Kita Kamakura
A serene gateway to Kamakura's historic temples and lush landscapes, offering a peaceful escape with picturesque coastal views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully
Kita Kamakura
Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene gateway to Kamakura's historic temples and lush landscapes, offering a peaceful escape with picturesque coastal views.
"Discover a fairy-tale atmosphere with beautiful temples and lush greenery, a perfect escape from the city."
🚶♀️ Temple Walk
Get off at Kita-Kamakura to walk towards central Kamakura, discovering hidden temples and quiet restaurants.
🌸 Hydrangea Season
Meigetsu-in is stunning during hydrangea season but expect large crowds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meigetsu-in Temple
Kita-Kamakura
Famous for its stunning hydrangea garden and serene moss-covered paths. A true oasis of calm.

Engaku-ji Temple
Kita-Kamakura
One of Kamakura's most important Zen Buddhist temples, boasting impressive architecture and peaceful grounds.

Jochi-ji Temple
Kita-Kamakura
Discover a charming, less crowded temple with a beautiful garden and a unique cave.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Temple Trail Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Temple Walk
Get off at Kita-Kamakura to walk towards central Kamakura, discovering hidden temples and quiet restaurants.
🌸 Hydrangea Season
Meigetsu-in is stunning during hydrangea season but expect large crowds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between temples, so comfy shoes are a must!
💰 Cash for Temples
Some temples have entrance fees. It's good to have cash handy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Temple Walk
Get off at Kita-Kamakura to walk towards central Kamakura, discovering hidden temples and quiet restaurants.
🌸 Hydrangea Season
Meigetsu-in is stunning during hydrangea season but expect large crowds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between temples, so comfy shoes are a must!
💰 Cash for Temples
Some temples have entrance fees. It's good to have cash handy.
🍃 Greenery Galore
Enjoy the lush greenery and fairy-tale atmosphere, especially enchanting in autumn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kita-Kamakura is praised for its serene atmosphere, beautiful temples, and picturesque natural scenery, offering a peaceful escape from city life. Visitors appreciate the tranquil ambiance, especially during the blooming of hydrangeas and the vibrant autumn foliage. However, some find it can get quite crowded during peak seasons, and the dining options might be limited compared to larger cities.
"Kita-Kamakura Station (北鎌倉駅) is a quaint railway station on the Yokosuka Line in Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan. Operated by JR East, it's located in the Yamanouchi area and offers services on the Yokosuka Line and Shōnan-Shinjuku Line. The station is surrounded by lush greenery and historic temples, creating a picturesque, fairy-tale-like atmosphere that's especially enchanting during cherry blossom season and autumn. 🚉🌸🍁"
Yang
"Small station. Get off here if you wanna visit the mini bamboo forest in meigetsu temple.
Can be so crowded during hydrangea season"
Aice B
"Small, neat station. People typically get off to walk to temples nearby."
E T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kita-Kamakura Station is easily accessible from Tokyo. Take the JR Yokosuka Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line directly from Tokyo Station to Kita-Kamakura Station. The journey takes approximately one hour.
Yes, Kita-Kamakura is the first station from Tokyo and serves as a great starting point for walking towards the main attractions in central Kamakura. The walk itself is scenic, passing by several temples.
Yes, the JR Pass is valid for travel on the JR Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura Station.
While walking is recommended for exploring the temples near Kita-Kamakura, for longer distances, consider the Enoden Line or local buses. Some visitors purchase the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass for unlimited rides.
Parking is generally limited around Kita-Kamakura Station. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to reach the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kita-Kamakura Station itself is a public transport hub and does not require an entrance ticket. However, the temples and shrines located near the station typically have admission fees.
Temple opening hours vary, but most are open from morning until late afternoon. It's best to check the specific hours for each temple you plan to visit, such as Meigetsu-in or Engaku-ji.
While there isn't a single pass for all temples, purchasing the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass can be cost-effective if you plan to use the Enoden Line extensively and visit attractions on Enoshima island as well.
The admission fee for Meigetsu-in Temple is typically around 300-500 JPY, with a special fee during the hydrangea season.
It's advisable to carry cash for temple admissions, as many smaller temples may not accept credit cards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key temples to visit include Meigetsu-in (famous for hydrangeas), Engaku-ji (a major Zen temple), and Jochi-ji (known for its peaceful garden and cave).
Absolutely! Kita-Kamakura is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling city.
Expect a tranquil, green, and historic atmosphere. It's known for its numerous temples, lush scenery, and a fairy-tale-like feel, especially during spring and autumn.
Yes, the scenic train station (Kamakurakoko-Mae Station) is iconic for photos, as are the temple grounds, especially Meigetsu-in's hydrangea garden and Engaku-ji's architecture.
Visitors can enjoy exploring traditional Japanese gardens, experiencing Zen Buddhism at temples, and finding charming local cafes.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, you can find traditional Japanese restaurants and cozy cafes near Kita-Kamakura Station. Some offer local and Western-style cuisine.
Popular cafes include Sunrise Shack for ocean views and Kannon Coffee. Many cafes offer matcha and hojicha drinks.
While traditional Japanese cuisine can be vegetarian-friendly, options might be limited. It's best to look for cafes or restaurants that specifically mention vegetarian or vegan choices.
Look for local sweets and drinks. Some cafes offer unique cream sodas inspired by the sea.
Some larger temples might have small tea houses or cafes within their grounds, offering a peaceful place to rest and enjoy a snack.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include Kamakurakoko-Mae Station with its ocean view, the serene gardens of Meigetsu-in and Engaku-ji, and the picturesque coastal scenery at Shichirigahama Beach.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for coastal shots and temple exteriors. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing the vibrant colors of gardens.
Drone usage is generally restricted in and around temples and sensitive natural areas to preserve peace and prevent disturbance. Always check local regulations.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for landscapes and temple details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive coastal views.
Photography rules vary by temple. Some may allow photos of the grounds but prohibit them inside main halls or specific areas. Always look for signage or ask staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Temples of Kita-Kamakura
Another significant site is Engaku-ji Temple, one of Kamakura's most important Zen Buddhist institutions. Its expansive grounds feature impressive gates, halls, and a beautiful pagoda, providing a glimpse into traditional Japanese temple architecture and spiritual practices. For a quieter experience, Jochi-ji Temple offers a charming garden and a unique cave, providing a more intimate encounter with the area's spiritual heritage.
Many visitors enjoy walking between these temples, discovering smaller shrines and traditional Japanese restaurants along the way. This leisurely exploration allows for a deeper appreciation of the area's tranquil ambiance and rich history.
Scenic Views and Coastal Charm
Shichirigahama Beach provides stunning ocean vistas, especially during sunset, where the sky often paints a dramatic backdrop. Nearby, Cape Inamuragasaki offers panoramic views of the coastline and, on clear days, a distant glimpse of Mount Fuji. These locations are perfect for capturing the essence of Kamakura's seaside appeal.
For a delightful culinary experience with a view, consider cafes like Sunrise Shack located near Inamuragasaki Station, offering a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Getting Around and Day Trip Potential
Many travelers recommend purchasing the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass, which covers round-trip fare from Shinjuku and unlimited rides on the Enoden Line, offering great value for a full day of exploration. This pass makes it easy to combine a visit to Kita-Kamakura's temples with the beaches of Enoshima and other coastal sights.
When planning your visit, consider following an itinerary that maximizes your time, as suggested by many content creators who highlight efficient routes to see the must-visit spots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit