Kamakura

Kamakura is an easy day trip South of Tokyo, it boasts shopping, mountain trails and a giant buddha statue.

Shopping street

From Kamakura station to the Tsurugaoka shrine is Komachi-dori street, excellent spot for shopping! From traditional crafts to dried fruits, chocolates and Japanese anime characters.

And of course lots of places to stop and eat!

Matcha

Kamukura is known for matcha. All along the shopping street you will find places to try matcha products and of course matcha ice cream. In some shops there are different grades and strengths to try.

Shrines and temples

Kamakura is well known for the shrines and temples in the area. Japan Guide has information on each of them.

• Hokokuji temple – caves and tea house
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine and walk way from the ocean up past Kamakura station and through the city to the shrine.
• Hasadera temple and grounds with caves and statues
• Kotokuin Temple boasts the famous bronze statue of Buddha. This is easiest to reach from Hase station, the third station on the Enoden line.

Hiking trails

There are a number of hiking trails some of which connect the temples. For more information check out Japan Guide.

Beach

A popular spot in summer is to visit the beaches between Kamakura and Enoshima. We stopped for a swim at Enoshima on a hot summers day and were a little disappointed that there weren’t may waves and the sand was black! However, it is a popular spot in summer and a good way to cool down.

While you are here

We’d recommend train to Kamakura, exploring Kamakura for a bit (you won’t have time to do everything so be careful you still leave enough time for Enoshima) and then continuing on to Enoshima Island on the cute yellow and green Enoden train. For more about this Island and the dragon legend it’s famous for, see our blog on Enoshima.

More information

Japan Guide
Japan National Tourism Office

Discount passes

Odakyu trains offer a number of different discount passes on their website. Including Enoden passes. Enoshima and Kamakura passes