I strive to return to Kamakura usually. Provided that it’s simply over an hour from central Tokyo, it’s straightforward to rationalize Japan’s former capital as a one-and-done day journey from its present one.
Certainly, it’s not simply re-visiting my favourite locations in Kamakura, though I do just like the nostalgia of trying on the Large Buddha for the primary time in a few years, or gazing down towards the town—and out towards the ocean—from the steps of Tosho-gu shrine.
No, a part of how I reply the query “is Kamakura value visiting?” is by asking myself it it’s nonetheless value visiting? Are they nonetheless issues I would like to find—are there nonetheless epiphanies to be skilled?
How you can Get to Kamakura from Tokyo
Taking a Kamakura day journey is simple, regardless of the place in Tokyo you begin from. In the event you’re staying in western Tokyo—so, Shinjuku and Shibuya—you’ll have to trip the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, which departs about as soon as per hour from these main stations. It is a native practice and doesn’t require reservations; journey time is round 80-90 minutes en route.
From jap and central Tokyo, in the meantime, you’ll have to trip the JR Yokosuka Line, which calls at main stations like Shinagawa, Shimbashi and naturally, Tokyo Station. It is a native practice just like the Shonan-Shinjuku Line and comes usually; you don’t have to time or plan issues out too me. Its requires simply 60-70 minutes to succeed in Kamakura Station, making it a barely quicker choice.
My Favourite Issues to Do in Kamakura
Get off the practice early
After all, should you comply with my recommendation, you received’t be driving all the best way to Kamakura Station. As a substitute, get off at Kita-Kamakura simply north of the town. Right here, whether or not you take into account the most effective time to go to Kamakura to be April, June or every other month, you’re in for a deal with. From the “hydrangea temple” of Meigetsu-in, to temples like Engaku-ji that look nice in each season, this is among the most picturesque components of the town.
Take your time exploring the shrine
From right here, an effective way to make Kamakura value it’s to proceed southward into the town on foot. Particularly, you’ll wish to snake alongside the principle street to historic Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, the principle shrine of Kamakura, which stands on a hilltop overlooking the trendy metropolis; on a transparent day you’ll be able to see the ocean. The grounds are spacious and sprawling, so I encourage you to not rush your exploration of them.
Dine, don’t sprint
Are you sensing a theme right here? Certainly, when you are probably seeing Kamakura on a day journey from Tokyo (and thus, with a restricted variety of hours), Kamakura is known as a vacation spot that’s finest seen slowly. Whether or not which means ready in line on the fashionable Tamagoyaki Ozawa, or getting a desk at Yakiniku Kamakura and gorging on meat for an hour, do your finest to savor your eating expertise.
Say a prayer on the Large Buddha
Just about 100% of vacationers certain for Kamakura Japan have the “Large Buddha” of Kotoku-in on their bucket listing, and with good cause: It lives as much as the hype. In the event you can, after driving the Enoden tram to Hase from Kamakura Station, do your self a favor and go contained in the statue, which is a singular expertise to say the least (even when it nearly makes the daibutsu appear smaller, if something).
BONUS: In the event you occur to be in Kamakura in early-to-mid June, you completely should stroll the “hydrangea path” at Hase-dera, the namesake of the Hase tram cease. I extremely suggest reserving this on-line prematurely, should you do!
Proceed onward to Enoshima
Talking of the Enoden tram, it’s the mode of transport preferable to succeed in Enoshima, a charming island simply west of central Kamakura. The unhealthy information? You’ll have to stroll about 20 minutes—and over the ocean!—to succeed in the island from Enoshima Station. The excellent news? If it’s a transparent day, you’ll take pleasure in wonderful views of Mt. Fuji en route. Seems like a win to me!
Is it Value Staying In a single day in Kamakura?
I’ll be sincere: In distinction to Nikko, the place I actually felt like a number of in a single day stays have deepened my love for an understanding of the town, Kamakura is just not markedly higher within the night or morning. Certain, I’m joyful to have watched the sundown over Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu. Nevertheless it was a bummer waking up on the morning time to see most locations closed, to say nothing of how a lot disdain many locals appear to have for vacationers on the whole.
In the event you do determine you discover Kamakura value visiting on an in a single day foundation, I could make a few lodge suggestions. A classy (if a bit utilitarian choice) is Lodge Metropolitan, which is just some minutes by foot from the station and in addition near main sights. AKAMA, in the meantime, is the nicest of the town’s surprisingly few ryokan properties.
Different FAQ About Visiting Kamakura
Is Kamakura value visiting?
Kamakura is completely value visiting! To profit from your journey, I like to recommend beginning within the north, on the temples of Kita-Kamakura, and making your method by means of the town heart en path to Kamakura station en path to the Kotoku-in “Large Buddha.” If (and provided that) you may have time, be certain that to proceed westward to Enoshima Island.
What’s Kamakura recognized for?
For vacationers, Kamakura is understood primarily for Kotoku-in, aka the “Large Buddha.” Different well-known sights embrace Enoshima Island, in addition to the truth that Kamakura is house to among the finest seashores close to Tokyo. All these elements mixed imply that Kamakura is generally called one of many prime day journeys from Tokyo.
How do you get round Kamakura?
Kamakura’s speedy metropolis heart—the temples of Kita-Kamakura to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu shrine and all the way down to Kamakura Station—is fairly walkable. Heading westward to Kotoku-in and Enoshima, you’ll be able to trip the Enoden tram. Past this, buses and taxis are the easiest way to get round Kamakura, assuming you don’t have your personal automobile.
The Backside Line
Is Kamakura value visiting? Sure, and never only one time, both. I’ve returned to Kamakura numerous instances all through the years, each to see the town amid completely different seasonal spectacles (be certain that to not miss June’s ajisai, or hydrangeas!), in addition to to expertise sights I missed on earlier visits. Regardless of this, I don’t occur to assume that staying in a single day in Kamakura is an important expertise, aside from with the ability to watch dawn and sundown there. Want customized assist planning your subsequent Japan journey? I do hope you’ll take into account hiring me to assist!