cash, have coins or a note ready, as bigger notes aren't accepted on board. Cheapo tip: Kids pay a flat per Enoden Bus ride with a child's IC card (paying cash or with an adult card charges the regular child fare). Kamakura Free Kankyō Tegata (environment pass) 1-day pass Set bus routes around Kamakura and the Enoden train till Hase Station (children ) While having a slightly odd name, this pass does allow you unlimited rides on five set Enoden Bus and Keikyū Bus routes fanning out from Kamakura Station -- to Kita-Kamakura, Daibutsu-mae (for the Great Buddha), Jōmyōji, Daitōnomiya, and Nagoe -- as well as the Enoden train line from Kamakura until Hase Station only. You can pick it up at Enoden Kamakura or Hase stations, or at the Keikyū Bus information desk behind bus bay 4 at Kamakura Station's East Exit. You can also opt for only unlimited Enoden Bus rides for -- this ticket is now digital-only, bought through the EMot app or the EMot Online Ticket website -- details here. If you just want unlimited rides on the Enoden train all day -- including to Enoshima and Fujisawa Station -- then you can opt for an Enoden hop-on, hop-off ticket for . Kamakura day trip itinerary Want a ready-made plan? This route strings together the big hitters with minimal backtracking -- feel free to swap bits in and out, as everything here is covered in more detail elsewhere on this page. Morning: Zen temples of Kita-Kamakura (9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.) Hop off the train one stop early at Kita-Kamakura Station and start with Engaku-ji, which opens at 8:30 a.m. -- the earlier you get there, the quieter the cedar forest. If you're in a leisurely mood, Tōkei-ji (free entry) and Jōchi-ji are a few minutes down the road. From there you have a choice: walk the Daibutsu Trail (about 90 minutes of proper forest hiking, popping out near the Great Buddha), or take the train one stop to Kamakura Station and ride the Enoden to Hase Station. If you lingered at all three temples, take the train -- the trail will eat into your lunch slot. Midday: the Great Buddha and Hase (11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.) Say hello to the Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in, then wander 5 minutes downhill to Hase-dera Temple for the Kannon statue and the ocean views from its terrace. For lunch, Hase has no shortage of whitebait rice bowls -- or ride the Enoden a few stops to Inamuragasaki for Café Yoridokoro (closed Tuesdays). If you had lunch out that way, the famous Slam Dunk railway crossing by Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station is only a couple more stops west -- an easy detour before doubling back. Afternoon: Hachimangū and Komachi-dōri (2 p.m.–5 p.m.) Take the Enoden back to Kamakura Station, then walk 10 minutes to Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, Kamakura's most important shrine. Loop back along Komachi-dōri for street snacks and souvenirs -- local etiquette is to step to the side while you eat, rather than munching on the move. If you've still got energy Catch a bus from Kamakura Station to Hōkoku-ji for the bamboo grove -- but slot it in before Tsurugaoka Hachimangū rather than after, as last entry is at 4 p.m. and tea service ends at 3:30 p.m. In summer, you could skip the bamboo and end the day with sunset at Yuigahama Beach instead. Pro tip: Weekday mornings are far calmer than weekends. June (hydrangea season) and late November to early December (autumn leaves) are the prettiest -- and busiest -- times to visit. Top things to do in Kamakura Kamakura is most famous as the home of one of Japan's great Daibutsu -- or Great Buddha -- statues. It's also generally known for its temples, which include many Zen temples, as well as some truly old and atmospheric ones. Thanks to its hilly location, Kamakura is also a great destination for hiking. A real bonus is that you can take some trails between sights. There are also some lovely beaches, as well as cute shops in town. Things to do in Kamakura: Temples Ok, so there are plenty of temples and shrines to choose from, but these are some of the loveliest! We have ordered them roughly by nearest station to help with planning. If you are arriving at Kamakura Station from Tokyo, we suggest you first stop at the temples in northern Kamakura (you can get off a station before at Kita-Kamakura Station), then either walk the Daibutsu Trail (about 90 minutes) or catch the Enoden train from Kamakura Station to the temples in the south-west (near Hase Station). There are plenty of ways to do it, so choose your own adventure! Explore the forests of Engaku-ji Temple 1-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station Engaku-ji Temple was built in 1282, following the Mongol invasion attempts, to console the souls of the fallen soldiers on both sides, and is one of the leading Zen temples in Japan. It stands surrounded by impressive sloping cedar forests and has a series of stunning structures leading to the main hall (the Butsuden) which houses a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. Beyond the hall is the Shariden; a hall which enshrines a tooth of the Buddha and is fully opened to visitors only a few days a year. There is a particularly beautiful spot by the large bell -- with a small tea house where you can try traditional tea and sweets (it takes seasonal breaks). It is popular in autumn, as it is surrounded by beautiful red leaves, which peak from late November into early December. Admire the gardens and grounds of Tōkei-ji Temple and Jōchi-ji Temple A few minutes' walk from Kita-Kamakura Station Free entry (donations welcome) at Tōkei-ji Temple; for Jōchi-ji Temple Tōkei-ji was once known as the "Divorce Temple" as it offered refuge to women escaping abusive husbands and mothers-in-law before women could initiate divorce. The former nunnery (now a monastery) is the only remaining one of the original network of five called the Amagozan. As well as being known for its pyramidal roof, it has beautiful gardens with a wide variety of flowers that blossom throughout the year. One heads-up: visitor photography is no longer allowed in the grounds. Jōchi-ji Temple is right next door and nestled in a hillside cedar forest. Although it was badly damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake, you can still see the three surviving wooden statues of the Buddhas of Past, Present, and Future which have been designated as important cultural assets. Follow the moss-covered stairs to the beautiful bell tower and explore the grounds. Marvel at the Great Daibutsu at Kōtoku-in 7-minute walk from Hase Station (Enoden) or 10-minute bus from Kamakura Station (additional to go inside the Buddha) Originally housed in a temple hall, the impressive 121-ton Amida Buddha has been out in the open air for over 500 years, sitting tall at 11.3 meters -- over 13 meters if you count the pedestal. One of the most famous icons of Japan, the bronze Buddha is a fair bit smaller than its counterpart in Nara -- but is still stunning. The original statue was wooden, completed in 1243 -- the bronze replacement is said to have followed about a decade later, though records are hazy. Its hall was destroyed by typhoons and rebuilt more than once, then lost for good, most likely to the earthquake and tsunami of 1498. Once upon a time, the statue was gilded, and you can still see traces of gold on the cheeks, and against the bright blue skies, it makes for a very pretty picture indeed. Explore the many mysteries of Hase-dera Temple 5-minute walk from Hase Station (Enoden), or a bus from Kamakura Station to the Hase Kannon stop, then a 5-minute walk This temple -- an independent one in the Jōdo tradition -- is home to one of Japan's largest wooden statues: the 11-headed Kannon Goddess of Mercy, and is known for its tree-guarded entrance. Standing 9.18 meters tall and gleaming gold, the Kannon is an impressive sight and was supposedly originally carved from the same tree as the similar statue in Nara's Hase-dera Temple. The statue is housed in the main hall, and the surrounding grounds are beautiful. The Kannon Museum is next door, where you can see treasures such as temple bells, statues, and scrolls (entry is an additional ). There is also a rotating sutra bookcase, said to bring the same merit as reading every text inside -- though you can only give it a spin on set days, like the 18th of each month. Built on the slope of a wooded hill, the temple has a wooden terrace that offers amazing views of Kamakura. The temple entrance is at the bottom of the slope with a pretty, traditional garden, complete with ponds and a small temple hall and cave with dozens of statues dedicated to the Goddess of Health and Beauty, the Goddess of Music, and many fearsome protectors of Buddha. Important: Visiting in hydrangea season (June)? The temple's famous hydrangea path now needs a separate timed-entry ticket () on top of regular admission, with slots released online each week -- book ahead or be ready to miss out. Follow the path to Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station (East Exit) Free After visiting the temples in the southwest, you can head back to Kamakura Station on the Enoden Line and see the most important shrine in Kamakura: the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū. It's hard to miss: with a cherry blossom-lined pathway leading through the city center, you will be led straight to its gate. You may notice two ponds on either side of the entrance: the pond on your right (as you face the shrine) has three islands and represents the Minamoto clan, while the one on your left represents their arch enemies, the Taira clan, with four islands (four sounding like death in Japanese). The shrine was founded in 1063 before being modified and moved to its current site in 1180 by the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura government, Minamoto Yoritomo. Dedicated to Hachiman, the family's patron god, the shrine grounds feature a stage, a main hall with a terrace, a museum, and a secondary shrine. Relax in Hōkoku-ji Temple (aka Bamboo Temple) 12-minute bus from Kamakura Station, then a 3-minute walk ( with matcha) This small and unassuming temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism may seem average on first impressions, but it has a secret. Beyond the simple gate and just behind the modest main hall lies a beautiful bamboo grove, with a forest of around 2,000 stalks surrounding the picturesque tea house nestled in the grounds of the temple. Traditional matcha and sweets can be tried for (incl. entrance) in the teahouse -- tea service ends at 3:30 p.m., so don't leave it too late in the day. Although this temple is slightly out of the way, it can be a great place to take a breather and escape the crowds. It's about a 20-minute walk from Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, and you can catch a bus back to the station after. Pro tip: if you want to spend the day gaining a deeper understanding of all Kamakura's temples, consider . Things to do in Kamakura: Shopping Komachi Street Komachi Street is a major shopping street in central Kamakura, filled with souvenirs, treats, and restaurants — perfect after a day of exploring the shrines and temples. You'll have no trouble finding it either, with the large red torii gate to your left when you leave Kamakura Station, you can follow the street straight up to Tsurugaoka Hachimangū. Once a humble farm road, it grew into a shopping street after the railway arrived in 1889, and has since expanded with myriad side streets and alleys, all offering local food and products. Our personal recommendations include: Character stores like Miffy Oyatsudou and Donguri Kyowakoku (the Studio Ghibli character-goods store) Toshimaya Honten: the home of Kamakura's famous dove-shaped biscuit (hato sablé) -- the main store is on neighboring Wakamiya-ōji, with a branch right by the station Hase Hase, especially the road leading up to the Great Buddha, is lined with charming souvenir shops and local artisan boutiques. Thanks to its coastal location, you'll also come across a few laid-back surf shops. After browsing, stroll down toward the beach and reward yourself with an ice cream -- there's no shortage of places to choose from. Our personal recommendations include: Kamakura Orgel-dō (the Music Box Museum): a shop near Hase-dera specializing in charming music boxes Tabi-ji: a shop specializing in split-toe tabi sneakers and socks, from classic to Kamakura-themed designs Things to do in Kamakura: Hiking trails With this many temples, shrines, mountains, and valleys all so close together, it would be a shame not to make the most of them and explore the wild side of Kamakura. There are three main sections you can hike, depending on what you prefer to see and how much time you have in town. This includes the Daibutsu Hiking Trail. We outline all of them in our handy hiking in Kamakura article. Things to do in Kamakura: Beaches Yuigahama and Zaimokuza are two of Kamakura's most popular sandy beaches and can be enjoyed by sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers alike. Since they are some of the closest to Tokyo and Yokohama, they do get very busy during beach season (July 1 to August 31) -- there will be a lot of people packed onto the sand. There are plenty of cafes, shops, and rental spots for swimming gear, plus it's a great place to go stand up paddleboarding (aka SUP). Not too far away is Enoshima, a holiday island with some of the closest beaches to Tokyo as well as shrines and caves -- plus an aquarium on the shore facing the island. It has so much to offer we gave it its own guide. What to eat in Kamakura Being located near the coast means that Kamakura is renowned for its fresh seafood. You'll find numerous restaurants serving specialties like shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl), along with popular street snacks such as dango and croquettes. With so many options to choose from, here are our top picks: Café Yoridokoro For an original dining experience in Kamakura, head to Café Yoridokoro in Inamuragasaki -- just five stops from Kamakura Station on the Enoden Line. This charming café is beloved for its traditional teishoku meals. Each meal features your choice of fish, served with fluffy egg-topped rice, miso soup, and pickles -- you'll definitely leave feeling full. What makes Café Yoridokoro especially memorable is its location -- right beside the Enoden Line tracks. As you savor your meal, you can watch the Enoden train glide past just outside the window. There's a quiet nostalgia to dining here, as you're encouraged to slow down and appreciate the fleeting moment. Given its popularity, it's worth reserving the track-side counter seats in advance -- there are only four, bookings run through TableCheck (linked from the official site), and there's a per-person reservation fee. Note it's closed on Tuesdays. For more details, be sure to check our restaurant write-up. m's terrace After a savory meal, you'll probably crave something sweet. Luckily, Kamakura is full of inviting cafés and street vendors offering a variety of desserts -- think dango, ice cream, and candied strawberries. One treat you'll see often is taiyaki (a pancake filled with red-bean paste), and at m's terrace, you'll find a unique version. Shaped like the Great Buddha itself, this taiyaki -- priced at around -- is available for takeout. However, we recommend dining in so you can relax on the terrace with an iced matcha and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the area (which is just off the main road). Note that it opens from 11:30 a.m. and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Kamakura festivals While Kamakura has plenty to keep you busy on a regular day, it is never better than during a festival. The streets are lined with stalls, busy crowds, and great displays. January: Chona-hajimeshiki (a festival to celebrate the beginning of the working year for local construction workers, who use traditional tools for the ceremony at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū). April: Kamakura Festival (a week of events celebrating the city and its history). May: Kusajishi (archers in samurai dress trade formal, archaic phrases as they fire arrows at a deer-shaped target at Kamakura-gū Shrine). June: There will be many temples, such as Hase-dera, celebrating hydrangeas throughout the month. Its famous hydrangea path now requires a separate timed ticket (), released online weekly. July or August: Kamakura Fireworks (a fireworks display over Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches -- weather-dependent and occasionally cancelled, so confirm it's on before planning around it). September: Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Grand Festival (a famous festival featuring yabusame, horseback archery). Accommodation in Kamakura Kamakura has small hotels that start from around a night, such as Gen Hotel Kamakura, as well as swankier options like LACER SUITES KAMAKURA (the rebranded Kamakura Seizan). Kamakura FAQs What is Kamakura famous for? In addition to the Great Buddha statue, Kamakura is renowned for its many historic temples and the hydrangeas that bloom in the rainy season. The city also offers excellent beaches and scenic hiking trails, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Is Kamakura worth a day trip from Tokyo? Kamakura is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo -- and for good reason. It offers a more traditional perspective with its historic temples, shrines, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The city is also very tourist-friendly, with excellent transport links and attractions that are well-signposted in English. How long do you need in Kamakura? One full day is enough for the headline sights -- the Great Buddha, Hase-dera, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, and a wander along Komachi-dōri -- especially if you follow our one-day itinerary. Add a second day if you want to hike all three trails, or combine Kamakura with Enoshima at a gentler pace. Does the JR Pass cover travel to Kamakura? Yes -- the JR Pass, the Tokyo Wide Pass, and the main JR East regional passes (like the JR East Pass) cover the JR lines to Kamakura. That said, at around each way from central Tokyo, the trip is cheap enough that a pass rarely pays off for Kamakura alone. This post was originally published in April 2017. Last updated in October 2026 by the Tokyo Cheapo team. While we try to ensure that all information is correct, dates and other details may vary.

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