What Is The Best Way To Get Around When In Kamakura?

Kamakura is located to the south of Tokyo. The small city only takes an hour to get to. Often it is referred to as being the Kyoto of Eastern Japan.

It is no wonder that tourists travel to this area of Japan. With its temples and shrines, it is a small window to view what old Japan was like. There is also the giant Buddha. 

During the summer season there are beaches to visit too. You can spend your day drinking and eating while sitting on the sand.

You can do all this while only being an hour away from the bustling city of Tokyo.

If the air is clear, you might be able to see Mount Fuji from the beach. So, if you are looking to escape the busyness of Tokyo, then Kamakura is the place to go. 

In this guide we shall take a look at the best way to get around in Kamakura. 

How To Get Around Kamakura?

You will find that most of the places that you want to see in Kamakura are located close to the main train stations. These are Kamakura Station, Hase Station, and Kita-Kamakura Station.

There are temples that are in remote areas of Kamakura. You will find that the most popular viewed temples have dedicated hiking trails.

This means that you can get to certain temples on foot. Just remember to wear shoes that are comfortable. You may also want to have a bottle of water too. 

While you could attempt the long walk, you can also take a taxi or a bus to them. However, this is not always possible so check in advance. 

How Can You Get To The Great Buddha Of Kamakura?

While in Kamakura, you may find that you are still using public transport. It is best to take advantage of it. 

If you are hoping to see the Kotokuin Temple, there is a simple way to get there. Here you will be able to view the Great Buddha of Kamakura. You can also go inside too.

Another name for it is Daibutsu. It is the second biggest Buddha in all of Japan. The biggest and most tallest is in Nara at the Todaiji Temple. 

While you can go inside the Buddha it will cost 300 yen for adults. It may seem a little expensive, but it is worth it. Even if just to say you did the experience. 

To get there: At Kamakura Station, jump on the Enoden Line and exit at Hase Station. It will take around ten minutes to reach Kotokuin Temple by foot. 

How Can You Get To The Kenchoji Temple In Kamakura?

Said to be the oldest Japanese Zen training monastery. You may even be able to see Mount Fuji from here. 

To get there: Takes around a twenty minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station.

How Can You Get To The Hase-Dera Temple In Kamakura?

This wonderful temple is on a hillside with a view of the ocean. The cool thing about this place is the Jizo Bodhisattva statues which line-up alongside the walkways. 

To get there: It is only a five minute walk once at Hase Station.

How Can You Get To The Engakuji Temple In Kamakura?

It is a wonderful Zen temple. The maple trees surrounding it make it a beautiful sight to behold. 

To get there: It is a very short walk away from Kita-Kamakura Station. 

How Can You Get To The Hokokuji Temple In Kamakura?

The Hokokuji Temple is a very popular tourist attraction. It has a bamboo forest, however it is small. If you are looking to go to a bamboo forest, go to Kyoto.

The famous one is called the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

To get there: It is a long walk of up to forty minutes from Kamakura Station. The other option is to go by bus. You can take the 23, the 24, or the 36.

It will take you ten minutes to get there. 

How Can You Get To Enoshima?

While not in Kamakura, it is close by. Here you can see Mount Fuji, and there are more shrines to visit. There are also caves, a coastline and an aquarium. 

To get there: From Kamakura Station jump on the Enoden Line and exit at Enoshima Station. It will take around 25 minutes. 

What Is The Best Way To Get To Kamakura From Tokyo?

More often than not, it will only take an hour to get to Kamakura from Tokyo. However, it will take much longer from other places.

Below you will find several ways to reach Kamakura from Tokyo (and places within). While we have included the pricing of tickets for adults, this is subject to change. 

Tokyo Station To Kamakura Station 

This route will take an hour and costs 920 yen. Once on the Yokosuka Line at Tokyo Station, wait to exit at Kamakura Station. 

Shinjuku Station To Kamakura Station

This route will take an hour and costs 920 yen. Once on the Shonan-Shinjuku Line at Shinjuku Station, wait to exit at Kamakura Station.

Shibuya Station To Kamakura Station

This route will take an hour and costs 920 yen. Once on the JR Yamanote Line, exit at Shinagawa Station. Transfer to the Yokosuka Line and exit at Kamakura Station.

Akihabara Station To Kamakura Station

This route will take an hour and costs 920 yen. Once on the Keihintohoku Line, exit at Shimbashi Station. Transfer to the Yokosuka Line and exit at Kamakura Station.

Final Thoughts

Kamakura is a great place to visit. You may find that it is more spaced out than you first realized.

However, you can use the trains to visit each place. There are also readymade hiking trails to arrive at temples by foot.

You can also opt to use a bus or taxi too.