Kamakura
Temples, the Great Buddha and the sea.
Why Japanese travelers love itIt mixes temples, beach and cafés, a perfect day out from Tokyo.
Kamakura was Japan's political center from the late 12th to the 14th century, and it is full of Zen temples set into green hills. The bronze Great Buddha sits outdoors near the coast. A small old train, the Enoden, runs along the sea to Enoshima island. It is an easy day from Tokyo, about an hour by train, and it can be very busy on weekends.
Best time: Weekdays any time. June is hydrangea season and busy; autumn is calmer and mild.
Weather
Average temperature, °C. JMA 1991–2020 normals (Yokohama (JMA), nearest JMA observatory).
Top 5
- Great Buddha (Kotoku-in)The large bronze Buddha sitting in the open air.
- Tsurugaoka HachimanguThe main shrine at the top of the town's central avenue.
- Hokoku-jiA small bamboo grove with a tea corner.
- Engaku-jiA large Zen temple in Kita-Kamakura with public zazen.
- Enoden and EnoshimaA seaside train ride to a small island.
A simple day
- Start at Kita-Kamakura and Engaku-ji.
- Walk or ride to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
- Enoden to Hase for the Great Buddha.
- Continue on the Enoden to Enoshima.
- Sunset by the sea, then back to Tokyo.
Where to stay
- Kamakura StationEasy for an early start before day-trippers arrive.
- TokyoMost people visit as a day trip.
Places we’ve checked
- Hotel Metropolitan Kamakurastay site ↗
- WeBase Kamakurastay site ↗
- Kamakura Matsubara-anrestaurant site ↗
- Cafe Vivement Dimanchecafé
- Engaku-ji Zazenexperience site ↗
- Hokoku-ji Bamboo Gardentemple / shrine site ↗
From the psst directory. Opening days and prices change — check the official site before you go.
Getting there
Tokyo → Kamakura: about 1h on the JR Yokosuka Line. Shinjuku → Kamakura: about 1h on the Shonan-Shinjuku Line.
psst — skip this mistake: Going on a sunny weekend afternoon. Trains and the Enoden get packed; go early on a weekday.