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Make the most of a day out in the charming coastal town of Kamakura, only 1 hour from Tokyo, with our Kamakura Day Trip Itinerary. Kamakura has been called “Little Kyoto” by many, not least because of its numerous temples and shrines around the area.
- Travel to Kamakura from Tokyo. Kamakura is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Odakyu or Yokosuka Line. Make sure to depart in the early morning as most temples and shrines in Kamakura and Enoshima close around 4PM or 5PM.
- Arrive at Katase-Enoshima Station. The train ride to Katase-Enoshima Station, the last stop on the Odakyu Enoshima Line, will take you a little bit more than one hour.
- Explore Enoshima. Enoshima is a small island off the coast of Japan – a 30-minute train ride away from Kamakura – and has been a source of inspiration for some of the famous 19th-century woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, as well as local myths.
- Take the train to Hase-Dera. After leaving Enoshima, hop on the Enoden Line and lean back for around 20 minutes until you reach Hase Station. Hase-Dera lies within walking distance of the train station, around 5 minutes on foot.
- Hokokuji Temple
- Kenchoji Temple
- Engakuji Temple
- Enoshima
- Kamakura Hiking Trails
This is another very popular temple. The highlight is the bamboo forest, similar to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, just on a smaller scale. Getting here:Either walk the 30 – 40 minutes from Kamakura Station or take bus 23, 24, or 36 (10 minutes from Kamakura Station).
This temple is actually a complex of buildings and is the location of the oldest Zen training monastery. On a clear day, Mt Fuji can be seen from the temple. Getting here:15-20 minute walk from the Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line.
This is one of Kamakura’s great Zen temples and a beautiful place to visit in the fall. The numerous maple trees are one of the highlights of this temple. Getting Here:Engakuji Temple is a short walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Tokosuka Line.
Enoshima is an island that is very popular with tourists. What draws so many people here? The views of Mt Fuji on a clear day, shrines, caves to explore, an aquarium, and a rugged coastline to explore. Getting here:From Kamakura, take the Enoden line to Enoshima Station (25 minutes).
For those who want to hike through the wooded hills of Kamakura, these trails are perfect. Three different trails connect the most popular temples. Good walking shoes are recommended and this should only be done during dry weather. For more information on the hiking trails, visit the Japan Guide website.
- Engakuji Temple. Entrance fee: ¥400 for adults and ¥100 for children. Daily opening hours: 8:00 am – 16:30 pm (March to November) and 8:00 – 16:00 (December to February)
- Komachi Street. Entrance fee: Free. Daily opening hours: 24/7. Next, make your way to the JR Kamakura Station. You can catch a direct train here and then take the east exit.
- Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Temple. Entrance fee: Free (excluding the garden and Shrine Museum) Daily opening hours: 5:00 am – 21:00 pm (opens at 6:00 am between October to March) Gardens only open in spring.
- Kotoku-in (The Big Buddha of Kamakura) Entrance fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for elementary school kids and free for children under the age of 6.
Jun 2, 2023 · Kamakura is a popular day trip from Tokyo and we can see why: shrines, temples, beautiful mountains, beaches, and a bustling town of culture.
Nov 23, 2023 · How to get to Kamakura from Tokyo. What to expect in a Kamakura one day itinerary. Meeting at JR Kamakura Station. Eat your way along Komachi-dori. Explore Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Tako-bashi. Maiden & Main Hall. Maruyama Inari Shrine. Sample local Kamakura snacks.
The following is a full-day model course for average-paced travelers that covers the major attractions in Kamakura on foot over about five kilometers. Parts of the route include a bit of hiking , and proper walking shoes are recommended, especially during or after wet weather.
