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If Tokyo is known as a busy modern capital, Kamakura, a city of Kanagawa Prefecture, is famous for its spectacular temples, pagodas, and beaches. Located 50 km away from Tokyo, Kamakura is a tourist attraction that you cannot miss! When you come to this city, you can enjoy the ancient beauty with many historical sites and delicious food. Let’s take a look at our recommendations for your Kamakura day trip!
Where to Go on a Kamakura Day Trip
There’s so much to see and do in Kamakura. Visit the beach, walk through the traditional Japanese streets, eat delicious street food, explore shrines and temples, and hike around the natural surroundings.
Read on to find our favourite places to visit for a day trip in Kamakura.
Kōtokuin Temple
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Kamakura is famous for its temples and pagodas, so many tourists visit this city to have an opportunity to visit these temples. One of the most famous temples is Kōtokuin Temple. This temple houses a bronze statue of the Amida Buddha, known as the Kamakura Daibutsu (鎌倉大仏). With a height of approximately 11.4 meters and a weight of around 121 tons, it is the second-tallest Buddha statue in Japan (the tallest one is in Todaiji Temple in Nara). It was built in 1252 inside the temple; however, due to many natural disasters in the 14th and 15th centuries, the temple was destroyed. Now the statue stands alone outside.
*How to get to the temple
– From Hase Station: 10 minutes walk
– From Kamakura Station: 13 minutes by bus
– Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:30
– Entrance fee: 200 yen
Kencho-Ji Temple
Photo credit: the author
Established by Hojo Tokiyori, a Japanese military dictator in 1253, the Kencho Era, Kencho-Ji, held the highest rank among the Zen Temples in Kamakura. When you visit Kencho-Ji, you will be able to see many temple buildings as well as sub-temples. Starting at Sanmon – the main gate, which was rebuilt in 1775 and is known as a national and cultural treasure, you can see Bonsho (Bell Temple), Butsuden (Buddha Hall), Hatto (Dharma Hall), Hojo – the main hall of Kencho-Ji, and many other buildings. Behind the main hall of Kencho-Ji, there is a beautiful Zen Garden – a place that you should not miss, designed by Muso Kokushi, a Zen Master.
*How to get to the temple
– From JR Kita-Kamakura Station: 15 minutes walking
– From Kamakura Station: 10 minutes by bus
– Opening hours: 08:30 – 16:30
– Entrance Fee: 500 yen
Enoshima Island
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Enoshima Island is a small island in the neighbouring area of Kamakura. You can visit both Enoshima and Kamakura on a one-day trip. There is a sloping path that leads to many tourist attractions on Enoshima Island, such as Enoshima-jinja Shrine, Iwaya Caves, Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, Enoshima Sea Candle, and many other beautiful attractions.
Enoshima Sea Candle
The Enoshima Sea Candle is one of the attractions that attract the most tourists to this area. Tourists can quickly go up by taking the elevator. There is an observation deck at the lighthouse where you can see the beautiful scenery below from a height of 60 meters. On bright days, you may even see Mount Fuji.
Enoshima Aquarium
Also, Enoshima Aquarium is well worth visiting for both adults and children. When going to Enoshima Aquarium, you will get a chance to see a variety of exhibitions like Jellyfish Fantasy Hall, Sagami Bay Zone, Pacific Ocean, Sea Turtle Beach, etc.
Moreover, there are touch pools where you can touch many creatures living on the Enoshima beaches. For more information about the aquarium, please click here.
Photo credit: the author
Beaches
Photo credit: the author
In summer, many tourists visit Kamakura to enjoy the pleasant beachside atmosphere. There are many beaches in Kamakura, including Shichirigahama Beach, Zushi Beach, Morito Beach, and Yuigahama Beach. But not all of them allow swimming (e.g., Shichirigahama Beach). If you want to swim, I recommend going to Katase Higashihama and Koshigoe Beach. For other beaches, instead of swimming, you can surf or sit on the coast and enjoy the fresh air.
Kamakura Food
There is so much yummy food in the Kamakura and Enoshima areas to try! Here are our favourites you absolutely should not miss!
Shirasu
Photo credits: the author
Seafood
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Because Kamakura has many beaches, it is easy to enjoy fresh seafood. You can try local food stalls that serve a variety of seafood, such as scallops, squid, and clams!
Ice Cream
Photo credits: the author
Tako Senbei
Tako Senbei is an octopus cracker. Unlike other ordinary crackers, the octopus in tako senbei in this area is real and fresh. What is surprising here is that tako senbei are super-thin crackers, but they still have real octopus inside. When you eat it, you can feel the fresh and chewy taste of grilled octopus.
Ready for Your Kamakura Day Trip?
We hope our article provided you with enough useful information about what to do and what to eat when you travel to Kamakura. Enjoy your trip!
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