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The complete Kamakura Itinerary

How to Spend One Day in Kamakura

Once the capital of Japan, Kamakura is a wonderful place to spend a day or possibly two. Blessed with an array of beautiful temples, world-famous landmarks, gorgeous scenery and plenty of good eats, our Kamakura itinerary will show why this pretty city is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo.

Is Kamakura Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely.

Kamakura’s place in Japanese history means that it is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan. Kamakura is home to dozens of historic temples and shrines, many of which include beautifully kept grounds or gardens.

A stone’s throw from the coastline of Sagami Bay, a trip to Kamakura can easily include a visit to Enoshima Island or Cape Inamuragasaki. Both enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

On the coastline you’ll also find Kamakura’s two beautiful beaches, Yuigahama and Zaimokuza, both of which are extremely popular places to relax in the summer

TLDR: Our Kamakura Itinerary in a Nutshell

Here’s a quick overview of our one day Kamakura itinerary:

Kotokuin Temple to see the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu)
Visit Hasedera Temple
Shopping and food on Komachi Dori
Tour Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
See Hokokuji Temple and its bamboo grove
Explore Enoshima Island

How Long Do You Need in Kamakura?

Most people visit Kamakura on a day trip, which is enough time to see a good range of the city’s major landmarks.

Our Kamakura itinerary has you covered for a day’s visit to the city, helping you find all of the must-see sights, as well as tips on where to eat.

If you have the time we’d certainly recommend staying here for two days. Though much smaller than major cities such as Kyoto and Osaka, Kamakura’s main attractions are a little spread out.

Staying for a second day does allow you to see Kamakura and Enoshima Island at a decent pace and enjoy more of what the city has to offer.

• If you plan on spending more than one day in Kamakura, we’ve added a few additional suggestions at the end of our itinerary in case you’d like extra ideas for more places to visit.

A Few Tips for Visiting Kamakura

Here are a few things to know before you go to Kamakura:

Arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds. While much less crowded than Tokyo, Kamakura is a popular destination for tourists and spots such as Kotoku-in Temple, Hasedera and Tsurugaoka Shrine can get crowded as the day goes on.
Kamakura is a little less busy on weekdays than on weekends. If you want to see the city when it’s not at its busiest, visit during the week.
Be prepared for quite a lot of walking. There will be a fair amount of walking required to get to Kamakura’s main sights. The grounds of Hasedera Temple and Tsurugaoka Shrine are also large and involve a fair bit of walking and steps. Also, the attractions on Enoshima Island can only be reached by foot once you’re on the island.
If you’d prefer a guided tour of Kamakura there are plenty of companies that arrange day trips of the city. You can find a wide range of guided tours of Kamakura on many popular online travel companies such as these from Viator, Get Your Guide and Klook.

One Day Kamakura Itinerary:

We have plenty more practical advice further down the page, including how to get to Kamakura and how to get around the city. But now, let’s dive straight into our one day Kamakura itinerary.

Visit Kotoku-in Temple and the Famous Great Buddha of Kamakura

Begin your day at Kotoku-in Temple, home of Kamakura’s most famous landmark, the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Kotoku-in Temple is an easy 10 minute walk from Hase Station, which is just three stops from Kamakura Station on the Enoden Line.

Officially known as Kamakura Daibutsu and designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government, the giant statue of Buddha is nudging 800 years old.

The face and back of the Great Buddha of Kamakura

Cast from copper in the mid 13th century, Kamakura Daibutsu stands at just over 11 metres tall and weighs an incredible 120 tonnes.

When it was first cast the Great Buddha statue was housed inside a purpose-built hall. Unfortunately the hall was destroyed by a series of typhoons and earthquakes and has been sitting open to the elements since 1498.

Inside the Great Buddha Statue and the two-metre pair of straw sandals, called waraji

Hung on a wall nearby are a pair of giant sandals made of straw. Called waraji in Japanese, the sandals are almost two metres in length and a new pair is made every three years by school children from Ibaraki Prefecture.

For an extra ¥50 you can also go inside the statue. From the inside you get a sense of the craft and skill that went into building the giant Buddha way back in the 1200s.

Stroll the Beautiful Grounds of Hasedera Temple

Around a 5 minute walk back in the direction of Hase Station is Hasedera Temple. In a city known for its beautiful temples, Hasedera stands out as one of the most spectacular.

Originally founded over 1200 years ago, Hasedera Temple’s many traditional buildings are spread across gorgeous grounds and enjoy sumptuous views across Kamakura and overlooking Sagami Bay.

Koi carp and a carving of Benzaiten at Hasedera Temple in Kamakura

Behind the temple’s beautiful Sanmon Gate is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden complete with colourful koi carp and seasonal flowers.

In the far right of the garden is the entrance to the Benten Cave, which features wall carvings and thousands of tiny statues of Benzaiten, the Buddhist Goddess of good fortune and the arts (much more on her later).

A staircase behind the garden leads up to Hasedera’s main hall and buildings, including the Jizo-do Hall. Surrounding the Jizo-do Hall are over a thousand jizo statues, deities who protect the souls of those who passed away at a young age.

Hasedera Temple was established to house a 9 metre-tall eleven-headed golden statue of the Buddhist deity Kannon. The statue was one of a pair that was carved from wood in the 8th century – the other statue is on display in a temple also called Hasedera located in Nara Prefecture.

The statue was cast out to sea and was found 15 years later floating off the coast of Kamakura. The magnificent statue has been on display at Hasedera ever since, and is housed inside the temple’s Kannon-do Hall.

Next to the Kannon-do hall is an observation deck which has wonderful views overlooking Kamakura and Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches. There are also more koi-filled ponds, as well as ema made from oyster shells.

To the left of the main hall is the Prospect Path, which leads to an even higher view over Kamakura. The path is surrounded by beautiful hydrangeas each year in June.

Stroll Along Komachi Dori for Food and Souvenirs

Return to Kamakura Station to peruse the variety of souvenirs and fantastic food available on Komachi Dori. Head out of the station’s East Exit and Komachi Dori is over to the left, marked by a giant torii gate.

Komachi Dori is a bustling street lined with a great range of shops, cafes and restaurants where you can pick up all manner of traditional and modern trinkets and snacks.

Along Komachi Dori are several shops that specialise in traditional and contemporary goods, such as Japanese chopsticks, tableware, Kamakura-branded goods, jewellery, and much more.

Skewered octopus ready to be grilled and a range of souvenirs for sale on Komachi Dori

Komachi is also a good place to try some traditional Japanese confectionery, with a variety of stores specialising in local treats such as senbei rice crackers, dango and amanatto.

You’ll also find stalls that serve more modern street foods and snacks, such as matcha ice-cream, crepes, and curry pan.

Komachi Dori is also a great place if you’re looking for something more substantial to eat, with a huge range of local and international foods on offer.

There is a wide range of excellent restaurants and izakayas that serve Japanese dishes such as sushi, okonomiyaki, yakitori and more.

Explore Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s Most Important Shrine

Alongside the Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura’s most famous landmark. Founded in the 11th century, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine was relocated to its current location in 1180.

The best way to reach Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is by walking along Wakamiya Oji, the main road in Kamakura that runs parallel to Komachi Dori.

A walk along Wakamiya Oji means that you pass through the giant torii gates that lead to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine honours Hachiman, who is the divine spirit of Emperor Ojin, the 15th emperor of Japan.

In the Shinto religion, Hachiman is the guardian deity of Japan and also the god of war, and his spirit is enshrined in Tsurugaoka Hachimangu’s main shrine.

This means that while Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a tourist attraction it’s also a major place of worship for Japanese people. You’ll see just as many Japanese visitors to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu as tourists, and the shrine is a common destination for school trips.

The approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and a closer view of the Main Hall

A long path leads from the enormous main torii gate at the entrance of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu through the grounds all the way to the main shrine building.

At the end of the central path in front of the shrine’s main hall is the Maiden, a stage for the traditional music and theatre performances that are held at the shrine at various times in the year.

Visitors in traditional kimono and the name plaque above Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine’s main hall

Behind the Maiden is a grand staircase that leads to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu’s beautiful main hall. This is the most sacred area of the shrine, and no photos are allowed inside. Next to the main hall is a small shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and agriculture.

Elsewhere in the temple grounds are many other shrines dedicated to other important deities related to Hachiman, including Hachiman’s wife, Empress Nakatsu, and his children.

On either side of the main path are two large ponds, the Heike Pond on the left and the Genji Pond to the right. On an island in the lotus-filled Genji Pond is a small shrine dedicated to Benzaiten.

Relax at Hokokuji Temple’s Bamboo Grove

Next, make your way to Hokokuji Temple for a much more serene stroll through its beautiful bamboo grove.

Hokokuji Temple is only a ten minute bus ride from the top end of Wakamiya Oji just outside the main entrance to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Hokokuji Temple is relatively small, reached via a quiet road that leads to its entrance gate.

The immaculate grounds surrounding the main building are typical of Japanese zen temples, featuring winding paths, moss-covered gardens and carefully crafted stone arrangements.

The garden and bamboo grove in Hokokuji Temple in Kamakura

The temple is most well-known for its magical bamboo grove, which is located just behind Hokokuji’s main hall. The bamboo trees tower over the simple stone path that leads through the grove, creating a wonderful and appropriately soothing atmosphere.

Along the edge of the bamboo grove are a series of caves carved into the surrounding hills which were historically used to house the ashes of local lords.

Inside the bamboo grove is a small traditional teahouse. Here you can enjoy a relaxing bowl of matcha, along with a small serving of a decorative confectionery called wagashi, and soak up the view of the bamboo forest.

Explore the Beautiful Island of Enoshima

Spend the latter half of the day on Enoshima, the small historic island that sits just off the shoreline in Sagami Bay.

The journey from Kamakura Station to Kamakura Station takes around 25 minutes on the Enoden Line. From there it’s about another 10 minute walk across the Enoshima Benten Bridge to reach the island.

According to the legend, Enoshima Island was created by Benzaiten, the Goddess of the arts and good fortune, to tame a five-headed dragon that had terrorised the region.

The island has attracted visitors and tourists for centuries, and today features a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, a viewing tower and a series of sprawling shrines collectively called Enoshima Shrine.

The copper torii gate at the entrance to Enoshima and souvenirs for sale along Enoshima Benzaiten Shopping Street

On reaching the island after crossing the Enoshima Benten Bridge, you’ll be met by Enoshima Benzaiten Shopping Street.

Along the street are several shops selling souvenirs and snacks such as squid crackers and soft serve ice-cream. There’s also a good choice of restaurants that specialise in traditional Japanese and Western dishes.

At the far end of Enoshima Benzaiten Shopping Street stands the Grand Torii Gate of Enoshima Shrine. The shrine is spread across a large chunk of the island, with many of its main buildings located here just behind the torii gate.

Behind the gate is a steep staircase that leads up to the shrine’s giant Zuishinmon Gate and onto the higher parts of the island.

If you’d rather save a little energy, then there are three paid escalators on Enoshima called the Enoshima Escar that skip parts of the climb. The first escalator is located next to the shrine’s torii gate. You can pay for each escalator individually or buy a combined ticket which costs ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children.

At the top of the island are two more of Enoshima’s most popular attractions, the Enoshima Sea Candle and the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden.

The Enoshima Sea Candle is an observation tower with glorious views across the bay and back towards the mainland. On clear days there are also good views of Mount Fuji.

Next to the Sea candle is the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, a beautiful botanic garden that features a huge range of plants and flowers from all over the world. Founded in 1862, the garden is famous for their winter illuminations which run from November until February.

Also nearby is the Okutsumiya Shrine, famous for the turtle painting located in the ceiling of the entrance gate. Next to the Okutsumiya Shrine is Wadatsumi-no-miya Shrine, where the dragon tamed by Benzaiten is enshrined.

Wadatsumi-no-miya Shrine and the Dragon Love Bell on Enoshima Island

Opposite Wadatsumi-no-miya Shrine is a path which leads to the Dragon Love Bell. The bell commemorates the love between Benzaiten and the dragon who fell in love with her after she created Enoshima.

With wonderful views looking out across the ocean, there are fences around the bell where couples can leave padlocks as a sign of their love.

The main pathway continues from the Wadatsumi-no-miya Shrine all the way to Enoshima’s southern rocky coastline and the Iwaya Caves.

Along the path are several more cafes and restaurants that specialise in excellent Japanese dishes, especially seafood.

Many also have fantastic views out across the sea and Mount Fuji, including Enoshima Uomi-tei and Cafeteria Fujimitei.

Near the start of the path is Enoshima Daishi, the only Buddhist temple on the island, famous for the fiery red statues of nio, the protective guardians that guard the entrance.

Inside the temple is a six metre tall statue of Fudo Myo, a wrathful deity believed to protect against evil.

At the end of the path is the rocky coastline and the entrance to the Iwaya Caves.

An elevated walkway links the two caves, which feature several statues of Buddhist deities, decorative lights as well as a display in honour of Enoshima’s famous dragon.

From the caves, return along the main walkway that leads all the way back towards the Enoshima Benten Bridge.

Alternatively, you can also take the Benten Maru passenger boat that departs from Iwaya Pier (located here).

The ten-minute boat ride drops passengers off at the northern end of the Enoshima Benten Bridge near the mainland. The journey costs ¥400 for adults and ¥200 for children. Note that services may be suspended if the weather or sailing conditions are poor.

Before you leave Enoshima, be sure to take a turn along the narrow path halfway along Benzaiten Shopping Street that leads to the tiny Fujimi Beach.

Fujimi literally means “view of Mount Fuji“, and from the beach there are often spectacular views of Japan’s most famous mountain, especially at sunset.

Enoshima - Top Tips and Advice:

• If you’d rather not walk across the Enoshima Benten Bridge you can wait for the number 6 bus from Enoshima Kaigan bus stop on the edge of the mainland (located here) that will take you across to the island in just a couple of minutes.

• Some restaurants on Enoshima only accept cash, especially those on the south side of the island just past the Enoshima Sea Candle. Make sure to bring some yen with you.

• You can buy a combined entry ticket for the Enoshima Sea Candle, the Samuel Cocking Garden and the Enoshima Escar escalators. The combined ticket costs ¥1,100 for adults and ¥500 for children and can be bought at the ticket booth next to the first escalator at the top of Benzaiten Shopping Street.

• If you’re returning to Tokyo from Enoshima, it is much quicker and more convenient to go from Katase-Enoshima Station. Katase-Enoshima Station is located a few minutes walk from the northern end of the Enoshima Beten Bridge back on the mainland.

From Katase-Enoshima Station you can take the Odakyu Enoshima Line three stops to Fujisawa Station. From there you can change onto the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line or the JR Tokaido Line for direct trains to central Tokyo. This is a much quicker and easier journey than going back to Kamakura Station on the Enoden Line and then back to Tokyo from there.

It’s also worth visiting Katase-Enoshima Station just to see the incredible station building, which is modelled on the Dragon Palace from a Japanese fairy tale.

Even More Things to Do in Kamakura

If you’d like even more ideas for your Kamakura itinerary, then here are a few more of the city’s highlights that you might want to explore.

Sugimoto Temple

Sugimoto Temple claims to be the oldest temple in Kamakura and is certainly one of the most picturesque. Founded in 734, Sugimoto Temple is famous for the beautiful moss-covered path that leads up to the main hall.

The temple’s ancient main hall is also thing of beauty, featuring a thick thatched roof and housing three historic statues of Kannon, two of which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine is one of the most unique shrines in Kamakura. The first remarkable feature of the Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine is its entrance. The temple is reached by a low tunnel that passes through the high rocks that surround it, in front of which stands a torii gate.

The shrine is most famous for the practice of money washing which visitors can do in the spring waters that flow inside a cave located in the small shrine’s grounds. According to the legend, money that is washed in the spring water will double.

Sasuke Inari Shrine

Sasuke Inari Shrine is hidden away in a wooded area at the end of a residential street, about a 10 minute walk from the Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine. In the Shinto religion, Inari is the god of agriculture and is particularly associated with rice and the deity is always represented as a white fox.

Dozens of vermilion torii gates line the path that leads to the Sasuke Inari Shrine, which is home to thousands of tiny ceramic inari fox figures. The inari cover the moss-covered grounds that surround the shrine, which is something of a hidden gem in Kamakura.

Visit the Temples in Kita-Kamakura

Slightly off the beaten path, Kita-Kamakura is home to three more beautiful temples.

Engaku-ji Temple

Opposite Kita-Kamakura Station is Engaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple which was found in 1282. The huge sprawling grounds include a giant entrance gate as well as the main Butsuden hall, which houses several historic statues.

The temple’s bell, which is over two meters in height and dates from 1301, is classified as a National Treasure.

Meigetsu-in Temple

Meigetsu-in is famous for its beautiful grounds. The temple is commonly known as the hydrangea temple thanks to the huge number of hydrangeas that bloom around June each year.

Meigetsu-in’s main hall features a beautiful circular window that looks through to the temple’s grounds, the beautiful scene is often accompanied with traditional Japanese flower arrangements, called ikebana.

Kencho-ji Temple

Like Engaku-ji Temple, Kencho-ji is a huge Zen Buddhist temple complex that dates from the 13th century. Kencho-ji Temple also features a giant entrance gate and many grand and impressive historic buildings. These include the Buddha Hall and the Dharma Hall, which features a giant painting of a dragon on its ceiling.

Other highlights include the gold Karamon Gate and the beautiful garden behind the main hall. A trail that passes through the temple grounds eventually leads to Hansobo, a shrine which has views of Mount Fuji.

Reenact Slam Dunk at Kamakurakoko-Mae Station

If you’re a fan of anime, and particularly Slam Dunk, then you’ll probably want to make a pilgrimage to Kamakurakoko-Mae Station. The station and the nearby crossing that looks onto Sagami Bay that was used in the opening credits of Slam Dunk has become an incredibly popular destination for anime fans.

Kamakurakoko-Mae Station is seven stops from Kamakura Station or two stops from Enoshima Station on the Enoden Line.

Beaches

Kamakura’s beaches are some of the closest to Tokyo, which is another reason why people visit the city from the capital. In truth, the Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches are side by side, making them feel more like one long beach.

The wide golden sands are popular all year round and especially in the summer. The strong winds and waves in Sagami Bay means the beaches are very popular with surfers.

Cape Inamuragasaki for Mount Fuji views

If you don’t have enough time to explore Enoshima, a good alternative is Cape Inamuragasaki. Cape Inamuragasaki is less than a 10 minute walk from Inamuragasaki Station, which is just five stops from Kamakura Station on the Enoden Line.

From Cape Inamuragasaki there are spectacular views along the shoreline, out over Sagami Bay and Enoshima and, on clear days, as far as Mount Fuji.

How to Get to Kamakura

There are multiple direct trains a day between central Tokyo to Kamakura Station. The journey typically takes around an hour.

From Tokyo Station: There are regular direct trains from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station on the Yokosuka Line. The journey takes approximately 55 minutes and costs ¥950.
From Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station: The Shonan-Shinjuku Line has direct trains between both Shinjuku and Shibuya Station and Kamakura Station. The journey time from both stations is just under an hour and also costs ¥950.
From Yokohama Station: There are direct trains between Yokohama Station and Kamakura Station Yokosuka Line also on the Yokosuka Line. This journey takes 25 minutes and costs ¥360.

How to Get Around Kamakura

Kamakura is easy to explore by a combination of public transport and by walking.

Many of the city’s main attractions, such as Komachi Street and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, are within easy walking distance of Kamakura Station.

For Kotoku-in and Hasadera temples, you’ll need to take a train from Kamakura Station to Hase Station on the Enoden Line. Only three stops from Kamakura Station, the journey to Hase Station is around five minutes.

To get to Enoshima Island you’ll also need to take the Enoden Line. The journey from Kamakura Station to Enoshima Station takes 25 minutes. From Enoshima Station it’s around a 15 minute walk across the Enoshima Benten Bridge to Enoshima Island.

Meanwhile Hokokuji Temple and its beautiful bamboo grove are an easy 10-minute bus ride from the centre of the city.

Local buses and trains, including the Enoden Line, all accept any of the IC cards used in Japan, such as Pasmo and Suica. You can also pay in cash on buses and buy tickets for the Enoden Line from ticket machines at each station.

Where to Stay in Kamakura

While Kamakura is an incredibly popular day trip from Tokyo, an overnight stay will let you appreciate more of the city’s many highlights at an easier pace.

You can search for a full range of accommodation in Kamakura here.

If you need some suggestions then here are a few hotels in Kamakura that we recommend:

Plat Hostel Keikyu Kamakura Wave – Only a five minute walk from Kamakura Station, this is a great option for those on a budget.
Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura – Perfectly located on Wakamiya Oji close to many of the city’s main sights, the Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura has a range of modern and good-sized rooms
Kamakura Hotel – A stone’s throw from Kamakura Station, the stylish Kamakura Hotel is ideal for those seeking a little luxury. Facilities include a sauna as well as a rooftop terrace with views of the city.

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I’m James, the founder, editor, writer and photographer at Where You’re Between. Currently based in Japan, I started Where You’re Between in 2017 to create detailed itineraries and in-depth travel guides for the places that I’m fortunate enough to visit. You can see all of our destinations here.

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The Perfect Kamakura Itinerary