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Before you go
Your trip to Kamakura.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Kamakura – Kanagawa Destination Kamakura and Yokohama about 25 km from Yokohama
How to get there
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Aeroporto Internacional de Tóquio (Haneda) (HND) Ota · 40 km
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Estação de Kamakura 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Kamakura Station, in the centre, is served by the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station and by the Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku and Shibuya. The Odakyu Line from Shinjuku goes to Fujisawa and Enoshima, from where the Enoden tram continues to Kamakura.
How many days
One day for the Great Buddha, Hase-dera, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and a zen temple in Kita-Kamakura. A day and a half to include Enoshima. Temples close in the late afternoon.
When to go
June, with the temples’ hydrangeas, and early April, with the cherry blossoms, are the busiest times. Late November and early December bring autumn foliage. Summer has the beach season; winter is mild and quieter.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The JR train, the Enoden tram and buses connect the temples, and much of the centre is walkable. On weekends, the streets get congested.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Kamakura
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Morning
Kita-Kamakura
Get off at Kita-Kamakura, visit Engaku-ji and walk to Kencho-ji and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
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Afternoon
Hase
Have lunch on Komachi-dori and take the Enoden tram to Hase for the Great Buddha and Hase-dera.
2 days in Kamakura
Day 1
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Morning
Zen temples
Start with Engaku-ji and Kencho-ji and climb to the Hansobo shrine viewpoint.
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Afternoon
Kamakura centre
Descend to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and the National Treasure Museum and stroll along Komachi-dori.
Day 2
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Morning
Great Buddha and Hase-dera
Take the Enoden to Hase, visit the Great Buddha and Hase-dera and walk to Yuigahama Beach.
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Afternoon
Enoshima
Ride the Enoden to Enoshima, climb to the shrine and the lighthouse, and watch the sunset from the Chigogafuchi rocks.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Kamakura in one day?
Visit Engaku-ji and Kencho-ji in Kita-Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and, in the afternoon, the Great Buddha and Hase-dera in Hase.
What is the Enoden tram?
A small railway line that links Kamakura to Fujisawa along the coast, passing through Hase and Enoshima, between houses and by the sea.
Is there a transport pass for Kamakura?
Yes. There are one-day passes that cover the Enoden tram, and Odakyu passes that include travel from Shinjuku and the Enoden. Check the current options.
Does Kamakura get crowded on weekends?
Yes, especially in June with the hydrangeas, and in autumn. On weekdays and early in the morning, it’s less busy.
Which trails should you hike in Kamakura?
The Daibutsu trail, from Kita-Kamakura to the Great Buddha, and the Ten-en trail, which starts at Kencho-ji and crosses the hills. Wear sturdy footwear, as there are sections of stone and exposed roots.
Beyond the guide
