Kamakura, Japan: travel guide
A seaside town of Zen temples and a great bronze Buddha, an hour from Tokyo
A medieval shogunate capital (1185–1333) clinging to sea-cliffs above the Pacific. Kamakura's Great Buddha, 65 Zen temples, and carved mountain trails make it the perfect cultural day trip from Tokyo.
About Kamakura
Kamakura was the seat of Japan's first shogunate, and the hills around the town still hold temples, shrines and quiet trails. It sits on the coast south of Tokyo, which makes it one of the most popular day trips from the capital.
The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in is the best-known sight, while Tsurugaoka Hachimangu anchors the town centre and the Zen temples of Engaku-ji and Kencho-ji offer a calmer atmosphere. You can walk the hill trails between temples, visit Zeniarai Benten shrine, or take the small train to Enoshima island.
Kamakura suits walkers, culture lovers and anyone who wants some sea air near Tokyo. Spring and autumn are comfortable, and summer weekends bring beach crowds.
- Country
- Japan
- Currency
- JPY
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Nearest airport
- HND
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kamakura
Kotoku-in Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu)
Buddhist bronze monument · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The open-air bronze Great Buddha of Kamakura — 11.3 metres tall, weighing 93 tonnes — has sat in serene meditation since 1252. Originally housed in a great wooden hall that was destroyed by storms and tsunamis in the 15th century, the…
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Shinto shrine · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · free entry
The spiritual heart of Kamakura, founded in 1063 and rebuilt in its current form in 1191 by the first shogun Minamoto Yoritomo. The broad Wakamiya-oji Avenue (lined with 3,000 peonies in spring) leads from the sea to the shrine's stone…
Enoshima Island
island shrine & coastal · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A 4 km² island 9 km west of Kamakura, connected to the mainland by a 600-metre causeway. Enoshima Shrine's three buildings enshrine three sea-goddess sisters, and the Iwaya Caves at the island's far tip are where the hermit monk Mongaku…
Zen Temple Circuit — Engaku-ji & Kencho-ji
Zen temple complex · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Kamakura was medieval Japan's Zen capital, and the Five Great Zen Temples (Gozan) remain its spiritual backbone. Engaku-ji (founded 1282) contains Japan's largest bronze temple bell (1301, National Treasure) within a mountainside compound…
Hase-dera Temple
Temple · about 1.3 h · entry ¥400 (≈ ₹240)
Hillside temple with a 9 m gilded Kannon statue, hydrangea paths and sweeping views over Sagami Bay.
Hokoku-ji (Bamboo Temple)
Temple · about 1 h · entry ¥400 (≈ ₹240)
Zen temple famous for its serene grove of ~2,000 moso bamboo with a matcha teahouse.
Komachi-dori Street
Market · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Bustling shopping street from Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, lined with snacks, crafts and souvenirs.
Zeniarai Benten Shrine
Temple · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Cave shrine where visitors wash coins in a spring believed to multiply the money.
Meigetsu-in (Hydrangea Temple)
Temple · about 0.8 h · entry ¥500 (≈ ₹300)
Zen temple renowned for June hydrangeas and a round "window of enlightenment" framing the garden.
Yuigahama Beach
Beach · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Wide sandy beach south of central Kamakura, popular in summer for swimming and sunsets.
Kamakurakokomae Crossing
Viewpoint · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Seaside Enoden railway crossing beside Kamakura High School, famous worldwide from the anime Slam Dunk.
Things to do
- Great Buddha & Enoden Walking Tour Tour · 4 h · from JPY 6,000 per person
- Zen Meditation at Engaku-ji Experience · 1.5 h · from JPY 2,000 per person
- Kamakura Kimono Rental Experience · 8 h · from JPY 4,500 per person
Where to stay in Kamakura
Hotels
- Kamakura Prince Hotel 4-star · JPY 22,000 to JPY 50,000 per night
- WeBase Kamakura 3-star · JPY 4,000 to JPY 16,000 per night
- Kamakura Park Hotel 4-star · JPY 22,000 to JPY 45,000 per night
Where to eat
- Miyokawa Japanese, Seafood · about JPY 1,500 per person
- Bergfeld Bakery, Cafe, German · about JPY 1,200 per person
- Matsubara-an Soba, Japanese · about JPY 2,500 per person
- Good Mellows Burgers, American · about JPY 2,000 per person
- Amalfi Della Sera Italian, Western · about JPY 3,500 per person
- Toshimaya Honten Sweets, Cafe · about JPY 800 per person
Getting to Kamakura
Airport: Kamakura (Tokyo Haneda) (HND)
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Train
- Walking