The Ultimate Kamakura Day Trip Guide
Just an hour south of Tokyo lies Kamakura, a coastal town rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Once the political center of medieval Japan, Kamakura today offers visitors a perfect blend of ancient temples, scenic beaches, and charming streets. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable day trip to this enchanting destination.
Getting to Kamakura: Your Day Trip Begins
Private Guide and Van: Tailored Comfort
For a more personalized and comfortable journey, consider hiring a private van with a guide:
- Door-to-door service from your Tokyo accommodation
- Flexible, customizable itinerary tailored to your interests
- Expert local guide providing historical and cultural insights
- Comfortable transportation for families or small groups
Typical tours range from 6-10 hours. This option includes a nationally licensed English-speaking guide and covers transportation between sites. Reserve through HavenJapan, click here for a safe and free minded trip.
By Train: The Popular Way
The easiest and most popular way to reach Kamakura is by train:
- JR Yokosuka Line: Direct from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, takes about one hour and costs around 920 yen.
- JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line: From Shinjuku Station, also about an hour and costs 920 yen.
- Enoden Line: A charming local train that connects Kamakura’s major sights, perfect for exploring the area.
For those with a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it on the JR Yokosuka and Shonan-Shinjuku lines. Consider arriving in Kamakura around 9:00 AM when most temples open to make the most of your day
Must-See Attractions for the Perfect Kamakura Day Trip
The iconic 13.35-meter bronze statue of Amida Buddha is Kamakura’s most famous landmark. Standing at 121 tons, this giant Buddha has been exposed to the elements since 1498 when a tsunami washed away its protective structures. Visitors can even enter the statue for a unique perspective. Don’t miss this symbol of Kamakura, open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (April to September) or 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (October to March).
Known for its 9.18-meter tall wooden statue of Kannon and beautiful gardens, Hasedera is particularly stunning during the hydrangea season in June. The temple, established in 736, offers panoramic views of the city and sea from its observation deck. Explore the Benten-kutsu Cave on the grounds, dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, and enjoy the seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Kamakura’s most important shrine, founded in 1063, offers impressive architecture and occasional glimpses of traditional weddings. Dedicated to Hachiman, the guardian deity of warriors, this 800-year-old shrine houses national treasures and artifacts. The sprawling grounds include museums, cafes, a treasure hall, and a tea house.
Culinary Delights of Kamakura for a Delicious Day Trip
Local Specialties
- Shirasu: Tiny white fish, a local delicacy often served over rice. Shirasu can be enjoyed in many ways, from shirasu-don (rice bowl topped with raw or boiled shirasu) to crispy shirasu kakiage (tempura fritters).
- Try traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) at local temples.
- Sample yuba (tofu skin) dishes, a specialty of the region. Masudaya Tofu is a popular local tofu shop that IDEES Kamakura highlights for their tofu variety workshop where you can learn to make Yuba.
- Sweet Purple Potato Ice Cream: A unique and exclusive treat that embodies the flavors of Kamakura.
- Kamameshi: Rice dish cooked in an iron pot, widely loved in Japan. Kamakura Kamameshi Kamakama is recommended, known for its Three-Color Kamameshi with Salted Shirasu.
Street Food along Komachi Street
This bustling 360-meter shopping street near Kamakura Station offers various local snacks and is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. Enjoy Japanese treats, visit souvenir stores, and explore fashion accessories.
- Asahina: Try their freshly made fish cakes (kamaboko) in various flavors, both steamed and fried. The octopus (tako) fishcake with cabbage, onions, and pickled ginger is a popular choice.
- Hannari Inari: Sample their unique cup sushi, a modern take on a Japanese classic. They offer options with shirasu, eel, and burdock, all wrapped in a tasty fried tofu skin.5
- Tomoya Kamakura Komachi: Enjoy their “Grilled Great Buddha” sweets, featuring various fillings. There are various bean pastes such as Ogura bean paste, custard, and thickly sliced bacon cheese.
- Kamakura Karari: Opt for the shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl) with the shirasu cooked in a tempura fritter. It is the most traditional ways to enjoy the local catch of the day.
- Butter Holic: Try their “Craft Butter Pie,” a crispy and crumbly pie crust with butter custard cream and various toppings. Their mille-feuille has a rectangular shape making it easier to eat on the go.
- Coquelicot Crepe Shop: Enjoy original crepes with a crisp texture, both sweet and savory options available. The lemon sugar crepe is a simple yet delicious choice.
- Kamakura Chacha (鎌倉茶々): This gelateria specializes in Matcha (green tea) flavors. What is unique about the shop is that the richness of Matcha flavor can be chosen from level 1 to 5.
- Kamakurayama Rusk: Rusk is a slice of bread that has been covered in butter and sugar and then toasted until it is crisp like a crouton. Their rusks come in these vortex designs with swirling colors that are mesmerizing.
Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems
Hokokuji Temple, founded in 1334, is a serene Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura known for its stunning bamboo grove. Located in the hills of eastern Kamakura, this small temple of the Rinzai sect offers visitors a peaceful escape. Enjoy a cup of matcha tea while overlooking the peaceful bamboo garden.
Nestled in the hills, Mandarado Yagura is a beautiful site housing ancient tombs carved into stone. Believed to be the final resting place of samurai warriors, these secret caves offer a meditative walk through Kamakura’s silent history. Visit during early mornings when mists envelop the tombs for a mystical atmosphere.
Venture to Fueda Park for a panoramic view capturing Kamakura’s natural beauty. This hilltop sanctuary offers vistas of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji on clear days. Each season paints the park in vibrant hues.
Kamakura-Karakuri
Visit the fascinating workshop of Kamakura-Karakuri, where artisans dedicate themselves to the ancient craft of karakuri (mechanical automata). These intricate wooden figures move in magical ways, showcasing the ingenuity of Edo-period technology.
Kamakura Hamon
Enthusiasts are invited into the Hamon workshop to witness the detailed process of forging, polishing, and sharpening traditional Japanese swords. The blacksmith embodies the spirit of bushido, with each blade reflecting a commitment to perfection.
The 12th-century Sasuke Inari Shrine features dozens of red torii gates stretching from the entrance to the main shrine. The path is also dotted with bright red flags and statues of white foxes – the messengers of Inari.
Kamakura Day Trip with Kids
Kamakura offers a delightful mix of historical sites and child-friendly activities that can keep young travelers engaged and entertained throughout the day.
Beach Adventures
Yuigahama Beach provides a perfect spot for children to play and explore. While not pristine by international standards, it offers an open space with fresh air where kids can splash and enjoy the seaside. The beach is conveniently located near the JR station and can be a fun starting point for your family’s Kamakura adventure. During summer months, the beach is equipped with showers, changing rooms, and beach umbrella rentals, making it easy for families to spend a few hours enjoying the sun and sand.
Kid-Friendly Attractions
Great Buddha (Kotoku-in)
The Great Buddha is a hit with children of all ages. Kids can participate in the “cleansing ritual” at the water fountain, a fun and interactive way to introduce them to Japanese customs. The highlight for many children is the opportunity to climb inside the giant Buddha statue, offering a unique perspective and a chance to marvel at the ancient construction techniques. At the back of the temple grounds, there’s a small stone garden where kids can explore and perhaps try their hand at stacking stones. The souvenir shop sells unique wooden rice paddles, which can be a fun and educational memento for children to take home..
Hasedera Temple
Hasedera offers several points of interest for young visitors. The Benten Cave, with its low ceilings and winding passages, feels like a mini-adventure for kids. Throughout the temple grounds, children can count the numerous Jizo statues, small stone figures often decorated with red bibs and hats. The temple’s gardens change with the seasons, providing visual interest year-round, from cherry blossoms in spring to colorful autumn leaves. The observation deck offers panoramic sea views, which can be exciting for children to spot boats and perhaps even distant islands on a clear day.
Interactive Experiences
- Enoden Train Ride: The charming Enoden train that runs along the coastline is an attraction in itself. Kids love the retro feel of the train and the scenic views it offers.
- Sasuke Inari Shrine: This small shrine features rows of bright orange torii gates, creating a tunnel-like effect that children find fascinating to walk through. The Sasuke Inari Shrine is easily accessible for little legs (just don’t try and access the shrine from the top of the hill like I did! It was a mini, steep hike down! The main entrance is much more respectable). We can make it more fun for the kids to ask them to help us “find” all of the foxes.
- Japanese Cooking Classes: Some local establishments offer family-friendly cooking classes where kids can learn to make simple dishes like rolled sushi.
- Jizo Statues: Throughout Kamakura, you’ll find small Jizo statues, often dressed in red bibs and hats. Encourage kids to spot these statues and perhaps even count how many they can find during the day.
Family-Friendly Dining
- Gelateria Il Brigante
This Italian-run gelato shop is a perfect treat for kids after a day of sightseeing. Located just 4 minutes from Kamakura Station, it’s easily accessible and open daily from midday to 4 PM. The gelato is made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients, with flavors ranging from classic chocolate and vanilla to more unique options like matcha green tea or seasonal fruit flavors.
- Street Food on Komachi Street
Komachi Street is a food lover’s paradise, with plenty of options to suit even the pickiest eaters.- Kamakura Mameya: Known for candy-colored dried nuts and legumes.
- The garlic potato chips are particularly popular with children, offering a tasty local snack.
- Other kid-friendly options include:
- Crepes with various sweet and savory fillings
- Taiyaki (fish-shaped waffles filled with sweet bean paste or custard)
- Soft-serve ice cream in unique flavors like purple sweet potato
- Dango (sweet rice dumplings on skewers)
- Asahina: Serves freshly made fish cakes or Kamaboko
Practical Tips for Your Kamakura Day Trip
- Start early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
- Consider purchasing the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass for unlimited train rides on the Odakyu and Enoden lines.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there’s plenty of walking between sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly – Kamakura can be cooler than Tokyo.
- Most temples and shrines close around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Bring cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
- Be respectful when visiting religious sites; follow posted rules and etiquette guidelines.
- Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
- If you’re interested in hiking, the Daibutsu hiking trail connecting the Great Buddha to Jochiji Temple offers a pleasant nature walk.
- Be mindful of wheelchair accessible entrances
Final Thoughts: Crafting Your Perfect Day Trip to Kamakura
Kamakura’s blend of history, nature, and culture makes it an ideal day trip destination from Tokyo. Whether you’re interested in ancient temples, scenic views, or family-friendly activities, Kamakura offers a perfect escape from the urban bustle. The town’s compact size makes it possible to see many of its highlights in a single day, yet its depth of attractions and peaceful atmosphere may leave you wanting to return for a longer stay.
As your day in Kamakura comes to an end and you board the train back to Tokyo, you’ll carry with you not just souvenirs, but a treasure trove of memories. The serene beauty of the temples, the taste of fresh local cuisine, and the gentle sea breeze will linger in your mind, offering a perfect counterpoint to the excitement of Tokyo. Whether you’ve come for the history, the culture, the food, or simply for a change of pace, Kamakura delivers an experience that encapsulates the multifaceted beauty of Japan.