Kamakura is a coastal city located about 40 km south from Tokyo. Because of its strategic position, the town was appointed by the Minamoto family as the political capital of medieval Japan. The beautiful mountains and ocean in combination with the relaxed atmosphere and many interesting sights, like temples and shrines, make for a perfect day trip from Tokyo. Make the most out of your day trip to Kamakura with our one day itinerary of Kamakura, showing you the highlights of the former capital city of Japan.
If you have been to “the Kyoto of the East” before, or want to move away from the the tourist crowds and want to see more hidden locations of Kamakura, please read this article Kamakura – off the beaten track
How to get to Kamakura from Tokyo
From Tokyo you have several options, both JR Yokosuka Line and the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line have a direction connection with Kamakura station. A one way trip takes about an hour and costs approximately ¥950, but if you have a Japan Rail Pass you can take these trains for free.
Getting around in Kamakura
Kamakura is a relatively small sized town and you can easily explore the centre on foot or – if you feel a little more adventurous – by (electric) rental bike. There are also buses and taxis in Kamakura to take you to the more isolated sights like Zeniarai Benten and Zuisenji.
We suggest you take the train from Tokyo around 8.30am so you will arrive in Kamakura around 10am, before the crowds of tourists start to arrive too. Instead of going to the city centre first, start with a visit to Hokokuji Temple. From the station it is s 30 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride. From the bus terminal at the east exit of Kamakura station, take bus 23 or 24 or 36 and get off at Jyomyoji bus stop (costs ¥200).
Hokokuji Temple
The small Buddhist Zen temple Hokokuji Temple (報国寺) is located on the east side of Kamakura is famous for its bamboo forest and is known as the bamboo temple. It is definitely a good alternative if you don’t plan to go to the Arashiyama Bamboo forest in Kyoto. Follow the narrow pathway between the 2.000 bamboo trees that leads to a small to a small tea house and enjoy a nice cup of matcha at the Zen garden!
Hokokuji Temple
9am – 4pm
Admission fee ¥500 per adult
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Right at the end of popular Komachi street, see below, you will see Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (鶴岡八幡宮) on your right, Kamakura’s most important shrine. In the 11th century the Minamoto family built the samurai shrine to thank the deities for victory in battle. From Kamakura’s waterfront, a long wide street leads through the entire city center, with multiple torii gates along the way.
The shrine is one of the most popular shrines for Hatsumode in the whole of Japan. About 2 million (!) people come here during the New Year’s holiday!
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine
5am – 9pm (from 6am from October to March)
Free admission
Komachi Dori
Continue your way towards to beach of Kamakura, walking the Komachi Dori (小町通り) and soak up the atmosphere of this nostalgic avenue. Here you can find many traditional shops for souvenirs, local food products and local produce. The street offers many options for lunch for every taste, next to the restaurants there are also lots of street vendors selling local delicatessen including kamakura sausages, chocolate eclairs and tarts, sakura mochi and fresh fish from the area.
If you want to immerse yourself in the local cuisine, book a cooking class and prepare your favourite local dish.
After your visit to the shopping street, your next visit will be to the Kotoku-in Temple. You can either walk or take the train. We recommend you go on foot, you will have some great views of Kamakura on the way and have a rest at one of the many cute cafes.
Kotoku-in Temple
Perhaps you haven’t heard of Kotoku-in Temple (鎌倉大仏殿高徳院) before, but you probably have seen photos of the huge Big Buddha statue. The statue commonly known as Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura), a colossal copper image that was constructed from the middle of 13th century. Being 11.3 m high it is one of the largest Buddha statues in Japan – most likely also one of the heaviest at 121 tons.
To do tip: you can enter the inside of buddha statue for only ¥20.
Kotoku-in Temple
8am – 5.30pm
Admission fee ¥300 (+¥20 to visit the statue interior)
From the Kotoku-in temple head down south for about 7 minutes and turn right, you will arrive at the second highlight of this part of Kamakura, the Hasedera Temple.
Hasedera Temple
The Hasedera Temple (長谷寺) is famous for its many flowers, especially the hydrangea, and nicknamed flower temple. In the months June and July, when the hydrangea are in full blossom, the temple is especially popular. But to our opinion, the temple is worth a visit a year round with the stunning view of the pacific sea from the temple’s observatory.
The temple is located on a hill, thus many steps are involved when exploring the complex. The entrance itself is located down hill, but climbing your way to the top is totally worth it, we think so at least.
Try to spot the little Jizo statues while you are visiting Hasedera. Ryo-en Jizo is a group of three little Jizo statues, that you can find in three different locations within the temple. These little guys will definitely make you smile!
Hasedera Temple
8am – 5pm (March – September)
8am – 4.30pm (October – February)
Admission fee ¥400
Planning your trip to Kamakura
As we mentioned before, Kamakura is great to explore on foot and most locations are within walking distance (about 30 min) from each other. The hiking trails connecting the highlights to each other offer great views of Kamakura. But if you don’t feel like it or want to spend most of your time visiting the sights, there are many other ways of transportation like trains, buses, bicycles, and taxis.
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kamakura
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency offering guided tours in Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we will organize the best tours for you! If you want to explore Japan to learn more histories and backstories of the area, our knowledgeable and friendly guide will happily take you to the best spots!
Also, we can provide you with any assistance for your upcoming trip in Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions/need some help!
▶Kamakura Private Walking Tour
Let’s explore the Kamakura area which is full of historical sites and nature with a local guide. This tour includes a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, walking through Komachi shopping street, seeing Great Buddha, etc.
▶Kamakura Local Student Tour (6 Hours Private Customizable Tour)
“We are students from a local school in Kamakura!! We would love to show you around our favorite places which are both sightseeing spots and backstreets based on your request! Let’s talk and walk!!
Kamakura has many historically significant Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, feel what it was like to be Samurai at the historic sites, such as Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Hasedera Temple and the Great Buddha! Of course, we will lead you to the local recommended spots, too!!”
This one day itinerary you will show the highlights of Kamakura, but if you have more time we definitely recommend you to stay for the night. There are many other beautiful, quiet places, read our other post about Kamakura too!
Also, our tour will help you to find this Samurai city in more interesting way. We are happy to customise this tour for you, feel free to contact us.
Where to stay in Kamakura
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Happy travelling!
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