Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Minamoto no Yoritomo established the Kamakura shogunate here in 1192, and the town became a centre of Zen Buddhism. Its temples are spread across two main areas: Kita-Kamakura (the great Zen temples) and Hase (the Great Buddha and Hasedera), with central Kamakura and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine between them.
A good day plan is to start at Kita-Kamakura station, walk south past the Zen temples to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, browse Komachi-dori, then take the little Enoden train to Hase. Kamakura gets very crowded at weekends, during Golden Week and in June hydrangea season, so a weekday visit makes a real difference.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Kita-Kamakura
Quiet, wooded valley with the Zen temples Engaku-ji and Kenchō-ji, plus Meigetsu-in (famous for hydrangeas and its round window).
Central Kamakura & Komachi-dori
The station area, the long Dankazura approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Komachi-dori, a busy snack and souvenir street.
Hase
Home to the Great Buddha (Kōtoku-in) and Hasedera temple with its sea views. Reached by the Enoden line.
Eastern hills
Hōkoku-ji's bamboo grove and tea house, and Sugimoto-dera, one of the oldest temples in the city — quieter than the main sights.
Yuigahama & Shichirigahama
Beaches popular with surfers and summer swimmers, with views to Enoshima and, on clear days, Mt Fuji.
Top sights & experiences
Great Buddha (Kōtoku-in)
A bronze Amida Buddha about 11 metres tall that has sat in the open air since a tsunami destroyed its hall in the 15th century. For a small extra fee you can step inside the statue.
Hasedera
Hillside temple with a large wooden Kannon statue, a cave of carved deities, an ocean viewpoint and hydrangea paths in June (timed tickets may apply in peak season).
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Kamakura's main Shinto shrine, founded by the Minamoto clan, at the top of a broad stone staircase.
Engaku-ji & Kenchō-ji
Two of the 'Five Great Zen Temples' of Kamakura, with large wooden gates, gardens and hall interiors.
Hōkoku-ji bamboo grove
A compact but lovely grove of tall moso bamboo; matcha is served in a small tea house overlooking it.
Zeniarai Benten
A cave shrine where visitors wash coins in spring water in the hope that they'll multiply.
Hiking trails
The Daibutsu and Tenen trails link temples through the hills. Sections can close after storm damage — check the city's notices before setting out.
What to eat
Shirasu
Tiny whitebait caught in Sagami Bay, served raw or boiled over rice (shirasu-don). Raw shirasu depends on the catch and is not available in the off-season.
Shōjin ryōri
Buddhist vegetarian cuisine with roots in Kamakura's Zen temples; a few restaurants serve set meals.
Hato sablé
Dove-shaped butter biscuits — Kamakura's classic souvenir.
Komachi-dori snacks
Matcha soft-serve, rice crackers, croquettes and sweet-potato treats. Note that eating while walking is discouraged on parts of the street — eat at the shop.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
A few guesthouses and hostels near Kamakura and Hase stations; many travellers simply day-trip from Tokyo or Yokohama.
Mid-range
Small hotels near Kamakura Station and seaside hotels on the Shonan coast.
Luxury
A handful of upscale ryokan-style and boutique properties in the hills and along the coast; or stay in Hakone and visit Kamakura on the way.
Rough nightly ranges: hostels and capsule hotels often run a few thousand yen per person; business hotels commonly ¥8,000–¥20,000 per room; upscale hotels and ryokan can be far higher, especially in peak seasons. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
The JR Yokosuka Line runs directly from Tokyo Station and Shinagawa to Kita-Kamakura and Kamakura in roughly an hour. The JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line serves Shinjuku and Shibuya. Both are covered by the JR Pass.
Alternatively, take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Fujisawa, then the Enoden. Odakyu's Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass bundles the round trip with unlimited Enoden rides — compare with IC-card fares for your exact plan.
Getting around
Kamakura is walkable, with the Enoden line linking Kamakura, Hase and Enoshima. The Enoden is very crowded at peak times and stations can have long entry queues, so allow extra time. City buses serve the eastern temples. Taxis gather at Kamakura Station.
Day trips & side trips
Enoshima
Small island with shrines, caves, a lighthouse observation tower and seafood restaurants, at the far end of the Enoden line.
Yokohama
Chinatown and harbour views, around 25–30 minutes by JR. See our Yokohama guide.
Zushi & Hayama
Relaxed coastal towns with beaches and the Museum of Modern Art, Hayama.
Best time to visit
Plum blossoms appear in February, cherry blossoms around late March to early April, and the town's famous hydrangeas bloom in June — beautiful, but this is also Kamakura's most crowded period (and rainy season). Autumn colours peak relatively late, often late November to early December. Summer brings beach crowds and heat.
Local tips
- Go on a weekday and arrive by around 9am; tour groups and day-trippers peak around midday.
- Walk the temples north to south from Kita-Kamakura so you finish near the Enoden line.
- Many temples charge a small entry fee in cash.
- Local residents have asked visitors not to block crossings at the popular Kamakurakōkōmae level crossing (the anime 'Slam Dunk' spot) — be considerate if you visit.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: