Best Things to Do in Kamakura, Japan (2024)

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Kamakura city in Japan is the oldest one with a population of 180,000 people. From the 12th to the 14th centuries it was the actual capital of the country. In terms of the number of temples, Kamakura is not inferior to Kyoto. There are many green areas and the cleanest sea coast.

Keep reading this travel guide on best things to do in Kamakura city, Japan. You’ll get up-to-date information about most popular tourist attractions and places to visit.

Kamakura City General Info

  • Date of foundation of the city: 1192.
  • Average air t: in winter: during the day – + 11-12 degrees C, at night – + 6-8 degrees C; in summer: during the day – +30 degrees C; at night – +24 degrees C.
  • Average t of the sea: in winter – +16 degrees, in summer – +24.4 degrees.
  • On the map: link.
  • Book a 3-day pass between Hakone and Kamakura here.

What to see in Kamakura, Japan

How to get to Kamakura

Kamakura is located next to Tokyo, so the easiest way to get there is from the capital. There are several options:

Train

There is a direct flight from Tokyo Station on the Yokosuka Line, travel time is about an hour. Trains run 7 times a day. Check the Hyperdia website for departure times as they change frequently. The fare is high, like everything else in Japan. Those booking in advance can save about 10 USD. It’s better to check about the opportunities offered by JR Pass.

By car

It’s a two-hour drive from Tokyo to Kamakura by highway. You can’t get lost on the road – everywhere there are signs in Japanese and English.

Tourists are advised to get off at the Hase station, which is one before Kamakura, and then walk further. On the way you will meet interesting locations and many temples.

Kamakura city and its sights

Things to Do in Kamakura, Japan

There are many places to visit in Kamakura. In order not to get confused, start your exploration with the main ones:

Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

One of the visiting cards of the region – bronze Buddha statue, with a temple complex and a park area around. The statue appeared here in 1252; its weight is more than 120 tons.

Over the time, Great Buddha statue was able to withstand a lot: destructive earthquakes, typhoons, buildings adjacent to the statue were destroyed by tsunamis, and the statue has remained in its place for many centuries.

Kamakura, Japan. Big Buddha

Hase-dera Temple

This is a temple complex with several large sanctuaries, an observation deck overlooking the bay, and a well-groomed park area. Nearby, there is a cave with a lot of statues. Everything is done in traditional Japanese style. It is one of the popular places to visit in Kamakura.

If you visit Kamakura during summer months, mid-June-early July, be sure to look at the beautiful, blooming hydrangea. Be prepared to stand in line, as a large number of tourists come here during the this time. It’s better to plan your visit during weekdays.

The hill behind the Hasedera temple is planted with over 40 different types of hydrangeas, and if you climb up, you will have a stunning view of the ocean.

Come here in the spring, during the sakura season in Japan, or visit this place in the autumn, when the leaves begin to fall.

The main attractions of the temple are: a huge wooden statue of Kannon Bosatsu, Jizo-do Hall, where there are many small statues that are dedicated to helping lost children reach paradise.

Before you leave, you can visit Kyozo, a small wooden structure that houses a revolving bookcase with Buddhist texts. Turning the cupboard once, you will be blessed as if you had read all the sacred sutras. The building is only open on certain days.

If during your visit it is closed, you can spin a special so-called prayer wheel around the walls. Just be careful, the wheels rattle a lot when scrolling.

The temple is open from 8 am to 5.30 pm (October to February until 5 pm), the entrance fee is 400 yen.

Temple in Kamakura, Japan

Visit Kamakura Beaches

There are several popular beaches in Kamakura, worth visiting: Katase Nishihama, Yuigahama and Zaimokuza.

Morito Beach – one of the popular beaches located within one hour walking distance from Kamakura. Long sandy coastline, a gentle entrance to the water, sun loungers and a cafe right on the beach. But its main feature is an amazing view of Mount Fuji and the island of Enoshima. Come here on a clear day to enjoy these picturesque views.

Beach at Kamakura Morito Beach, Japan

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

One of the main symbols of Kamakura is Tsurugaoka Hachimangū temple, founded in 1063. It is divided into Upper and Lower parts, which made it the center of the city. The territory of the Shinto shrine is very beautiful, you can walk here for hours.

In addition to the unique Japanese architecture, the shrine will surprise visitors with a huge collection of sake barrels. Adjacent to the main temple is the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures. It houses swords, works of art, swords, scrolls, and other artifacts related to the history of Kamakura City.

Kamakura, Japan

Memorial Warship MIKASA

This ship became a museum in 1926. The last surviving battleship of the 19th century. The main exposition inside is dedicated to the Russo-Japanese War. You can view the sketches using a virtual reality helmet. Ticket price 600 yen.

Landmarks of Kamakura - Memorial Ship MIKASA

Enoshima Aquarium

Abundance of marine life, including creatures living in the coastal waters of Japan. Except of variety of marine creatures, there are a lot of things to do: you can visit dolphin show, cafe, slot machines, attractions. Entrance fee is 2400 yen.

Enoshima Aquarium - landmark of Kamakura

Be sure to check out the famous Komachi Street, which is located next to Kamakura Station. This is the main shopping street in the city, where you can find anything you want.

Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Literally 20 minutes from Kamakura station there is a temple. This shrine became very popular due to belief that the money washed in the spring will double. The temple is open to visitors daily from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm.

Hokokuji Temple with Bamboo Grove

You have probably heard at least once about the popular Arashiyama bamboo grove, located near Kyoto. There is a similar place in Kamakura, with much fewer visitors there, so you’ll have all chances to feel the atmosphere of the place.

Bamboo Grove, Japan

The grove is located behind the main hall of the Hokoku-ji Temple, also known as the Bamboo Temple, entrance fee varies from 300 yen or 600 to have a cup of matcha tea at the tea house.

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