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Kamakura, Japan

Destination Guide

Kamakura

Japan

Best things to do in Kamakura

26 curated attractions in Kamakura, Japan. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

22°C/72°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Kamakura

Kamakura, a historic seaside town about an hour from Tokyo, is famous for a collection of temples and shrines that dot the landscape. The Great Buddha, a massive bronze statue, is one of the most photographed spots, while Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine acts as a cultural hub for festivals and rituals. The town's layout is a mix of serene nature and tourist-friendly attractions, with hiking trails connecting various sites. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the beaches, with the Pacific Ocean offering a backdrop to many activities. Most people come for the temples and the blend of history with coastal relaxation, making it a popular day trip from the metropolis nearby.

Who it's for

Great for those who appreciate history, culture, and a little beach time. Ideal for day-trippers from Tokyo. Less enjoyable for anyone seeking a fast-paced city vibe or extensive nightlife, Kamakura is more about strolling than clubbing.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The main temples are within walking distance of each other, generally around twenty minutes apart
  • The Enoshima Electric Railway links Kamakura to nearby beaches and Enoshima Island
  • Public buses connect the more distant sites, like Hokokuji Temple
  • Kamakura Station is the starting point for both local and long-distance trains
Zuisen-ji Temple

Zuisen-ji Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Shinto shrines
Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple)

Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple)

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Komachi Street

Komachi Street

Shopping streets & districts
Kamakura Museum of Literature

Kamakura Museum of Literature

Specialty & quirky museums
Enoshima Railway Headquarters

Enoshima Railway Headquarters

Cultural
Kamakura Seaside Park

Kamakura Seaside Park

City parks
Meigetsuin Temple

Meigetsuin Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station

Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station

Cultural
Yuigahama Beach

Yuigahama Beach

Beaches
Jufukuji Temple

Jufukuji Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Genjiyama Park

Genjiyama Park

City parks
Kamakura Komachi Dori Shopping Street

Kamakura Komachi Dori Shopping Street

Shopping streets & districts
Kamakura Komachi-dori

Kamakura Komachi-dori

Streets & neighbourhoods
Kamakura Daibutsu Hiking Course

Kamakura Daibutsu Hiking Course

Hiking trails
Shichirigahama Beach

Shichirigahama Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Enoshima Island

Enoshima Island

Islands
Hase-dera Temple

Hase-dera Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Inamuragasaki

Inamuragasaki

Natural Wonders
The Great Buddha of Kamakura

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

Fountains, statues & public art
Engaku-ji

Engaku-ji

Religious
Kenchoji Temple

Kenchoji Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Shinto shrines
Komyoji Temple

Komyoji Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History

Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History

History museums
Jojuin Temple

Jojuin Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas

Where to eat in Kamakura

The places worth planning a meal around.

Giraffa Curry Pan

Giraffa Curry Pan

Japanese Fusion · $10–$20

★ 4.3 · 751 reviews

Akimoto

Akimoto

Japanese

★ 4.1 · 450 reviews

Ruru Kamakura

Ruru Kamakura

Japanese · $20–$50

★ 4.0 · 191 reviews

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