5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kamakura

If you are planning a vacation to Japan, then no doubt you will be spoilt for choice. There are so many places to go and things to see.

One of those places is Kamakura. If you are heading to Tokyo, then you will be able to spend a day in Kamakura. It is only an hour away to the south of Tokyo. 

With its shrines and temples, you will feel like you have stepped into the old way of life in Japan. So, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, then Kamakura is a must.

In this article we shall take a look at 5 reasons why you should visit Kamakura. What are you waiting for? Let’s take a look!

What Is So Good About Kamakura?

The main draw for tourists to Kamakura is the temples and shrines. These are from a time long gone, and help visitors to see old-time Japan.

Not only that, Kamakura is a coastal area too. While the beach is on the outskirts of the small city, it is most definitely worth a visit. With its dark sand and rough seas, it is a perfect place to relax. 

You can take an hour’s train journey from Tokyo to Kamakura to visit the area as a day trip. There are lots of shrines and temples dotted throughout. 

Because the city is small, you will find it less busy. This also means that a lot of places do not charge an admission fee.

This makes Kamakura the perfect place to add to your vacation itinerary. If you are stuck on things to see in Kamakura, then read on to find out more. 

5 Reasons To Visit Kamakura

There are so many things to see in Kamakura. If you are planning a day trip, you may want to have places prioritized so you can fit them into your tight schedule for the day. 

Here are 5 great things to do and see while you are visiting Kamakura, Japan:

1. Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple is situated upon a hillside. Once there, you will be able to see the views of Kamakura. This includes the beach and the sea.

Most visitors go to see the goddess of mercy, Kannon, as well as the beautiful gardens and the cave. There are lots of steps, however!

It costs ¥300 to enter. 

2. Kotoku-In Temple To See The Giant Buddha

Kamakura is home to Japan’s second biggest Buddha bronze statue. It is situated at the Kotoku-in Temple. 

At 13.35 meters tall, it is bigger than the one you will find in Nara. What makes it even more interesting is that you can go into the statue and find out more about it. 

It costs ¥200 and an extra ¥20 to go into the statue. 

3. Kenchoji Temple 

The oldest temple in Kamakura is the Kenchoji Temple. It has many rooms within its complex, with one being the huge Buddha hall which once belonged to a priest.

There is a wonderful garden, and due to it being further away, it is not as crowded as other places in Kamakura.

To enter it will cost ¥300.

4. Hachimangu Shrine

The Hachimangu Shrine is difficult to ignore. Right in the center of Kamakura, it has beautiful torii gates which lead to the main area of the temple.

You will pass other torii gates, as well as beautiful ponds and other buildings. Do be prepared to walk up stairs to visit the first level within the temple. 

It is free!

5. Komachi Dori

While you might think that Kamakura is all about shrines and temples, then think again. Komachi Dori runs through Kamakura and is a very popular street lined with shops to delight the senses.

It has around 250 different stores, as well as pretty boutiques, cafes and restaurants. So once you have visited the historical sites of Kamakura, shop and eat!

Here you can pick up cool souvenirs to take home. You also might want to walk down the random alloways. You never know what you might discover. 

Is There A Beach In Kamakura?

If you have heard of the sand and sea close to Kamakura, then it has to be Shichirigahama Beach. Situated on the edge of Kamakura, the dark colored sand attracts many tourists. 

While you are not able to swim in the sea at this beach, you can both windsurf and surf in its rough waters. You can also relax on the sandy beach.

On a very clear day, you might also spot Mount Fuji in the distance. If you do get bored however, head to Koyurugismaki cape which borders this area. You will find a Shinto shrine to explore. 

How To Get To Kamakura?

If you are taking a vacay to Tokyo, then why not plan a day trip to Kamakura? There are so many things to do. It also is not far from the capital city of Japan. 

Here are a few ways to get there within an hour:

JR Yokosuka Line

Take a ride on the JR Yokosuka Line from either Tokyo Station, Yokohama Station, or Shinagawa Station.

It will take just less than an hour to Kamakura Station or Kita-Kamakura Station. It is likely to cost around ¥940.

JR Shonan Shinjuku Line

Or you could head on the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line at Shinjuku Station straight to Kamakura Station. It will take an hour and cost the same price of ¥940.

If you decide to take this train, look out for the trains which are on their way to Zushi. If you find that your train is not headed this way, leave the train at Ofuna Station and transfer to the train that is. 

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a vacation to Tokyo, why not plan a day trip to Kamakura? Not only is it an hour away by train, but there are plenty of things to see.

From beautiful old shrines and temples, to the magnificent beach. You will be spoilt for choice!