Introduction

Kamakura from Tokyo: Ultimate Day Trip Guide

If you're staying in Tokyo and want to experience a blend of history, nature, and seaside calm in just one day, Kamakura is your perfect escape. Often nicknamed the “Eastern Kyoto,” Kamakura offers an accessible and richly rewarding retreat from the metropolis.

In this guide, you’ll learn the best routes from Tokyo, must-see landmarks, suggested itineraries, and insider tips to enjoy Kamakura like a local.

Getting from Tokyo to Kamakura

Kamakura lies in Kanagawa Prefecture, roughly 50–60 km south of central Tokyo. Depending on your starting point and train line choice, the trip takes about 60 minutes.

Here are the main train options:

• JR Yokosuka Line — A direct and straightforward route from Tokyo Station toward Zushi, stopping at Shinagawa and Yokohama en route. One-way fare is about ¥940–¥950.
• JR Shōnan–Shinjuku Line — Useful if you're departing from Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ikebukuro. Some trains head directly to Kamakura; others require a transfer at Ōfuna.
• Odakyu + Enoden route — This route is scenic and included in certain passes (like the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass), though slower than JR direct lines.

Pro tip: If you hold a JR Pass or a regional JR pass, your trip to Kamakura via JR lines is covered.

When to Start & How Much Time to Allocate

To enjoy a full day in Kamakura, aim to depart Tokyo around 8:00–9:00 am. Many temples and shrines begin opening around 8:30–9:00. Some sites close by 5:00 pm, so arriving early gives you breathing room.

If you’re pressed for time, a half-day (4–5 hours) allows you to visit highlights like the Great Buddha and Hase Temple. But a full day gives flexibility to wander, eat leisurely, and catch hidden corners.

What to See & Do in Kamakura

Kamakura is small but dense with cultural, nature, and seaside attractions. Here's a curated list to help structure your adventure:

Kotoku-in & The Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

This iconic bronze Buddha statue stands roughly 13 meters tall and is one of Kamakura’s must-see landmarks. Originally housed indoors, the building was destroyed over centuries and now the statue stands in open air.

You can even enter the statue (it’s hollow inside) to peek into its internal structure.

Hase-dera (Hase Temple)

Nestled on a hillside overlooking the sea, Hase Temple is famed for its gardens, views, and the eleven-headed Kannon statue. Don’t miss the Benten Cave (Benten Kutsu) behind the temple, lined with small Buddhist statues.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine

This is Kamakura’s main Shinto shrine and a spiritual centerpiece of the town. Founded in the 11th century and later expanded, it was central to the samurai culture during Kamakura’s heyday.

The approach path is lined with ponds, torii gates, and stone lanterns — a relaxing stroll in itself.

Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine (Zeniarai Benten)

Often second only to the Great Buddha in popularity, this shrine is known for its “money-washing” custom: visitors wash coins in the spring water, believing it multiplies their fortune.

The shrine’s cave setting and fusion of Shinto and Buddhist elements make it visually compelling.

Other Hidden Gems & Spots

• Sasuke Inari Shrine — a quieter shrine tucked in forested slopes, with mossy steps and a hidden-village myth.
• Amanawa Shinmei Shrine — Kamakura’s oldest Shinto shrine, situated between Hase and Kamakura stations.
• Kamakura Museum of Literature — in a hillside villa overlooking Sagami Bay, this museum honors modern Japanese authors who lived in or were inspired by Kamakura.
• Komachi Dōri (Komachi Street) — a bustling pedestrian shopping street near the station, lined with cafés, souvenir shops, and local eats.
• Shichirigahama Beach — a coastal stretch where you might catch surfers or view a sunset with Mount Fuji (weather permitting).

Suggested Itineraries

Below are two sample itineraries based on available time and pace:

Full Day Itinerary

1. Depart Tokyo early, arrive Kamakura
2. Begin at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine and walk the approach path
3. Head to Komachi Dōri for a light snack or souvenir browsing
4. Visit Kotoku-in & Great Buddha
5. Walk or take the Enoden train to Hase-dera
6. Explore Zeniarai Benten Shrine
7. Stop by hidden shrines like Sasuke Inari or Amanawa Shrine
8. Relax by the seaside at Shichirigahama (if time allows)
9. Return to Tokyo in the evening

Half Day / Lite Itinerary

If you're short on time (4–5 hours), focus on:

• Great Buddha (Kotoku-in)
• Hase-dera Temple
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine + Komachi Street for lunch

This gives you a compelling snapshot of Kamakura’s highlights.

Tips & Local Advice

Walk whenever possible. Many attractions cluster within walking distance or a short ride on the Enoden train. This lets you soak up local life.

Use Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass (if applicable). This pass gives round trip from Shinjuku and unlimited Enoden train use for one day, making it ideal if your route uses Odakyu/Enoden lines.

Check train directions closely. On the Shōnan–Shinjuku Line, only some trains head direct toward Zushi / Kamakura — others diverge. If in doubt, ask station staff or check the electronic boards.

Bring cash (coins especially). Many smaller shrines, vending spots, and donation boxes prefer cash, especially for the coin-washing ritual at Zeniarai Shrine.

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk on uneven paths, temple grounds, stairs, and possibly forest trails. A sturdy walking shoe is ideal.

Time your visits. Some temples close by 5 pm. Starting late may force you to skip attractions.

Weather and daylight. In off-peak seasons, daylight hours shrink. Plan so your key outdoor stops happen when visibility is good and paths are safe.

Be mindful of quiet zones. In temple grounds and shrines, keep voices low, no loud music, and follow local etiquette.

Why Visit Kamakura?

Kamakura offers a rich contrast to Tokyo’s modern sprawl. You’ll find:

• Historical resonance — it was Japan’s political center in the Kamakura period, steeped in samurai heritage.
• Serene nature — forests, temple gardens, coastal trails, and sea breezes.
• Cultural immersion — temples, shrines, tea rooms, local crafts, and traditional ambiance.
• Ease of access — reachable within an hour from Tokyo, allows for a memorable day trip without overnight logistics.

Many travelers compare it to a smaller Kyoto in the east, thanks to the concentration of temples, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.

Final Thoughts

If your Tokyo itinerary allows even just one day outside the city, Kamakura should be high on your list. With its blend of spiritual heritage, peaceful scenery, and seaside charm, it’s a rejuvenating counterpoint to Tokyo’s pace.

Whether you choose a carefully paced full-day tour or a faster half-day excursion, this guide gives you the framework. Customize it to your energy, interests, and how deep into the temples and trails you want to wander.

Ready to go? Pack a light bottle of water, your camera, comfy shoes, and an open mind — Kamakura’s quiet paths and ancient stones await.