The Ultimate Kamakura Travel Guide : Top 10 Famous Tourist Spots

Kamakura is a unique place where Japan's rich history and stunning natural beauty come together.

Located just a short trip from Tokyo, it’s an ideal destination for a day trip or a few days’ stay.

This ancient city is home to magnificent statues, beautiful temples, tranquil bamboo groves, and scenic coastal views.

Preserving the atmosphere of medieval Japan while keeping its charm intact, Kamakura offers numerous must-visit attractions.

Let's explore 10 remarkable places that will make your Kamakura journey truly special.

1.The Great Buddha of Kamakura

One of Kamakura’s most iconic landmarks, the Great Buddha stands at about 11.3 meters tall, an impressive bronze statue of Amida Buddha. Built in the Kamakura period, it has withstood centuries of weather and is now positioned outdoors after the original temple building was damaged.
Access: A 10-minute walk from Hase Station (Enoshima Electric Railway).


2.Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

This shrine, founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, lies at the heart of Kamakura. As the guardian shrine of the Minamoto clan, it hosts various annual festivals and features a beautiful pond and bridge, offering seasonal views all year round.
Access: A 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line).


3.Hase-dera Temple

Known for its magnificent eleven-faced Kannon statue, one of Japan's largest wooden statues, Hase-dera also offers sweeping views of Kamakura and the ocean from its observation deck. It’s famous for hydrangeas in early summer and vibrant foliage in autumn.
Access: A 5-minute walk from Hase Station (Enoshima Electric Railway).


4.Engaku-ji Temple

 

Located in Kita-Kamakura, this Zen temple is one of Kamakura's five great temples. It was established to honor the soldiers who died during the Mongol invasions and boasts a spacious temple complex with a main hall, tea houses, and vibrant autumn colors in the fall.
Access: A 1-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line).


5.Hokoku-ji Temple

 

Nicknamed the "Bamboo Temple," Hokoku-ji is famous for its serene bamboo grove. The pathway through the towering bamboo provides a peaceful escape, and visitors can enjoy matcha tea while admiring the tranquil view.
Access: A 10-minute bus ride from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line).


6.Komachi Street

A lively street that connects Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Komachi Street is lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and eateries. It’s a popular spot for sampling local treats and shopping for unique souvenirs, making it a hit with tourists.
Access: A 3-minute walk from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line).


7.Kencho-ji Temple

Ranked first among Kamakura's five great Zen temples, Kencho-ji is Japan’s oldest Zen training monastery. Its vast grounds feature numerous historical buildings and offer meditation and Zen experiences, attracting both practitioners and tourists.
Access: A 15-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line).


8.Inamuragasaki Beach

　　

Located at the western edge of Kamakura, Inamuragasaki Beach is known for its breathtaking views of the Shonan sunset. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance, and the beach is a popular spot for surfers and those looking for a relaxing seaside walk.
Access: A 5-minute walk from Inamuragasaki Station (Enoshima Electric Railway).


9.Enoshima

A short distance from Kamakura, Enoshima Island is a popular attraction with numerous sights, including Enoshima Shrine, an observation lighthouse, and seaside caves. It’s known for fresh seafood and offers beach activities, making it a great spot for a coastal adventure.
Access: A 10-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station (Odakyu Line) or Enoshima Station (Enoshima Electric Railway).


10.Zaimokuza Beach

A laid-back beach within Kamakura City, Zaimokuza Beach is beloved by locals. In the summer, it’s bustling with swimmers and barbecue gatherings, and it’s also a great spot for surfing and kayaking activities, embodying the relaxing seaside atmosphere of Kamakura.
Access: A 15-minute walk from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line).



These locations capture the historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural richness that define Kamakura.

Visiting Kamakura allows you to witness the harmonious blend of Japan’s past and present.

This city, where tradition and scenic landscapes intertwine, promises a memorable experience for everyone who visits.

Why not take a journey to Kamakura, where you can immerse yourself in both nature and culture, and feel the timeless spirit of this ancient city?