Kamakura, often called the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan,” offers a refreshing escape from Tokyo. Just an hour south of the capital, this coastal city serves as a living museum of Japan’s medieval history, having served as the political center of the country during the Kamakura Period.
Visitors are drawn to its towering bronze Buddha and numerous forest temples. On clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen from Enoshima.
Whether you are looking to hike through lush hillsides, explore ancient Zen monasteries, or catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the shores of Enoshima, a Kamakura day trip provides a perfect balance of nature and culture.
The Essentials
WHERE | Honshu Island, Kanagawa Prefecture
TOP ATTRACTIONS | The Great Buddha, the hillside Hase-dera Temple, and the Hokokuji Bamboo Forest
GETTING HERE | Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku (approx. 60 mins)
HIDDEN GEM | The Kamakura hiking trails connect major temples through beautiful wooded hills
PRO TIP | Visit on a clear day to see Mount Fuji
How to Get to Kamakura
The average travel time between Tokyo and Kamakura ranges from 60 to 90 minutes. There are three train lines that connect the two cities.
JR Yokosuka Line. The fastest way to Kamakura. One hour from Tokyo Station to Kamakura.
JR Shonan Shinjuku Line. One hour from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura.
Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass. The cheapest way to visit Kamakura. The pass provides unlimited access on the Enoden line. The journey from Tokyo to Kamakura takes 90 minutes one way.
How to Get Around Kamakura
Most of Kamakura’s main sites are located around the train stations of Kamakura, Kita-Kamakura, and Hase. Use buses and taxis to get to the more remote temples. For those with extra energy or want to get off of the beaten path, hiking trails connect the more popular temples.
Tim and Kara getting on the Enoden train at Kamakura Station.
Best Things to Do in Kamakura
Great Buddha of Kamakura
The Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple is Kamakura’s most popular attraction. Also called Daibutsu, this is the second tallest Buddha in Japan (the tallest is in Todaiji Temple in Nara).
While you are here, you have the option to enter the Buddha. The price is a bit expensive and we did it, just to say we went inside the Buddha. Plus, it was raining, so at least for a minute or two we could stay dry.
Getting here: Take the Enoden line from Kamakura Station to Hase. From Hase Station it is a 5 to 10 minute walk to Kotokuin Temple, the location of the Great Buddha.
Hase-Dera Temple
This is a beautiful temple located on a hillside overlooking the ocean. The best part of Hase-Dera is seeing the hundreds of small statues of the Jizo Bodhisattva that line the walkways up the hillside. This is a beautiful place to visit in June when the hydrangeas are in bloom.
Getting here: It is a five minute walk from Hase Station and the Great Buddha.
Hokokuji Temple & Forest (Takedera Temple)
This is another very popular temple. The highlight is the bamboo forest, similar to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, just on a smaller scale.
Getting here: Either walk the 30 – 40 minutes from Kamakura Station or take bus 23, 24, or 36 (10 minutes from Kamakura Station).
Kenchoji Temple
This temple is actually a complex of buildings and is the location of the oldest Zen training monastery. On a clear day, Mt Fuji can be seen from the temple.
Getting here: 15-20 minute walk from the Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line.
Engakuji Temple
This is one of Kamakura’s great Zen temples and a beautiful place to visit in the fall. The numerous maple trees are one of the highlights of this temple.
Getting Here: Engakuji Temple is a short walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Tokosuka Line.
Enoshima
Enoshima is an island that is very popular with tourists. What draws so many people here? The views of Mt Fuji on a clear day, shrines, caves to explore, an aquarium, and a rugged coastline to explore.
Getting here: From Kamakura, take the Enoden line to Enoshima Station (25 minutes).
Kamakura Hiking Trails
For those who want to hike through the wooded hills of Kamakura, these trails are perfect. Three different trails connect the most popular temples. Good walking shoes are recommended and this should only be done during dry weather.
For more information on the hiking trails, visit the Japan Guide website.
Tours of Kamakura
If you prefer to take a guided tour of Kamakura, or combine a visit to Kamakura with other nearby destinations in Japan, here are a few highly rated tours.
Tours of Kamakura
About Our Experience
We visited Kamakura on a day trip from Tokyo in July. A typhoon was just making landfall, cutting our visit short. Therefore, we were only able to visit the Great Buddha and Hase-Dera Temple. We would have loved to hike the trails and tour the other temples.
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