The center city of Japan in medieval age, Kamakura is a historical town in Kanagawa prefecture which is known as “ the Kyoto of Kanto region”. It’s a very popular tourist destination from both Japanese and foreigners. Kamakura attracts us by over 100 temples and shrines, great buddha and other historical monuments. Take one day off from Tokyo and visit this historical and charming town!
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*How to get there*
If you are planning a short getaway from Tokyo, Kamakura is in a perfect location. It can be reached within an hour from Tokyo by train.
JR Yokosuka line- from Tokyo(920 yen)/Shinagawa (720 yen) station (If you are taking JR Tokaido line or JR Kehin Tohoku line, change to Yokosuka line at Ofuna station. It’s only two stops to Kamakura station after Kita-Kamakura station)
JR Shonan Shinjuku line- from Shinjuku(920 yen)/Shibuya(920 yen)/Ebisu (800 yen)
Odakyu line- from Shinjuku. If you purchase “Odakyu Kamakura-Enoshima free pass” (1470 yen), it’s a great option to travel around Kamakura town since each temples and tourist attractions are pretty far to each others to walk if you wish to see many of them. This pass offers rides of small retro train around the town and to Enoshima island which is a pretty and touristy small island nearby Kamakura.
The tourist information is located at East exit of JR, the building on the right-hand side. English guides are available,too!
Cycling around the town would be a great option,too! Several rental bicycle shops are in Kamakura town but the nearest one is right next to the station. When you get out from the east gate, keep walking to the right.
*The greatest things to see*
Great Buddha
A symbol of the city and the reason for many to visit Kamakura, the Great Buddha is located in Kotokuin Temple. You can actually enter inside the Buddha’s body,too!
Hours 8:00 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from October to March)
Fee 200 yen
Megetsuin Temple
The temple with a beautiful inner garden. Megetsuin is also known as “Hydrangea Temple”
Hours 9:00 to 16:00 (8:30 to 17:00 in June)
Fee 300 yen (500 yen in June)
Hasedera Temple
Hasedera’s busiest time is Japan’s rainy season in June and July when hydrangea flower blooms in full. The temple also has a beautiful garden with a pond.
Hours 8:00 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from October to February)
Fee 300 yen
Hokokuji Temple
Hokokuji Temple is known for its bamboo garden. There is also a small Japanese style cafe inside the garden where you can enjoy the fresh green tea and the view of bamboos. How delightful.
Hours 9:00 to 16:00
Fee 200 yen (additional 500 yen for tea service)
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
The most popular shrine in kamakura which can be accessed easily from JR Kamakura station through the shopping street. The shrine is fully crowded on 1st-3rd January when people go there for New Year’s first visit.
Hours 5:00 to 21:00
Open 24 hours from January 1 to 3
Fee: Free
Enoshima
If you have time to extend your trip to a bit further, visit Enoshima Island. There are great shrines,beautiful observatory and so on. The island can be accessed by Enoden railway within 30 mins.
*Place to Shop*
Komachi Street
Komachi street is the perfect place to shop and eat! You won’t get bored with the street with hundreds of shops,cafes and restaurants. The street is just off the JR kamakura station and connected to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
*Kamakura map*
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