Last Updated on 11th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Surrounded by mountains and sea, Kamakura is often referred to as “the Kyoto of the East”. This ancient city hugs the coastline and is filled with historic treasures, nestled between a landscape which acts as a natural fortress. Just one hour from Japan’s capital, here’s how to visit Kamakura as a day trip from Tokyo, as well as top tips and what to know before you go!
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What is Kamakura known for?
A mosaic of architectural styles, culture and history that all exist in harmony, Kamakura was once the political capital of Japan and is famed for its abundance of historic shrines and temples. A particular monument which has become somewhat of an iconic symbol of the city is the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
Thanks to its location between the mountains and sea, Kamakura is also a popular destination for its stunning stretch of beaches, which on a clear day boast views overlooking Mount Fuji. And, for its hiking trails up in the mountainous landscape.
A short history of Kamakura
The history of Kamakura dates back to the late 12th century. Much like Nara and Kyoto, Kamakura is one of Japan’s ancient capitals and it was the capital city from 1185 – 1333.
Kamakura is also the birthplace of the Kamakura shogunate, which was founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1192, and was Japan’s first military government. Ruling much of the country, the shogunate thrived for over 150 years. Kamakura’s strategic location aided its success, thanks to being nestled between the mountains and the sea, the city served as a natural fortress.
The Kamakura period, as it was known, came to an end in 1333 after the city was attacked in an effort to reestablish imperial rule. During the Edo period, 1603 – 1868, the city became popular for its many shrines and Zen temples, most of which are dedicated to the guardian deities of the samurai.
When the railway opened in 1889, Kamakura became much more accessible and as a result, became a popular spot for summer retreats. The city also became the permanent residence of Yasunari Kawabata, who was Japan’s first Nobel laureate in literature.
In 1923, Kamakura (and all of Japan for that matter) sadly suffered great loss at the hands of the Great Kantō Earthquake. The force of this natural disaster was so great that it moved the city’s iconic Great Buddha statue over 60 cm, the statue itself weighs over 120 tonnes.
Today, Kamakura remains a major tourist attraction in the Kanto region, drawing visitors worldwide for its historical gems and hidden treasures.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time of year to visit is with the change of seasons. In late March to early April, you’ll be greeted with the cherry blossoms of the sakura season. From mid to late April, you can see beautiful purple blooms of wisteria. And during autumn, the falling leaves season (koyo) offers an enchanting setting to explore.
However, be sure to avoid typhoons in the summer months. Typically, from late August to October, as it’s the rainiest season and is often affected by typhoons. So, if you are travelling during this time, be sure to check for weather warnings in advance.
Where is Kamakura?
Kamakura, 鎌倉, officially known as Kamakura City, is a coastal town that hugs Sagami Bay. It’s around a one-hour train ride south of Tokyo, making it the perfect day trip from Japan’s capital.
Located in the Kanto region on the island of Honshu, the small coastal city lies within the Kanagawa Prefecture and has an estimated population of just over 170,000 people.
Best things to do in Kamakura
An important thing to know before visiting Kamakura is that it’s an early destination. Most of the temples here close between 4 PM and 4:30 PM, so if you wish to see all of them you should plan to visit a little earlier to make sure you can fit them all in!
Kotoku-in, 高徳院
One of the most popular spots to visit in town is the Buddhist temple of the Jōdo-shū sect, Kotoku-in, which is famed for its giant Buddha statue.
The iconic big bronze Buddha is known as, Kamakura Daibutsu or The Great Buddha of Kamakura. Its construction took over 10 years and dates back to 1252, with a height of over 11 meters, making it the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan. The impressive monument is a symbol of Kamakura and a national treasure of Japan.
The original structure was sited within the temple’s main hall, but most of the buildings were destroyed by typhoons and a tsunami in the 14th and 15th centuries, so today the colossal Buddha is sat outside in the open air.
You can even venture inside the Buddha! For an extra 50 yen, visitors are welcome to enter its interior and see how the structure is built. It’s said that the Great Buddha of Kamakura was constructed out of 30 pieces of cast bronze, and once you go inside you can see the impressive lattice framework of how it was welded together.
Hasedera, 長谷寺
Another temple in the city famed for its sculpture is Hasedera, commonly known as Hase-kannon, this sacred spot is famed for its wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Built into the hillside of Mount Kamakura, Hasedera is a little more elevated than the rest of the town and offers beautiful views that overlook the sea as well as the rest of Kamakura. The temple itself is said to date back to the 8th century.
Found in the main hall of the complex is the statue of the Juichimen Kannon Botasu statue. Standing at a height of 9 meters, it is one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan and is covered head to toe in gold leaf. You aren’t allowed to take photos inside the temple, but if you get to chance to visit it’s truly a remarkable sight to behold as photographs don’t do it justice!
Legend says that the wood from which the statue is carved is from a sacred camphor tree, which drifted across the sea and arrived at Kamakura. It is one of two statues of Kannon created by this tree, the other is enshrined at Nara.
The slope leading up to the temple’s main hall is lined with restaurants serving local delights as well as pockets of spaces where you can spy small statues of Jizo, the protector of unborn children. There’s also a Kannon museum next to the main hall, this is where you can see different Kannon sculptures.
Komachi-dori Street, 鎌倉小町通り
This is the main shopping street in Kamakura and is quite an unusual strip of modernity that runs through the ancient city. Here, you can find restaurants, street food vendors and shops selling souvenirs of all kinds (although I would consider purchasing souvenirs from the smaller shops on the temple grounds as they are a little more unique to what you can get here).
A local delicacy to sample while here is, Shirasu, which is a simple seafood dish consisting of white bait. Typically eaten raw or boiled in salty water and served in a bowl with garnish. This dish is renowned in Kamakura and thanks to its proximity to the sea, it’s sure to be fresh!
One of the cutest treats you can try is the little Buddha-shaped cakes. There are several flavours both sweet and savoury, from red bean and cream cheese, custard or even cheese & bacon!
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, 鶴岡八幡宮
Founded in 1063 by Minamoto Yoriyoshi (the founder of the Kamakura shogun) this is the city’s most important Shinto shrine and is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and the samurai.
One of the most historic events to take place at the shrine was the assassination of Sanetomo, the last of the Minamoto shōguns. With his death, the Minamoto line ended and this all took place under a large ginkgo tree which outdates the shrine itself. (Sadly, in 2010 the ginkgo tree didn’t survive a winter storm).
Within the complex grounds, you’ll find the oldest shrine, Maruyama Inari Shrine, where Inari, the deity of rice, agriculture, and prosperity is enshrined. This hidden gem is a series of red wooden torii gates and is similar to that of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu’s main shrine is connected to the city’s waterfront via a long and wide route, where many other torii gates can be found along the way. There’s also a garden filled with colourful flowers, two ponds and a couple of museums to explore within the grounds.
During the Sakura season, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is one of the most popular spots in the city to spy cherry blossoms. An alley that leads up to the shrine is lined with cherry trees, making for a truly enchanting stroll when the pink and white blossoms are in bloom!
Throughout the year, this spot hosts various events of music and live performances. During the New Year celebrations, it welcomes over 2 million visitors! Which makes it one of the most popular shrines for hatsumonde (the year’s first visit to a shrine).
This temple complex area is completely free to visit (some of the gardens cost an extra fee to walk around) and, unlike many in the city, this one stays open later, till 9 PM.
Kencho-ji, 建長寺
Kencho-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple, one of the five great Zen temples of Kamakura and is home to the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan, it was founded in 1253. Tucked away on the mountainside, the temple grounds offer a serene ambience to walk through.
The complex consists of a large number of temple buildings and many sub-temples. Some of the highlights when visiting include:
- Sanmon – Built in 1754, the main gate of the temple.
- The Bonshō (temple bell) – This is a designated national treasure.
- Butsuden – The Buddha Hall, this is an Important Cultural Treasure which was moved to Kamakura from Tokyo in 1647.
- Hojo – The head priest’s living quarters.
- Hatto (Dharma Hall) – Built in 1814, this impressive wooden structure is typically where ceremonies are held. It is the largest wooden Buddhist structure in Eastern Japan.
If you go all the way up to the top of the temple complex to the observatory deck, on a clear day you will be blessed by views of Mount Fuji!
Open daily from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, the entrance fee is 500 yen (adult admission).
Meigetsu-in, 明月院
Also known as Ajisaidera, “Hydrangea Temple” thanks to the abundance of flowers that bloom around the temple during the rainy season in June. Founded in 1160, the temple was originally built by a son as a repose, in memory of his father who had died during the struggle between the Taira and Minamoto clans.
Highlights of the temple grounds include a nine circular window which frames the inner garden behind it and an iris garden which only opens to visitors two weeks per year, in June when the flowers are in bloom and in the autumn when the orange, red and gold colours are at their best.
Meigetsu-in is open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (July to May) and 8:30 – 5:00 PM (June), and 500 yen admission.
Engaku-ji, 円覚寺
One of the leading Zen temples in Japan, Engaku-ji was founded in 1282, one year after the Mongol invasion of Japan. On of the purposes of the new temple was to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian soldiers.
Found within the temple complex is the Shariden, a hall which is said to enshrine a tooth of Buddha, and is considered to be a national treasure. There’s also a large temple bell (ogane) and a tranquil teahouse where visitors can soak up the serene ambience as they sip on a green tea or matcha. The temple is particularly popular during early December when the autumn colours are most vivid.
Engaku-ji is open 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (until 4:00 PM from December to February), and 500 yen admission.
Getting to Kamakura
The easiest way to visit Kamakura is as a day trip from Tokyo, and for most people this is a sufficient amount of time to see the temples and shrines. If you want to see everything in greater depth, then you might want to plan to stay overnight so that you can cover even more of the temples and shrines dotted across town.
Where to stay in Kamakura
We visited Kamakura as a day trip from Tokyo, thanks to its proximity to the city it’s easy to get to and you can see most temples within a day! However, Kamakura makes for a delightful place to stay and a base to explore the wider region. It’s also great if you want to be near the sea and hiking trails.
Here’s a few suggestions of where to stay (based on web-reviews):
Kamakura Rakuan – A rustic guesthouse tucked away in a residential area, with the perfect location! Just a 6-minute walk to the Buddhist temple, Hasedera and its iconic Great Buddha statue and an 11-minute walk to the Kamakura Museum of Literature. These very simple rooms include tatami floors, futons and sliding paper screen doors. Check prices and availability here.
Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura – Situated on a narrow street close to local eateries, this hotel is a 3-minute walk from the train station and 14 minutes by foot to Kamakura Yuigahama Beach. Relaxed and comfortable rooms. Amenities include an indoor communal bath, a comic book library and WiFi. Check prices and availability here.
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!