Kamakura
Kamakura: A historic seaside city near Tokyo, famed for its Great Buddha, ancient temples, and the scenic Enoden train line.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Kamakura
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kamakura: A historic seaside city near Tokyo, famed for its Great Buddha, ancient temples, and the scenic Enoden train line.
"Kamakura is the perfect Tokyo day trip, full of restaurants, cafes, temples and a picturesque coastal train ride."
🎯 Day Trip from Tokyo
Kamakura is an easy 1-hour train ride from Tokyo, perfect for a day trip.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking between temples and along the coast.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu)
Kotoku-in Temple
Marvel at the iconic, colossal bronze statue of Amida Buddha, a symbol of Kamakura's rich history and spiritual significance.
Hase-dera Temple
Hase Station
Explore this beautiful temple complex with its stunning Kannon statue, serene gardens, and panoramic ocean views.
Kamakura Seaside Train (Enoden)
Enoshima Electric Railway Line
Ride the charming Enoden train along the coast, passing by scenic spots like Kamakurakoko-Mae Station, famous from Slam Dunk.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Kamakura Station
Visit the city's most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to the god of archery and warfare, with a grand approach and beautiful grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Kamakura: A Perfect Tokyo Day Trip
Embrace the Enoden Line
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Day Trip from Tokyo
Kamakura is an easy 1-hour train ride from Tokyo, perfect for a day trip.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking between temples and along the coast.
📱 Enoden Day Pass
Get an Enoden day pass for unlimited rides on the scenic coastal train.
📸 Slam Dunk Spot
Visit Kamakurakoko-Mae Station for iconic views featured in the anime Slam Dunk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Day Trip from Tokyo
Kamakura is an easy 1-hour train ride from Tokyo, perfect for a day trip.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking between temples and along the coast.
📱 Enoden Day Pass
Get an Enoden day pass for unlimited rides on the scenic coastal train.
📸 Slam Dunk Spot
Visit Kamakurakoko-Mae Station for iconic views featured in the anime Slam Dunk.
🍜 Explore Komachi Dori
Wander this bustling street for local snacks, souvenirs, and cafes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kamakura is widely praised as a charming and accessible day trip from Tokyo, offering a delightful mix of historical temples, a scenic coastline, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors particularly love the iconic Great Buddha, the picturesque Enoden train, and the anime-inspired spots. Some find it can get crowded, and navigating between sites might require some walking.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kamakura is easily accessible from Tokyo by train. The JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station takes about an hour. Alternatively, the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku offers a scenic route.
Absolutely! Kamakura is one of Tokyo's most popular day trips, offering a blend of history, culture, and coastal scenery.
The Enoden train line is a charming way to travel between key spots like Hase Station and Kamakurakoko-Mae Station. Walking is also feasible for exploring temple areas. +1
While many main attractions are accessible, some temple grounds may have stairs. The Enoden train is generally accessible. Consider planning your route carefully.
Yes, Kamakura is highly recommended for its historical sites, beautiful coastline, and unique atmosphere, offering a different pace from bustling Tokyo. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most temples and shrines have an entrance fee, typically ranging from ¥300-¥600. The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in also has a separate fee to enter the enclosure. +1
Opening hours vary, but most temples are open from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's best to check the specific temple's website for exact times.
While there isn't a single comprehensive pass for all attractions, the Enoden day pass is highly recommended for using the local train line.
The grounds of Kotoku-in Temple are free to enter, but there is a separate fee to go inside the Great Buddha statue itself.
The beaches and the area around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine are free to explore. Walking through the charming streets and enjoying the coastal views are also free activities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), Hase-dera Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and the scenic Enoden train line. +1
The Kamakurakoko-Mae Station on the Enoden line is the iconic spot featured in the anime Slam Dunk, offering views of the train and the sea.
Yes, Kamakurakoko-Mae Station, the coastal views from Hase-dera Temple, and the bamboo forest at Hokokuji Temple are highly photogenic. +1
Ride the Enoden line from Fujisawa to Kamakura or vice versa, hopping off at key stations like Kamakurakoko-Mae and Hase. Consider an early morning ride for fewer crowds. +1
Kamakura offers a relaxed, seaside vibe with a strong historical and spiritual presence. It's often described as magical and anime-like. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kamakura offers fresh seafood, local snacks along Komachi Dori, and charming cafes. Try shirasu-don (whitebait bowl) if you're adventurous.
Yes, Kamakura has many unique cafes. Cafe Yoridocoro is famous for trains passing right in front, and Kannon Coffee offers great views.
Komachi Dori street is lined with restaurants and eateries. The area around Hase Station also has several dining options.
While seafood is prevalent, many cafes and restaurants offer vegetarian dishes like soba noodles, tempura, and vegetable-based meals. It's advisable to check menus beforehand.
Look for local specialties like 'agemanju' (fried sweet buns) and various mochi treats along Komachi Dori.
📸 📸 Photography
Kamakurakoko-Mae Station with the Enoden train and sea, the panoramic views from Hase-dera Temple, and the bamboo forest at Hokokuji Temple are highly recommended. 
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds. The 'Slam Dunk' spot at Kamakurakoko-Mae Station is particularly popular. +1
Photography is generally allowed in temple grounds, but often prohibited inside main halls or specific sacred areas. Always look for signage.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive coastal views.
Inamuragasaki Park offers stunning sunset views over the ocean, with Mount Fuji visible on clear days.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as temple grounds can be extensive. Komachi Dori street offers kid-friendly treats. While many temples have stairs, the main attractions are generally manageable. A half-day trip might be ideal to avoid overtiring younger children, especially if they have limited energy.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While temple entrance fees are modest (around ¥300-¥600), prioritize the ones that interest you most. Pack your own lunch or opt for street food to save on dining costs. Many of the most memorable experiences, like the coastal views and the general atmosphere, don't require expensive tickets.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Hase-dera Temple provides stunning panoramic ocean vistas and intricate details within the temple grounds.For unique perspectives, consider the Enoden line itself, especially during golden hour. Inamuragasaki Park is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets.
Don't miss the serene bamboo forest at Hokokuji Temple for atmospheric shots. Remember to check for any photography restrictions within sacred temple areas. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Enoden Line
Riding Enoden offers a unique perspective of the Shonan coast, with glimpses of the sea and local life. To make the most of your Enoden journey, consider purchasing a day pass, which allows for unlimited rides. This is especially useful if you plan to hop on and off at various points of interest. Popular stops include Hase Station for Hase-dera Temple and the Great Buddha, and the aforementioned Kamakurakoko-Mae Station. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer a more serene experience with fewer crowds, perfect for capturing those iconic shots.
While the Enoden line is a highlight, be aware that it can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. Recent reports have also mentioned occasional accidents involving the train, so it's always wise to be mindful of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines. Despite these considerations, the Enoden remains a quintessential part of any Kamakura visit, offering a nostalgic and visually rewarding journey.
Kamakura's Anime and Ghibli Connections
One of the most famous anime connections is to Slam Dunk, with Kamakurakoko-Mae Station being a pilgrimage site for fans. The view of the Enoden train passing by the sea here is instantly recognizable. Beyond Slam Dunk, the general atmosphere of Kamakura, with its blend of traditional temples and seaside charm, often reminds visitors of the magical worlds created by Studio Ghibli, such as Spirited Away
For those seeking these specific vibes, exploring areas like the coast near Inamuragasaki or the quiet streets around temples can feel like stepping into an anime scene. The feeling of a 'quiet life' and the aesthetic appeal of Kamakura make it a destination that appeals to both travelers and fans of Japanese animation.
Exploring Kamakura's Spiritual Heart
Another must-visit is Hase-dera Temple, renowned for its eleven-headed Kannon statue and its beautiful gardens that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The temple complex provides a tranquil escape, with various halls and pagodas to explore. For a different spiritual experience, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the city's most important Shinto shrine, offers a grand approach and a glimpse into Japan's samurai history.
Beyond these major sites, Kamakura boasts numerous other temples, each with its unique charm. Hokokuji Temple is famous for its serene bamboo forest, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling city. Meigetsuin Temple is known for its beautiful hydrangeas in the rainy season and its Zen garden. Exploring these sacred sites provides a deep dive into Japan's cultural and religious heritage.
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