If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from the bustling city of Tokyo, Kamakura might just be the perfect spot. Located a short drive or train ride away from Tokyo, Kamakura is a quaint coastal town that boasts a beautiful sandy beach and a host of temples that are worth exploring. Whether you’re a surfing enthusiast or just want to unwind and relax, Kamakura has something for everyone.
One of the must-visit places in Kamakura is its vast sandy beach, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or even taking surf lessons. If you’re a history buff, the town’s many temples offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. The most famous temple in Kamakura is the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a bronze statue that stands at over 13 meters tall and is a symbol of Kamakura.
But Kamakura is not just about its natural beauty and historical landmarks. The town also boasts cozy streets with nice restaurants that serve local delicacies, and unique shops that sell souvenirs and other interesting items. You can easily spend a few days here exploring the town and all it has to offer.
In summary, if you’re wondering what to see in Kamakura Japan, don’t miss out on its sandy beaches, temples, delicious food, and unique shops. Kamakura is the perfect destination for a peaceful and refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
What to Explore in Kamakura, Japan
1. Explore Kamakura on a Bicycle
If you’re wondering what to see in Kamakura Japan, exploring the town on a bicycle is one of the best ways to cover as much ground as possible. Whether you’re interested in visiting the temples or discovering the cozy streets, cycling allows you to experience the beauty of the town at your own pace.
Although there is a busy road along the sea, it is still easily accessible for cyclists. The smaller streets towards the center of the town are completely cycle-friendly, so you can enjoy the ride without any hassle. The best place to rent a bike is near Kamakura train station. You can only rent bicycles there per day, so it’s advisable to pick up your bike early in the morning and return it at the end of the day.
Once you have your bike, you can begin your adventure! With Google Maps, it’s easy to navigate around Kamakura. If you have a portable Wi-Fi device, you can access the internet from anywhere in Japan. You can mark places that you want to visit as favorites in Google Maps, which makes it easy to quickly locate them while cycling around.
However, it’s important to remember that in Japan, you have to drive on the left side of the road. So, be mindful of this as you navigate the streets of Kamakura. With a bicycle, you can take your time to explore the town and visit the places that interest you the most. From the temples to the cozy streets, there’s so much to see in Kamakura, so don’t forget to add cycling to your to-do list.
2. Visit Hase-dera Temple
The Hase-dera temple is a must-visit destination. You can reach this temple complex by cycling from the Big Buddha via road 32, which is lined with several nice restaurants and shops.
Once you arrive at the Hase-dera temple, you can walk up several stairs to enjoy the breathtaking view of Kamakura. You can also visit various temple buildings and write down your wish in a designated corner. The garden of this temple is also stunning, and there are several beautiful corners to explore. This Buddhist temple complex dates back to the 8th century and is filled with history and culture.
In addition to the temple complex, there are several souvenir shops in the street in front of the Hase-dera temple. You can find unique items at Kaikodo, Hanaguruma, and two special antique shops. So, if you’re interested in shopping for souvenirs, this is a great place to stop by.
Overall, the Hase-dera temple is a perfect destination for those who want to dive into the history and culture of Kamakura. From the stunning views to the beautiful garden and the opportunity to write down your wish, this temple complex offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out the souvenir shops in the street in front of the temple for some unique finds!
3. Sleep in a Traditional Japanese House via Airbnb
IYou definitely don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to stay in a traditional Japanese house via Airbnb. We stayed in a beautiful house that had both modern and old details. The house was built 100 years ago, but it had been recently renovated into a luxurious Japanese holiday home. The wooden carvings, paper folding screens, and the impressive wooden roof made the house look very traditional, while the nice comfy beds, sofa, and table made it hip and modern.
One of the best things about the house was that it had a sauna and hot tub included, in addition to a nice shower. This made our stay even more relaxing and enjoyable. The location of the house was also perfect as it was just a walk away from the Zaimokuza Beach. The beach was beautiful and peaceful, which made it the perfect place to unwind and relax.
The house also had a small kitchenette, which meant that we could prepare our own meals if we wanted to. This was convenient as we could save some money by not eating out every day. Overall, staying in a traditional Japanese house via Airbnb was a unique and memorable experience that we highly recommend to anyone visiting Kamakura.
4. Visit the Big Buddha (Daibutsu)
The Great Buddha, also known as the Daibutsu or Kotoku-in, is a must-visit. This iconic landmark is an impressive and gigantic bronze statue and a symbol of peace and serenity. Dating from the 13th century, the statue is no less than 11.3 meters high and is located in the Kotokuin Temple. Apart from the statue, there are also several beautiful parts of the temple to admire. To get to the temple, you can safely park your rental bicycles in front of the entrance after paying a small entrance fee.
Once you’ve explored the temple, take a stroll down the busy shopping street where the temple is located. You’ll find several nice little shops and some restaurants where you can get something tasty. Don’t forget to buy some souvenirs to take back home!
5. Onari Street & Komachi-Dori Street
You must explore the car-free Onari Street and its nearby side streets. This is the prettiest street in Kamakura that boasts various concept stores and eateries. For instance, Utsuwa-shoken Onari shop is famous for its super beautiful pottery, and HMT sells lovely home furnishings. The street also houses some of the best restaurants in Kamakura, including Slow Kamakura, Barchie’s Kamakura, and WanderKitchen.
Slow Kamakura is a must-visit if you’re a coffee or smoothie lover. You can enjoy the super tasty beverages while soaking in the relaxing atmosphere of the place. Barchie’s Kamakura is the go-to spot for those craving the best Mexican food, such as super tasty tacos and good beers. WanderKitchen is another fantastic restaurant that serves different dishes with a home-like feel.
Komachi-dori Street is another great option for things to see in Kamakura Japan. It is a bustling shopping street that houses an abundance of boutiques, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The street is livelier and busier than Onari, making it a fun place to explore.
In summary, if you’re looking for what to see in Kamakura Japan, you should not miss exploring Onari Street and the nearby side streets for their concept stores, eateries, and restaurants. Komachi-dori Street is also a great option for shopping, dining, and souvenir shopping.
6. Temples, A Bamboo Forest & Walks
There are plenty of temples and scenic spots to explore. The Great Buddha and Hase-Dera are two popular attractions worth visiting. If you’re looking to explore the area, you can rent a bicycle for several days or have a car for convenience. There are many other beautiful places to see too. We recommend visiting Engaku-ji, Tokei-ji, and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which are located north of the center and can be combined together. The Kencho-ji temple is also worth a visit during the blossom season as it is located nearby.
If you’re interested in exploring nature, you can enjoy various hikes around Kamakura. The Daibutsu Hiking Trail and the Ten-en Hiking Course are two popular options. The Bamboo Forest is another natural wonder that you can explore. It is located a little further east of the center of Kamakura. If you head towards the east, you will also find the Sugimoto-dera temple, Jomyoji temple and the Zuisenji Garden which are worth a visit. There’s so much to see and do in Kamakura, and these are just a few suggestions to get you started.
7. The Beach
If you are wondering what to see in Kamakura Japan, then you must not miss the beautiful beaches around the city. One of the most popular beaches in Kamakura is the Zaimokuza Beach, which is quite extensive and offers a great view of the sea. If you are planning to stay in Kamakura, you can also rent a holiday home near this beach. Apart from Zaimokuza, there are several other beaches to explore in the area, such as the Yuigahama Beach and Zushi Beach. You can take a stroll along the beach, enjoy the sun and sand or go for a swim in the clear waters.
To make your beach visit even more exciting, you can take a train ride to Enoshima Island, which is a popular destination among tourists. Here, you can enjoy various highlights, such as the Enoshima Shrine, the Iwaya Caves, and the Enoshima Aquarium. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches, where you can participate in various activities such as surfing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. You can easily spend a day on the island and return to Kamakura by train in the evening. Overall, Kamakura is an ideal destination for beach lovers and those who enjoy water sports.
Conclusion: What to See in Kamakura Japan
Kamakura is a beautiful and peaceful coastal town in Japan that offers an array of attractions for travelers. From its sandy beaches and historical landmarks to its cozy streets and delicious food, Kamakura has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Kamakura, here are some of the best places to visit.
One of the must-visit places in Kamakura is its vast sandy beach. You can visit the extensive Zaimokuza Beach, where you can swim, surf or just relax. Alternatively, you can visit other nearby beaches like Yuigahama Beach or Zushi Beach. A train ride to Enoshima Island is also a great way to enjoy the sea and explore various highlights.
The town’s many temples are another attraction that offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. The most famous temple in Kamakura is the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a bronze statue that is over 13 meters tall and is a symbol of Kamakura. You can also visit the Hase-dera temple complex, which dates back to the 8th century and is filled with history and culture.
Exploring Kamakura on a bicycle is one of the best ways to cover as much ground as possible. You can rent a bike near Kamakura train station and cycle around the town at your own pace. Make sure to visit the cozy streets with nice restaurants that serve local delicacies, and unique shops that sell souvenirs and other interesting items.
Finally, you can enhance your Kamakura experience by staying in a traditional Japanese house via Airbnb. You can find luxurious Japanese holiday homes with modern and old details that offer a sauna, hot tub, and a nice shower. The house can be located near the Zaimokuza Beach, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax.
In summary, Kamakura is a perfect destination for a peaceful and refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. If you’re wondering what to see in Kamakura Japan, make sure to visit its sandy beaches, temples, cozy streets, and traditional Japanese houses.