Discover the Best of Kamakura: Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations!

Must-Visit Classic Tourist Spots in Kamakura

Kotoku-in

Kotoku-in is a popular tourist attraction in Kamakura that is often featured in guidebooks and brochures introducing the city. It is home to the famous Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha), which is an absolute must-see when exploring Kamakura.

The construction of Kamakura Daibutsu began in 1252, and it remains one of the precious treasures of Buddhist art that can be admired in its original form. Although the current Kamakura Daibutsu has turned into a bronze color over time, you can still catch a glimpse of its past appearance when its cheeks were covered in gold leaf. As time goes by, these traces may be lost, so I highly recommend taking the opportunity to appreciate it during your visit.

Kotoku-in is designated as a National Historic Site and offers several other attractions that evoke a sense of history, such as Waraji (straw sandals), Kangei-do Hall, and a monument dedicated to the renowned poet Yosano Akiko. You can also enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and autumn foliage, adding to the charm of this historical site.

• Address: 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 3 minutes on foot from Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway

Hasedera Temple

When you think of Kamakura, what kind of scenery comes to mind? One iconic sight during early summer is the blooming of hydrangeas, and Hasedera Temple is a popular destination where you can enjoy these beautiful flowers.

Within the temple grounds, there is an area called "Ajisai Road" where you can stroll among approximately 2,500 hydrangea plants and appreciate their beauty. The flowering season usually starts from mid to late May, and the peak viewing period occurs from mid to late June.

Along the Ajisai Road, you'll find three "Good Fortune Jizo" statues, each with a gentle smile. It is believed that if you can spot them, they will bring you good luck and blessings. These adorable statues have a mysterious charm that will surely warm your heart. So while enjoying the hydrangeas, I recommend searching for them as well.

Although Hasedera Temple is famous for its hydrangeas, it is also known as the "Temple of Flowers" and offers various other blossoms to enjoy, including cherry blossoms, narcissus, and spider lilies. If you love flowers, this temple is worth visiting even outside the hydrangea season.

• Address: 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 6 minutes on foot from Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway

Be the Protagonist of Your Own Story! Explore Drama and Anime Filming Locations

Gokurakuji Station, Enoshima Electric Railway

Kamakura is an area known for its picturesque coastal scenery and the charming scenes of the Enoshima Electric Railway. Among them, Gokurakuji Station is a famous station building frequently chosen as a filming location. It served as the nearest station for the Kouda sisters' residence in the movie "Our Little Sister," featuring actresses Ayase Haruka and Nagasawa Masami.

Gokurakuji Station was constructed in 1904 when the Enoshima Electric Railway first opened, and the current station building underwent renovation in 2019. Its wooden single-story structure with a large green signboard on the roof is distinctive. The station is surrounded by abundant trees, making it a photogenic spot that can be enjoyed by anyone, even those unfamiliar with the dramas. The period from late May to June is the peak season for hydrangeas, making it the most popular time of the year to visit.

On the opposite side of the station, you will find the temple that gave the station its name, Gokurakuji. Although it is a small temple, it exudes a historical atmosphere, and I recommend visiting it to experience its charm alongside the station.

• Address: 3-7 Gokurakuji, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 7 minutes by train from Kamakura Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway

Kamakura High School Front Station Crossing, Enoshima Electric Railway

The level crossing featured in the opening scene of the basketball-themed manga "Slam Dunk" by Takehiko Inoue is located at the Kamakura High School Front Station Crossing on the Enoshima Electric Railway. This crossing is considered a sacred place among Slam Dunk fans, and many people visit it every year to see the iconic location.

On sunny days, the crossing offers a breathtaking view of the deep blue sea stretching across Sagami Bay beyond the railway tracks. Even if you are not an anime enthusiast, you are sure to be moved by the scenery.

In the anime, you can see the Enoshima Electric Railway trains passing through the crossing. The trains operate at 12-minute intervals, so it is recommended to time your visit to capture them in your photos. Please be mindful not to obstruct the passage when taking pictures.

• Address: 1-1 Koshigoe, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 3 minutes on foot from Kamakura High School Front Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway

Create Memorable Experiences During Your Kamakura Trip! Unique Spots for Fun Experiences

Ume Tasting Experience Store Choya Kamakura

Located just outside Kamakura Station , Ume Tasting Experience Store Choya Kamakura is a trendy shop operated by Choya, one of Japan's leading plum wine manufacturers.

At this store, you can create your own original plum wine by choosing from a variety of plums, alcohol, and sugar. With different combinations, you can make approximately 100 different types of plum wine. Once you've finished, you can take the plum wine home and store it until it's ready to drink, making it an ideal souvenir. They also offer a convenient service to store your plum wine within their business hours during your sightseeing. Due to its popularity, I recommend making a reservation before your visit.

The store itself has a stylish cafe-like atmosphere, and in addition to the plum wine-making experience, you can also purchase pre-packaged products. Enjoy the limited edition "Choya Gentei Jukusei" plum wine, which is limited to five bottles per day, or try their take-out drinks that don't contain alcohol.

• Address: 11-7 Gonyubitocho, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 1 minute walk from JR Kamakura Station

Kamakura Hachi-no-Ki (Shinkan, Kitakamakura Branch)

If you're looking for a unique experience in Kamakura, why not try Kamakura Hachi-no-Ki ? This restaurant offers shojin ryori, a type of cuisine made only from plant-based ingredients such as vegetables and tofu. Shojin ryori originated as the meals eaten by Buddhist monks as part of their practice to adhere to Buddhist teachings. Recently, it has gained attention as a healthy menu that excludes meat and fish.

Kamakura Hachi-no-Ki allows anyone to easily savor shojin ryori. The restaurant is a two-story building with a charming traditional Japanese exterior. Inside, there are tatami floors, but to ensure everyone's comfort, tables and chairs are provided. They offer both a full course menu featuring authentic dishes served in lacquerware and a mini course for a more casual dining experience. You can choose according to your preference and occasion.

The beautiful garden view that changes with the seasons, visible from inside the restaurant, adds to the delightful atmosphere and enhances your dining experience.

• Address: 350 Yamanouchi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 4 minutes on foot from JR Kitakamakura Station

Enjoy the Beach in Kamakura! Recommended Spots for Beach Fun

Yuigahama Beach

Yuigahama Beach is one of the representative beaches in Kamakura and a popular spot that attracts not only locals but also many visitors from Tokyo during the summer tourism season.

Stretching about 3.2 kilometers, the beach is lined with around 20 beach huts each year. These beach huts offer various types of shops, including ones where you can enjoy barbecue, Thai cuisine, and cafes, making it a beach where you can have fun no matter how many times you visit. They also provide facilities such as changing rooms and showers for beachgoers, which can be rented at the beach huts.

Safety is a priority for beach activities, and lifeguards are stationed during the swimming season to ensure the well-being of visitors. This makes Yuigahama Beach a great choice for families with children to enjoy the beach with peace of mind.

While many beaches have become more regulated in recent years, at Yuigahama Beach, you can enjoy surfing until 9 AM and even fireworks until 10 PM. However, please note that personal barbecues are not allowed, so be mindful of the rules when visiting.

• Address: 4-chome Yuigahama, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 6 minutes on foot from Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway

https://yuigahama.sos.gr.jp/en/

Shichirigahama Beach

Shichirigahama Beach is a scenic beach stretching about 4 kilometers along Sagami Bay and has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Beaches. On sunny days, the water surface shimmers in emerald green, making it a popular spot for couples' dates. The sunset hours offer a romantic atmosphere different from daytime. With its high waves, it is recommended for those who want to enjoy windsurfing or yachting in the Kamakura area. Shichirigahama Beach is available for use regardless of the time or season.

Along the beach, you will find many stylish cafes. One notable option is "Bills" , known for its "world's best breakfast" and originally based in Sydney, which also has a branch in Shichirigahama. Enjoy their delicious pancakes on the terrace while basking in the morning sun and sea breeze. Other options include "Pacific DRIVE-IN" , where you can get takeout of the famous Hawaiian dish, garlic shrimp. It's recommended to grab takeout from various shops and have breakfast along thebeach while enjoying the view of the sea.

• Address: 2-1-12 Shichirigahama Higashi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 6 minutes on foot from Shichirigahama Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway

Enjoyable Strolling Spots in Kamakura!

Komachi Street

A spot that you cannot miss if you want to indulge in Kamakura's gourmet delights is Komachi Street . Located on the shopping street towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, just a short walk from JR Kamakura Station, this street is lined with shops selling delicious gourmet food for you to enjoy.

A landmark at the start of the shopping street is a large torii gate with the words "Hachimangu Shortcut" written in the center. Pass through this gate, and your food adventure begins.

From ice cream and fried chicken to beer and cakes, you can enjoy a variety of foods regardless of the genre. One highly recommended spot is "Kamakura Asahina," known for its kamaboko (steamed fish cake) made from fresh seafood caught near Kamakura. Their popular menu item is "Kamakura-age," which comes in four flavors: octopus, burdock root, plain, and curry. They carefully balance the flavors and textures, create the perfect batter, and deep-fry it to a crisp. The fact that it is served on a skewer makes it convenient for food tasting while strolling.

When exploring Komachi Street, please note that as of May 2022, due to the COVID-19 situation, eating while walking is prohibited. Instead, many establishments provide eat-in spaces, so please follow the rules and enjoy your meal.

• Address: 8 Komachi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 4 minutes on foot from JR Kamakura Station

Wakamiya Oji

Wakamiya Oji is a approximately 2-kilometer-long pathway that connects Yuigahama Beach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. It is designated as an important cultural property of Japan.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is considered the cultural origin of Kamakura, known as the "samurai capital." It was originally built in its current location by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1180. The annual "Yabusame" horseback archery event held in September is open to the public and allows you to experience the remnants of the samurai culture from that time.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is located on top of a small hill, allowing you to overlook the entire Wakamiya Oji and enjoy the view towards Sagami Bay. The straight road leading to the sea, along with the two torii gates, creates a picturesque scene that is popular for photography.

Furthermore, cherry trees are planted along both sides of Wakamiya Oji, making it a popular cherryblossom viewing spot in spring. The combination of multiple stone lanterns and the cherry blossoms creates a breathtaking view for a limited time. We hope you can enjoy this seasonal spectacle.

• Address: 1-chome Yukinoshita, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 7 minutes on foot from JR Kamakura Station

Recommended Model Course to Enjoy Kamakura Sightseeing!

One-Day Trip Model Course

Kamakura is an easily accessible destination from Tokyo, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour, making it perfect for a day trip to enjoy sightseeing.

To start your Kamakura sightseeing adventure, purchase the all-day unlimited ride ticket for the Enoden Line, called the "Noriorikun" ticket. It costs 800 yen for adults.

After purchasing the ticket, head to the famous Gokurakuji Station , which is also known as a filming location for dramas. The station has a charming wooden structure that blends well with the surrounding nature, offering a delightful scenery to enjoy. If you're a fan of dramas and movies, you'll definitely be impressed by this station that you've probably seen before.

After enjoying some photo opportunities at the station, visit the nearby Gokurakuji Temple . You can experience the historical atmosphere of the temple.

Next, take the Enoden Line to the iconic Kotokuin , where the famous "Great Buddha of Kamakura" stands. This is the image often used in guidebooks and brochures to represent Kamakura. It's also a popular spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in early summer.

If you have enough time, you may also want to explore the nearby Hasedera Temple . This temple is known as the "Flower Temple" where you can enjoy various flowers, not just hydrangeas. The Ajisai (Hydrangea) Road is particularly famous, and don't forget to look for the adorable Matchmaking Jizo statues within the temple grounds.

After enjoying the temples, take the Enoden Line to reach Kamakura Station . From there, head to Komachi Street , where you can enjoy food tasting and explore various shops selling Kamakura's gourmet delights and trendy sweets. This area is also recommended for purchasing souvenirs.

As you exit Komachi Street, you'll reach your final destination, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine . This shrine is considered the cultural origin and a must-visit spot in Kamakura, known as the "samurai capital." From Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, you can also enjoy the beautiful view of Wakamiya Oji , the straight road that stretches towards Sagami Bay. The view from here is breathtaking!

Experience the Enchanting Seasons of Kamakura

How did you like it? Kamakura offers a wealth of historical, cultural, natural, and culinary attractions for you to enjoy. And one of its charms is that many of the major tourist spots are easily accessible on foot, centered around the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden).

Throughout the year, Kamakura offers a variety of delights for visitors to experience. I hope this article will serve as a helpful reference in planning a wonderful travel itinerary.

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