🏝️Kamakura Day Trip
Our Take
The Great Buddha plus a genuinely beautiful coastal town. Best day trip from Tokyo.
Go regardless if...
You go on a weekday and hike the Daibutsu trail
More Info
About
Kamakura is a coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture approximately 50km south of Tokyo, historically significant as the seat of Japan's first shogunate from 1185 to 1333. It is known for the Great Buddha of Kotoku-in, a 13.35 meter bronze statue, numerous Zen temples, and hiking trails connecting the surrounding hills. The city also has a beach at Yuigahama popular with Tokyo visitors in summer.
Time Needed
Full day trip. A half day leaves you rushing.
Best Time To Go
Weekdays in spring or autumn for comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. Summer weekends are very busy with both tourists and Tokyo beachgoers.
Getting There
Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka line from Tokyo Station, approximately 55 minutes. Covered by the JR Pass.
Tips
The Enoden train line runs along the coast between Kamakura and Enoshima and is worth taking for the coastal views. Plan the route before you go since the temples are spread across a wide area and walking between all of them adds significant time.