The bustling city gets tiring after a while, so we decided to check out Kamakura during our recent Tokyo trip. Having heard so much about Kamakura and having never seen any coastal towns in Japan despite visiting Japan a number of times, I was excited. About an hour away from Tokyo, Kamakura is a coastal town, well known for its temples and traditional charm. This Kamakura day trip itinerary is what we did in Kamakura and will take through some of the must-visit sites.
Getting to Kamakura From Tokyo
The easiest way to reach Kamakura is by taking the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station. The direct train takes about 1 hour and arrives at Kamakura Station. If you have a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, this route is fully covered.
With that said, there are many other routes you can take, so it’s recommended that you still check Google Maps, because there might be faster routes, depending on the time and location you start your journey to Kamakura. The directions on Google Maps are very straightforward; platform, cabin and exit numbers are all indicated.
Hasedera
Hasedera is known for its stunning wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. According to legend the Kannon statue here is actually a pair with the one in Nara’s Hasedera. Stroll through the serene gardens, explore the cave shrine of Benzaiten, and take in panoramic views of the Kamakura coastline.
Opening hours:
July – March: 8am – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
April – June: 8am – 5.30pm (last entry 5pm)
Entrance fee: Adults ¥400, children 6–11 years ¥200
Kotoku-in
Kotoku-in is home to the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a towering 13-meter bronze statue that has been around since the 13th century. You can also enter the hollow interior of the Great Buddha for ¥50 to appreciate its craftsmanship. The open-air setting makes it one of Japan’s most iconic Buddha statues.
Opening hours:
October – March: 8am – 5pm, last entry 4.30pm
April – September: 8am – 5.30pm, last entry 5.15pm
Buddha interior: 8am – 4.30pm, last entry 4.20pm
Entrance fee: Adults ¥300, children 6–12 years ¥150
Hokokuji
Known for its bamboo grove, Hokokuji, is a quiet respite as not many make their way here. At Hokokuji, you can also enjoy a cup of matcha at the small teahouse within the grove. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a great place to escape the crowds and is also a great alternative to the crowded Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto.
Opening hours: 9 – 4pm (closed 29 Dec – 3 Jan)
Entrance fee: ¥400, additional ¥600 for matcha (last order 3.30pm)
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to the Minamoto samurai clan. Walk up the grand staircase for a scenic view of Kamakura and admire the seasonal blooms around the shrine’s ponds.
Opening hours: 6am – 8pm year round
Entrance fee: Free, ¥200 for treasure hall
Komachi-dori
Komachi-dori is a lively shopping street filled with traditional stores and street food. It is also the perfect place to pick up souvenirs!
Inamuragasaki
Catch the sunset at Inamuragasaki, a scenic coastal park with a great view of Mount Fuji on clear days.
I really enjoyed the short walk along the coast, as this spot is a vast contrast to what most of us are used to in Tokyo; the buildings and the fast-paced life. It was a waste that we couldn’t see Mt. Fuji as it was cloudy.
Address: 2 Chome-6-19 Inamuragasaki, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0024, Japan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you get around Kamakura? Is Kamakura walkable?
Kamakura is relatively small in size. Many choose to get around by bicycle, or by foot. You can also get around easily by buses.
Train wise, 2 main companies serve the city, JR East and Enoden. The JR line connects Kamakura to Tokyo and Yokohama, while the Enoden Enoshima Electric Railway can be used to bring you to some of the popular attractions like Hasedera at Hase station. Google maps was very effective in getting us to our destinations, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost, or memorising the travel routes.
Is Suica accepted in Kamakura?
Yes, Suica can be used on public transport in Kamakura.
How long should I spend in Kamakura?
We got to Kamakura around 10am and left at 4pm, doing everything on this itinerary, without a lunch break, so about 8 hours should suffice for the highlights of the town.
