Only 1 Hour From Tokyo! Enjoy Traditional Japanese Scenery at the Coastal Town of Kamakura

Get the Most Out of Your Tokyo Trip With a Day Trip to Kamakura

You may have heard of Kamakura due to the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue located at Kotoku-in Temple, but there are many more fabulous spots in this enchanting city where you can lose yourself in traditional Japanese scenery and culture.

Kamakura’s proximity to Tokyo makes it the perfect place for a day trip to enjoy a change in scenery. Located along the coast, the city boasts majestic ocean views, historic temples, scrumptious local delicacies, and more. Its enjoyments can be enjoyed throughout the day, and then you can easily hop on a train back to your lodging in the city!

Visit the locations introduced in the article and more with this guided tour

How to Get to Kamakura

Kamakura is easily accessible via train, with the main Kamakura Station being serviced by the JR Yokosuka and Shonan Shinjuku lines, as well as the charming and extremely photogenic Enoden line.

How Long Does It Take to Get to Kamakura

From Tokyo Station: Approx. 1-hour ride on the JR Yokosuka Line

From Shinjuku Station: Approx. 1 hour by train. There is a direct train on the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line, but depending on the departure time, the fastest route may require different lines and include transfers.

The Odakyu Line also offers a one-day Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass that allows unlimited rides on the Enoden and a round-trip ticket to select stations that are serviced by the Odakyu Line.

Engakuji - Explore the Mystical Grounds of a Lesser-Known Temple

We started our day at Kita-Kamakura Station, just one station away from the bustling Kamakura Station. Although Kamakura Station is always lively and filled with people, the small Kita-Kamakura Station is located in a quiet neighborhood, giving it a completely different, relaxed vibe. 

Stepping out of the East Exit brought us almost directly to the front of Engakuji Temple, our first stop of the day. Engakuji is a 13th-century temple whose deep history is present in every nook and cranny. Stone steps lead up to a solemn wooden gate, which upon passing through, opens into a vast precinct enveloped in a peaceful atmosphere that almost makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into another realm.

The first majestic structure we were greeted by upon making our way further past the Somon (Main Gate) was the Sanmon, a grand wooden monument that was rebuilt and has been standing since 1785. The scale of the gate immediately impressed us, and we were both bewildered yet grateful that Engakuji is still comparatively under the radar in terms of Kamakura sightseeing and we didn’t have to fight the crowds so we could enjoy the serene atmosphere in peace. 

Past the Sanmon is the Butsuden, the main building of Engakuji. Its breathtaking aura gave us a renewed appreciation for traditional Japanese architecture, and we took our time taking in every detail, our eyes constantly finding something new to look at. 

It is surrounded by greenery which both complements and contrasts the brown wood, and we were there at the perfect time to get to enjoy some of the plum trees giving pops of color with their hot pink blossoms.

After visiting the iconic Sanmon and Butsuden, we wandered further into the temple grounds, curiously peeking into side paths and past the flora to find gems around every corner. Each building is equally beautiful yet has its own charms and unique characteristics, so we did not tire of making numerous stops to take in the sights around the precincts.

With the grounds boasting so much nature, Engakuji is a wonderful place to enjoy the changing seasons. While we got to enjoy cold-weather flowers such as plum blossoms and camellias while we were there, the grounds are also dyed in fiery reds and oranges with the autumn foliage and bright greens with the fresh verdure in the summer.

Also be sure to pay close attention to the decorations adorning the different structures, as the impeccable and intricate details are awe-inspiring. Engakuji is home to over two dozen structures, so if you want to embark on a challenge to visit them all, be sure to leave plenty of time for your visit.

Engakuji is also home to national treasures such as the Shariden Hall and Ogane Grand Bell, which give insight into the history and spirituality of Japan and are certainly worth a visit! For a lesser-known yet prime example of Japanese spirituality, be sure to put Engakuji on your list.

Butsunchian - Take a Break With Matcha and Sweets

Within the grounds of Engakuji is Butsunichian, which has acted as a minor temple within the Engakuji precincts since the 16th century. Walking through Engakuji already made us feel removed from reality, and the compact yet distinguished grounds of Butsunichian further emphasized that.

There is a fee of 100 yen to enter, but this includes an incense stick that can be offered at the temple hall. Placing the incense in the altar was a serene experience, and we appreciated the architecture of the temple as we took the time to let the fragrant incense smoke waft over us.

We are matcha lovers, so we were delighted to see that Butsunichian offers matcha green tea sets for an extra fee. We could not refuse an opportunity to indulge in a bowl of freshly whisked matcha, especially among the serene nature. The matcha set available at Butsunichian includes a bowl of matcha and an accompanying Japanese dried sweet, which can be enjoyed atop one of the several benches set up across the grounds.

The matcha is from the Uji region in Kyoto Prefecture, which is a famous matcha producer, and was smooth and flavorful. Cold matcha is also available during the hot summer months, so the delicious matcha and peaceful ambiance can still be enjoyed without overheating.

The matcha was prepared to order, so we took a seat on one of the benches to savor the moment as we waited for it to arrive. Our eyes flickered from the historic temple hall to the surrounding trees and statues, taking in every detail of the small yet striking temple grounds.

Though it was a chilly day, we let our bodies warm with the hot matcha as we basked in the sunlight. The air was still, with the only sounds we could hear being the rustling of the leaves and the chirping of birds. Plum blossoms swayed overhead, and we took this as an opportunity to enjoy a sense of hanami as we soaked in Butsunichian’s tranquil atmosphere.

Eat Your Way Through Komachi-Dori

After enjoying the spiritual atmosphere of Engakuji, we hopped on the train and traveled one station to the neighboring Kamakura Station. The vibe immediately changed, with locals and tourists whizzing by to flock into the lively streets surrounding the station. One particularly effervescent street is Komachi-dori, which is located right by Kamakura Station and is lined with dozens of shops selling souvenirs, treats, street food, and more.

The hawkers’ calls and colorful posters decorating the street pulled us this way and that, and we ended up looking like lost children trying to find our way. With so many eye-catching storefronts with banners and curtains touting countless tantalizing goods, it can be difficult to decide which shops to stop by, but we listed a couple you shouldn’t miss out on below.

When enjoying Komachi-dori’s mouthwatering street food, it’s important to remember to clean up after yourself - if you do not see a trash can, be sure to carry your trash with you. For this reason, it may be a good idea to bring an extra plastic bag just in case! Also, it is generally seen as rude to walk while eating in Japan, so we recommend gearing off the road to get out of pedestrians’ way before digging in.

Hannari Inari - A Delectable Take on a Beloved Type of Sushi

“Inari sushi” (or “inarizushi”) is a type of sushi, with sushi rice tucked into marinated pouches of fried tofu skin. Hannari Inari is an inari sushi specialty shop, though its inari sushi takes on a slightly different appearance. Called “inari bo” (lit. “inari rod”), this burrito-like inari sushi features sushi rice wrapped in marinated tofu skin and dressed with several fillings.

Hannari Inari is easy to spot along Komachi-dori, with its bright yellow sign and awning. Numerous signs flaunting pictures of its delicious savory snacks caught our eyes, and we excitedly passed through the storefront to get our hands on its delicious finger food.

Walking into the open-front shop, we were greeted with a display case lined with the treats shown in the pictures ready to be purchased. Alongside inari bo, Hannari Inari also sells “tamagoyaki” (rolled omelet) and seafood parfaits featuring mouthwatering cuts of raw fish.

As tempting as the other snacks were, we were resolute in trying Hannari Inari’s signature inari bo, and after hemming and hawing over the available options, we decided to forget about deciding and got one of each. Hannari Inari offers four types of inari bo - “shirasu” (whitebait), “ikura” (fish roe), “natto” (fermented soybeans), and “gobo” (burdock root).

Hannari Inari is very particular about its ingredients, using tofu skin made with 100% domestic soybeans and carefully selected rice from Yamagata Prefecture. The slightly sweet tofu skin perfectly complements the tangy sushi rice, but neither is so strong that it overpowers the flavors of the fillings.

The Kamakura/Enoshima area is famous for shirasu, which can be found in many types of food at the various eateries in the area. Shirasu has a very delicate flavor, but instead of disappearing amongst that of the tofu skin and rice, it instead brought together the entire dish by adding a gentle umami that beautifully complemented the distinct inari taste. 

The fillings hold their own in terms of flavor, and the inari bo was the perfect savory treat to energize us as we continued making our way through Komachi-dori.

Hannari Inari also has an eat-in space, so you can stop in to relax while you enjoy your inari bo if you feel like eating it right then and there.

Kamakura Chacha - Delicious Sweets Made With Top-Grade Matcha

Images of vibrant green desserts surround the storefront of Kamakura Chacha, a matcha sweets specialty shop. Our love for matcha immediately pulled us into the shop, eyes sparkling at the matcha-filled menu. The lineup includes soft serve, gelato, and pudding, all featuring varying degrees of matcha, which is wonderful for choosing your preferred intensity. 

Kamakura Chacha uses tea ceremony-grade matcha from Shizuoka Prefecture (another famous tea-producing area), creating a more complex flavor profile and mellowing out the bitterness. The photogenic soft serve is a fan favorite and is delightfully dressed with extra matcha powder, with two variations including mild and premium. As enticing as the soft serve was, the wide variety of intensities that the gelato and pudding offered intrigued us, as we wanted to experience how different the levels could be.

The cooler was lined with buckets filled with a gradient of green gelato; the deeper the green, the stronger the matcha flavor, ranging from Levels 1 to 5. Level 1 has a delightful sweetness with a hint of green, making it perfect for those who prefer tea-flavored desserts or are not too accustomed to the flavor of matcha. On the other hand, Level 5 is fairly strong, with the addictive grassy flavor working with the gelato to create a not-too-sweet dessert. For a more earthy flavor, you may want to opt for the “hojicha,” which is roasted green tea and has a smokier taste to it than the matcha.

We were tempted to go for the green color that first drew our eyes and selected Level 3, which was right in the middle in terms of intensity. We could not resist also getting a matcha pudding to go along with our gelato, and when browsing the flavors (which also range from Level 1 to Level 5/MAX), immediately went for the special “Premium MAX” pudding that is limited to 20 servings per day. Luckily, we were there early enough to get our hands on one!

As matcha lovers, our taste buds were in heaven as we savored the rich flavors of the gelato and pudding. Level 3 of the gelato had enough of a matcha flavor to satiate our matcha cravings, but was evened out with a sweetness which makes it perfect for those who like the taste of matcha but prefer it to not be too strong. The Premium MAX pudding, however, is thick, intense, and should be enjoyed by those who relish the distinct grassy taste of matcha. Both desserts melted in the mouth, filling the palate with luxurious flavors that kept our spoons digging in until we quickly found ourselves scraping at the bottom of the cups for the last morsels.

This time, we visited the Komachi-dori branch, and were lucky enough to stop by before waves of people lined up to get their matcha treats. The Komachi-dori and Kamakura Station branches have different line-ups, and although we were able to purchase and indulge in the rich matcha pudding during our visit, from March 1, 2024 onwards, the pudding is only available at the station branch. Conversely, the matcha soft serve can only be bought from the Komachi-dori shop, so be sure to head to the one that sells the sweet that piques your interest. Or, stop by both to enjoy their full variety of matcha treats!

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu - Savor the Grandeur of Kamakura at One of Its Most Famous Shrines

Just past Komachi-dori is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, one of Kamakura’s most iconic shrines and sightseeing destinations, which has a history that dates back to the 12th century. The towering red torii gate is hard to miss, greeting the many visitors who make their way to enjoy the splendid views and atmosphere of this beloved shrine.

Adding to the vibrant aura of the shrine, there are often food stalls selling different kinds of finger foods lining the pathway leading to the main shrine. They usually appear year-round, although may be limited to just a few or gone during slower periods. Conversely, festive periods such as New Year’s can see the sidelines packed with food stalls, numbering close to 100.

The shrine’s Maiden, which was one of the first buildings we noticed upon making our way past the shrine path, is a grand structure in itself. It actually acts as an accessible substitute for the Main Shrine at the top of the stairs, so those who are unable to climb the stone steps are still able to offer their prayers and wishes in the same way.

The spacious grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu hold several structures and smaller shrines, although the main draw is arguably the Main Shrine (Jogu) at the top of a stone staircase. We happily made our way up the steps, our excitement swelling as we could see the shrine building growing in size with more details becoming visible above the edge of the stairs. 

The shrine is breathtaking, with the gorgeous red color being played up by dazzling golden accents. The current main hall was rebuilt and has been standing since 1828, and it was as though we could feel the history of Kamakura, which was historically a key political hub, emanating from its aura. It has withstood political, religious, and cultural changes throughout the eras, remaining steadfast in the hearts of locals.

Next to the Main Shrine is the Treasure Hall, where visitors can purchase “omamori” charms and trinkets to bring themselves luck and commemorate their visit to the iconic shrine.

Around the corner of the Main Shrine is Maruyama Inari, a minor shrine among the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu grounds, but still just as splendid. Maruyama Inari Shrine is thought to be the oldest structure of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, supposedly with a longer history than the Main Shrine itself.

A row of vermilion torii gates create a tunnel leading up to the shrine structure, giving us the impression that we were being spirited away. The shrine is seemingly in a world of its own, encircled by foliage that blocks the surrounding scenery. All we could hear was the rustling of the leaves, creating a meditative atmosphere where we could feel ourselves losing track of time.

While the Main Shrine and Maruyama Inari are two of the most well-known spots in Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the grounds are home to numerous other structures and must-see attractions that deepen the appreciation for this spectacular shrine. There is a reason why Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is one of the most popular places to visit in Kamakura, and a trip here is certainly not complete without taking in the grandeur of the shrine for yourself.

You can see the places we visited and more with a guided tour through Kamakura! Check one out below.

Stay at a Hotel in Kamakura for More Time to Explore

Want to stay in Kamakura to see more than can be experienced in a day trip? Spending the night in a local hotel will allow you more time to explore and discover what the city has to offer. 

Check out Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura, which is located within close proximity to famous Kamakura sightseeing spots such as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu!

Enjoy a Day Filled With Japanese Culture and Tradition at Kamakura

Although only around an hour away from the metropolitan city of Tokyo, Kamakura has completely different scenery and vibes. It is perfect for a day trip from Tokyo and those wanting a change of pace, and we adored the charming, historical ambiance that offered respite from the busy city life. With its stunning natural views, historical and spiritual sightseeing spots, and delicious food, Kamakura has something for everyone.