How to Spend a Day in Kamakura on a Day Trip from Tokyo

• Location: 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station

• Entrance Fee: Free

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura’s most iconic Shinto shrine, located at the end of a long road leading straight to it. It is considered the cultural hub of Kamakura and is dedicated to samurai.

What to Do at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu:

✔ Walk up the grand staircase for a panoramic view of Kamakura.
✔ See the beautiful torii gates and traditional architecture.
✔ Visit the lotus ponds, which are beautiful in summer.
✔ Explore the small museum showcasing samurai artifacts.

Location: The entrance is visible as you come out of Kamakura's East exit and leads up toward the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. It runs parallel to the main road leading to the shrine.

Komachi Street is a bustling shopping street filled with traditional snacks, souvenir shops, and street food.

What to Do at Komachi Street:

✔ Try matcha ice cream, rice crackers, and sweet potato snacks.
✔ Shop for handmade souvenirs, wooden crafts, and kimono accessories.
✔ Visit small cafés and enjoy a traditional Japanese tea experience.

Location: 10-minute bus ride from Kamakura Station or a 30 minute stroll if you want to wander through Kamakura's idyllic streets.

Entrance Fee: 400 yen (additional fee for matcha tea)

Hokokuji Temple is known for its bamboo forest, offering a peaceful atmosphere that will transport you back in time.

What to Do at Hokokuji Temple:

✔ Walk through the bamboo grove, one of the most serene spots in Kamakura.
✔ Enjoy a traditional Japanese matcha tea in a tea house surrounded by bamboo.
✔ Visit the main temple hall, featuring beautiful Zen architecture.

• Location: From Kamakura Station take a 10-minute train ride to Hase Station vie the Enoden Line, then a 5-minute walk.

• Entrance Fee: 300 yen.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu) is one of Japan’s most famous Buddha statues, standing over 13 meters tall and made of bronze.

What to Do at the Great Buddha:

✔ Admire the majestic outdoor Buddha.
✔ Enter inside the statue (for a small additional fee).
✔ Learn about the history of Buddhism in Kamakura.

• Location: 8-minute walk from the Great Buddha
  Entrance Fee: 400 yen

Hasedera Temple is known for its beautiful garden, panoramic views, and its famous eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

What to Do at Hasedera Temple:

✔ Walk through the hydrangea garden (best in June).
✔ Enjoy the scenic viewpoint overlooking Kamakura’s coastline.
✔ Explore the small cave shrine dedicated to the gods, including Benzaiten, the goddess of feminine

Location: 10-minute walk from Hase Station.

Yuigahama Beach is a beautiful coastal area, perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk.

What to Do at Yuigahama Beach:

✔ Walk along the shoreline and enjoy the ocean breeze.
✔ Watch local surfers riding the waves.
✔ If you visit during sunset, take in the stunning golden hour view.