Kamakura Attractions

With only one hour’s train journey from Tokyo, Kamakura is a great destination for a side trip after visiting the bustling Tokyo. Thanks to its superior geographical location of being surrounded by the mountains on three sides and the ocean on the south, Kamakura enjoys quiet and peaceful atmosphere and has been popular among literaties since ancient times. In many Japanese films or animes, you can always find its traces, like Slam Dunk (anime) or Early Summer (film) directed by Yasujiro Ozu, one famous Japanese director.

Today’s Kamakura also attracts visitors by means of its numerous ancient temples and shrines, including Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Enoshima Jinja Shrinejia, Meigetsu-in (temple), and Kotoku-in where hydrangeas of different colors grow. In Kamakura, numerous beaches can’t be missed, either, as from these beaches Mount Fuji can be seen on clear days. 

Top Places to Visit in Kamakura

1. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

With about 800 years of history, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of Japan’s three major Hachimangu Shrines, which worship the patron saint of samurais. Other than seeing 9 delicate shrine buildings, making various wishes, like securing a job you want and gaining wealth is also recommended. You can do that either by worshiping the gods in the shrine buildings, or by buying a specific amulet. Also, remember not to miss the national treasures displayed or the old gingko tree. If lucky, you can even watch a Japanese wedding or monthly rituals in the Shrine. 

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

2. Enoshima Island

Enoshima Island can be said to be a land of love and a fairyland of lights. It is recommended for couples to knock the Love Bell together, wishing the ringing of the Bell would foster their eternal love. From October, the months-long Candle Show and Illumination Show turn the Island into a dreamy world. During the sea animal shows, with the aid of technologies like 3-D technology in the Aquarium, you will feel like these sea animals are swimming around you. Last, go to taste delicious seafood at a restaurant on the cliff while enjoying the marvelous sea view.

Enoshima Island

3. Enoshima Jinja Shrinejia

Enoshima Jinja Shrinejia worships one of Japan’s three major Benzaitens – a Japanese Bodhisattva who is good at composing music. Many artists wish that their artistic creation abilities can be improved by worshiping the Bodhisattva. Legend has it that the goddesses in the three shrines could bless worshippers with wealth, a good marriage or security on the sea. 

Enoshima Jinja Shrinejia

4. Kamakurakoko-Mae Station

Kamakurakoko-Mae Station is very famous among fans of Slam Dunk as it is the film location of the anime. The crossroad which the green trams occasionally run past and the zebra crossing leading to the ocean are the best sites to take photos with those scenes in the anime. The sidewalk along the coast enables you to appreciate the sea at a close distance.

Kamakurakoko-Mae Station

5. Kamakura Daibutsu

The 11.3-meter-high (37 feet) Kamakura Daibutsu sitting on a 2.05-meter-high (6.73 feet) base is the second-highest copper Buddha statue in Japan. It has been more than 700 years old. The relatively flat face, comparatively low bun, and leaning-forward body of the statue are all typical characteristics of those in the Kamakura Period (1185 – 1333). The most interesting thing is that you can go inside the statue as it is hollow. From the big pair of grass shoes, which weigh about 100 pounds, you can feel the respect of local people toward the statue.

Kamakura Daibutsu

6. Hasedera

The Temple is well-known for the grand sea of hydrangea. On the path leading to the temple grow about 2,500 hydrangeas of 40 breeds, which helps the temple earn the reputation of the Western Final Elysion in Kamakura. Visitors can also see the coastline from the temple as it is backed on mountains and faces the ocean. In the temple, various activities would be held for visitors, such as copying Buddhist scriptures and tracing portraits. Last but not least, remember to visit the 9.18- meter-high (30 feet) Buddha statue of Avalokitesvara, which is the largest wooden Avalokitesvara statue in Japan.

Other Tourist Attractions in Kamakura

1. Meigetsu-in

Meigetsu-in is most famous for its hydrangea flowers in early June and July. Apart from the typical purple hydrangeas, you can also see pink and white ones. There is a Japanese style garden in the temple and the temple buildings on mountain slopes are surrounded by high trees and characterized by huge round windows, from which you can see the scenery of the garden. The temple would hold Buddhism or teaism activities for visitors, such as copying Buddhist scriptures and meditation. 

2. Kamakura Museum of Literature

Kamakura Museum of Literature was originally the personal villa of one former government official and now displays the manuscripts of many famous Japanese writers, including Kawabata Yasunari and Akutagawa Ryunosuke. The Museum is also the prototype of the mansion of the protagonist in Yukio Mishima’s last novel – Spring Snow. 

3. Komachi-dori Street

Komachi-dori Street is like a paradise of shopping and delicious food. Various craft shops, clothes shops, and restaurants line along the Street. You can taste different delicious cuisines here.

Komachi-dori Street

4. Shichirigahama Beach

On clear days, the Mount Fuji can be seen from Shichirigahama Beach. Many sea sports lovers would come here to go surfing or go sailing. Don’t hesitate to join them if you like it. 

5. Engaku-ji

The temple has a story with the Japanese writer, Natsume Soseki. The writer once practiced meditation, hoping to relieve the spiritual suffering here. In front of the temple, there is a stele which recorded this writer’s experience here. 

Itinerary Recommendation

Two days are enough to visit most tourist attractions in Kamakura. 

Day 1

Meigetsu-in → Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (10 mins: walking + by bus) → Komachi-dori Street ( 5 mins’ walk) → Hasedera (18 mins: walking + by bus) → Kamakura Daibutsu (8 mins’ walk) → Shichirigahama Beach ( 23 mins: walking + by train )

Day 2

Kamakurakoko-Mae Station (9 mins: walking + by train) → Enoshima Island ( 26 mins: walking + by bus) → head to your next destination

On the first day, you can first go to Meigetsu-in to appreciate the beautiful hydrangeas, then go to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine to worship the patron saint of samurais or watch monthly rituals. Later, go to Komachi-dori Street where you can have your lunch or do some shopping. 

In the afternoon, first, go to Hasedera to visit the Avalokitesvara statue with 11 faces and then visit the second-highest copper statue of Japan, Kamakura Daibutsu. At the end of the first day, go to Shichirigahama Beach to watch the Mount Fuji in the distance. 

On the second day, you can first visit Kamakurakoko-Mae Station to take photos, and take Enoden Line and bus to visit Enoshima Island and the Enoshima Jinja Shrinejia on the Island. 

Tip

In Kamakura, many scenic spots can be reached by Enoden Line. If you plan to travel by Enoden Line frequently, it’s highly advised to buy a NORIORIKUN – Enoden 1-Day Pass Ticket, which allows you to take the train unlimitedly within a day.