Kamakura – The Charming Coastal Town In Tokyo’s Outskirts

When exploring Japan, most people tend to stick to the tourist hotspots, such as Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and Kyoto.

Though these destinations are certainly worth visiting, you can end up missing out on some lovely spots by limiting yourself to these locations.

One of these underrated destinations is Kamakura, a delightful coastal town on the outskirts of Tokyo.

To persuade you to visit the beautiful Kamakura, here’s everything that you need to know about this town (see also ‘Are You Allowed To Swim In Kamakura?‘).

A Little Bit About Kamakura

Kamakura is a town nestled in the Kanagawa Prefecture, which is the second largest of Japan’s prefectures in terms of population.

Located on the outskirts of Tokyo, it tends to take between an hour to an hour and a half to get to Kamakura from Japan’s capital city.

One can take the JR Yokosuka Line to get from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station (see also ‘Can I Use A JR Pass To Get From Tokyo To Kamakura?‘).

Kamakura (see also ‘Kamakura, The Old Capital‘) is surrounded by hills. Not to mention, it is part of Sagami Bay, which also consists of other towns and cities such as Fujisawa and Odawara.

It has been estimated that Kamakura has a population of around 172,000 people.

Things To Do In Kamakura

There are plenty of sites to visit in Kamakura. From scenic natural beauty to stunning buildings, Kamakura is sure to be a relaxing destination that will keep you entertained.

Here are some of the main attractions in this incredible coastal town:

Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine

Despite being quite a small shrine, the Zeniarai Benzaiten shrine is one of Kamakura’s most visited attractions.

The reason why this location is so popular is that a myth claims that money washed in the spring’s waters will multiply.

As a consequence, it’s worth visiting the shrine to see if you can become rich!

This shrine is a rare combination of Buddhist theology and native Japanese beliefs. It will take you roughly 30 minutes to walk here from Kamakura station (see also ‘What Is The Best Way To Get Around When In Kamakura?‘).

Unfortunately, there is limited public transport to travel to this shrine, but the walk is worthwhile.

Not to mention, it’s completely free to visit.

Hasedera Temple

This beautiful Buddhist temple is sure to get you in a spiritual mood. It’s the largest Buddhist temple in the area.

It resides roughly halfway up Mount Kamakura, which offers gorgeous and breathtaking views. You can even see Sagami Bay from here.

Hasedera Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Kamakura. Over the rainy seasons, the hydrangea flowers bloom beautifully.

The Hydrangea Path is a sensational sight between June and July, so it’s worth attending the Hasedera Temple during this time.

The large wooden statue of Kannon is a major feature of this temple. Made from camphor wood and gold gilding, this Kannon statue is one of the largest wooden statues in Japan.

It features 11 heads that symbolize the various phases of enlightenment.

Komachi Street

Do you love shopping? If so, you’ll love Kamakura’s Komachi Street. These old-fashioned streets are lined with marvelous modern shops, such as boutiques and gift shops.

In between shopping, you can grab some delicious food and beverages from the various cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.

The entrance to this superb street is marked by a distinctive red torii gate.

You can get here via a 5-minute drive from Kamakura Station. Alternatively, you can reach the street from the east of the station.

Komachi Street can be quite busy, so be prepared to see large crowds.

Kōtoku-in

Kamakura is known for its assortment of temples. Perhaps one of the best temples in the area is the Kōtoku-in.

This iconic Buddhist temple has become famous for The Great Buddha of Kamakura.

This recognizable attraction is a bronze statue of Amitābha. This statue can be found outside the temple. It’s so famous that it is considered a National Treasure.

So be sure to grab a picture of the statue during your visit.

Yuigahama Beach

For people who love to spend their holidays sunbathing on a beach, Yuigahama is a fabulous place to go.

It’s a short walk from Kamakura Station, which should take only around 20 minutes. 

Its convenience has resulted in Yuigahama Beach being popular with both tourists and locals.

This picturesque beach is perfect for surfing thanks to its clear water. Moreover, this flat sandy beach is ideal for romantic strolls.

Tenen Hiking Trail

If you enjoy going for a long walk during a holiday, the Tenen Hiking Trail is sure to get you involved in lots of exercise.

This trail is snuggled in the hills north of Kamakura. The best starting point of this hike is the Kencho-ji Temple. 

This steep walk will take you through narrow forest paths, which provide extraordinary views.

You can even take food during the hike, as the trail has an ideal spot for picnicking. You may also be able to spot some buzzards above the skies of the forest.

Kamakura Museum Of National Treasures

Ideal for history fans, the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures is one of the town’s most magnificent attractions.

The museum houses approximately 4,800 artifacts that relate to Kamakura’s rich history.

The majority of these historical objects date from the Muromachi and Kamakura Periods of Japanese history.

This fascinating museum has been around since 1928. Attending this wonderful museum will give you a deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture.

The History Of Kamakura

Kamakura’s history is truly captivating. It started as a minor fishing and farming village. 

Between 1185 and 1333, Kamakura acted as Japan’s capital city. This is because it was the seat of the Kamakura Shogunate, the military government during this period.

Thanks to this, Kamakura became heavily populated.

However, Kamakura would not retain this status for long. After the Siege of Kamakura in 1333 and the Muromachi period, Kamakura was not in a good position.

This is because much of the town was destroyed.

Luckily, Kamakura’s history has remained intact thanks to preservation efforts.

The temples were restored to their former glory. Nowadays, the town provides great insight into Japan’s legacy.

If you wish to learn more about Kamakura, the best thing you can do is explore the town.

Specifically, the aforementioned museum and temples will help you to better understand this engrossing history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Should You Travel Through Kamakura?

Because it is quite a small town, Kamakura is quite easy to explore either on foot or with rental bicycles.

The hiking trails are particularly worth walking through. There is also a bus route in Kamakura that can take you to some of the most popular attractions.

How Far Is Kamakura From Mount Fuji?

If you wish to travel from these two iconic parts of Japan, it will take roughly 2 hours to get to your destination in a car.  

What Is Kamakura Known For?

Kamakura is perhaps most famous for the various shrines and temples that are located there. They offer a beautiful environment to get in touch with one’s spiritual self.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a journey to Japan, the charming coastal town of Kamakura is a phenomenal place to visit.

Even if Tokyo is your primary destination, it is worth taking a day trip to Kamakura to experience all of the outstanding attractions that the town has to offer!