Kamakura: a place that captivates everyone. Around 900 years ago, it was a large city, big enough to serve as a capital. Because of this, the period 900 years ago in Japan is called the Kamakura Period. With its long history, it is home to many traditional buildings and a famous Great Buddha statue, making it a fantastic place to experience Japanese history. Plus, it’s close enough to Tokyo for a day trip, making it highly recommended.
The big difference between Kamakura and Kawagoe lies in their history. Kawagoe showcases the atmosphere of the Edo period, about 170 years ago, while it allows you to experience the style of ancient Japan from 900 years ago. Kyoto, on the other hand, has history going back 1,200 years. Visiting Kawagoe alone won’t let you experience all of Japan’s history, so I highly recommend visiting there too!
How to Get to Kamakura from Tokyo
Kamakura is conveniently located about an hour from Shinjuku Station by train. Here are your options
JR Shonan Shinjuku Line
Price: ¥950
Duration: 1hrs
Direct from Tokyo or Shinjuku stations to Kamakura Station in around 55 minutes.
Odakyu Line
Price: ¥909
Duration: 1.5hrs
From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu line to Fujisawa, then transfer to the Enoden Line to Kamakura. This scenic route takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Kamakura Free Pass
It is a travel pass offered by Odakyu Railways that makes exploring Kamakura and Enoshima easy and affordable. It’s perfect for a day trip from Tokyo, giving you unlimited access to local trains and discounts on attractions. Here’s everything you need to know about this pass.
What Is Kamakura Free Pass?
It allows for unlimited rides on:
- Odakyu Lines between your departure station (e.g., Shinjuku) and Fujisawa.
- The Enoden Line, a charming coastal railway connecting Fujisawa, Enoshima, Kamakura, and nearby attractions.
Cost
The pass prices vary depending on where you start your journey.
From Machida: ¥1,270 (adults) / ¥640 (children)
From Shinjuku: ¥1,520 (adults) / ¥770 (children)
Where to Buy
- Odakyu Sightseeing Centers: Available at major stations like Shinjuku and Machida.Ticket Machines: Look for Odakyu ticket machines with a “Free Pass” option.
- Online Purchase: Check the Odakyu Railway website for details on pre-purchasing.
Benefits
- Unlimited Train Rides
- You can hop on and off the Enoden Line to explore Kamakura’s attractions and visit nearby Enoshima without worrying about buying separate tickets.
- Cost Savings
- The pass pays for itself if you make several stops along the Enoden Line or travel from Tokyo to Kamakura and Enoshima.
- Discounted Admission
- Some attractions and shops along the Enoden Line offer discounts for pass holders. Look for signs or inquire at ticket counters.
The Things to do in Kamakura
The Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu)
The Great Buddha, a symbol of Kamakura’s rich history and spiritual heritage, is a monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddha, originally housed in a temple that was destroyed by a tsunami, and remains one of Japan’s most famous cultural landmarks.
Hasedera Temple
Hasedera Temple, with its beautifully landscaped gardens, is home to the largest wooden statue of Kannon in Japan, and is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, panoramic views of Kamakura, and stunning seasonal flowers such as irises and hydrangeas.
Hokokuji Temple
Head to Hokokuji Temple, also known as the “Bamboo Temple,” for a tranquil retreat. Its small yet enchanting bamboo grove is the perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection. Enjoy a cup of matcha tea at the tea house within the grove for an unforgettable experience.
Admission: ¥300 for temple entry; ¥600 with matcha tea
Meigetsu-in
Known as the “Temple of Hydrangeas,” Meigetsu-in in Kamakura enchants visitors with its circular “Window of Enlightenment,” serene Zen gardens, and vibrant displays of hydrangeas that bloom spectacularly in June.
Ghibli Store Kamakura
Next, let me introduce the Ghibli Store—a must-visit spot for fans of Studio Ghibli. Currently, the store is temporarily closed as it prepares for its grand reopening. The store is scheduled to reopen this winter, so stay tuned for updates!
You’ll find a wide range of merchandise featuring beloved works like My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Spirited Away. Be sure to check it out when it reopens!
Komachi Street (Komachi-dori)
This street is very famous for food walking, offering a variety of cafes, restaurants, and even places for bar-hopping. One thing that surprised me was learning that in Japan, drinking alcohol outdoors isn’t illegal, whereas it is prohibited in Vancouver. It’s a unique experience worth trying!
Additionally, there are places where you can rent a yukata, so be sure to enjoy that refreshing cultural experience as well!
Must-Try Foods:
- Matcha soft-serve ice cream
- Freshly made senbei (rice crackers)
- Shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl)
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Kamakura Onsen
Unwind from a day of exploring at a local hot spring. Though Kamakura doesn’t have as many onsen as other regions, it does offer small but charming options like Inamuragasaki Onsen, a seaside hot spring that provides stunning views of Sagami Bay.
Inamuragasaki Onsen is a natural hot spring that is effective for fatigue recovery, improving cold sensitivity and dry skin, relieving stress, and easing neuralgia, back pain, and joint pain. It is located right next to Kamakura Station, making it easy to access. I recommend visiting it on your way back to relax and unwind!
Kamakura at Night
After your onsen visit, take a quiet evening stroll through Kamakura. Many of the temples and shrines are illuminated at night, creating a magical ambiance. If you’re still feeling energetic, explore the coastline and enjoy the gentle sound of waves under the moonlight. Also, taking a stroll along Komachi Street is sure to be a wonderful experience!
Why Kamakura is the Perfect Day Trip Destination
Kamakura’s blend of history, spirituality, natural beauty, and modern charm makes it an unbeatable day trip from Tokyo. From the towering Great Buddha to the serene bamboo forest, vibrant shopping streets, and rejuvenating onsen, Kamakura offers a little bit of everything.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this guide ensures you’ll have a well-rounded experience in Kamakura. So, grab your Hakone Kamakura Pass, plan your route, and get ready for an unforgettable journey to one of Japan’s most charming destinations!
