9 Amazing Things to Do in Kamakura (And Places to See!)

If you are traveling to Kamakura, the quickest way to reach the town is by taking the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo or Shinagawa. You can also take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku and buy an Odakyu Kamakura-Enoshima free pass for traveling in and around the towns. The town will let you take train rides from the town to Enoshima Island as well, which is pretty convenient. Taking train rides around the town is also a good way to see the many things to do in Kamakura, such as temples and shrines since they are far away for you to talk from one side to the next. Now, let's move on to the list of sites you can tour and the things to do in Kamakura below.

The Kinpozan Jochi-ji is one of the many things to do in Kamakura and showcases the beauty of the mountainside and nature. Announcements for big events are made in the square hall, which is located just outside the venue. One of the best things to do in Kamakura here besides visiting this temple is visiting the other temples nearby.

If you'd like to learn about the history of the temple, walk over to the 'Kanro,' which is said to be one of the ten celebrated wells in the region. Climb up the stone steps which take you to the main hall, and you will learn how old the site is. Inside the Donge-den (main hall), you will find the three wooden statues of Nyorai, which are considered idols of worship. Make sure to take photos since the detail and craftsmanship of the statues are simply remarkable. It's one of the many things to do in Kamakura on your adventures, and you don't want to miss out.

If you're looking for a great hotel to stay at nearby, try booking reservations at the Kamakura Prince Hotel. It is very close to the temple and features a public WiFi zone too. Some of the popular amenities offered by the hotel are therapeutic massage services, a bar, meeting rooms, and wake-up call services. There is an ATM, restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool on the hotel's premises, which makes your stay very comfortable.

To get to the temple, you will have to head 250 meters south of Kita-Kamakura Station. It will take you about 10 minutes to reach by foot, and the admission fee to the temple is 150 yen. Restrooms are also available at the temple site, and the beautiful scenery is enough to take you on long strolls when you're not checking out the interiors.

Address: 1402 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm

The Hasedera Temple is one of the best things to do in Kamakura. It features a Buddhist Temple which stands at the top of a hill, overlooking the Kamakura City and Sagami Bay. It's popular for bringing in tourists from June and July, which is when the monsoon season kicks in. Hydrangea flowers are in full bloom during this time, and one of the major attractions of the town is the Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Flower Festival), which is held here every year. The temple also has a garden with stunning views and a pond too.

A tall 9.18-meter wooden statue called the 'Eleven-headed statue of Kannon (the goddess of Mercy)' stands at the main building, just inside the Kannon-do Hall. It's a popular tourist attraction and one of the many things in Kamakura as well. Take a right next to the temple, and there is the Kannon Museum, which is where the temple showcases its exhibits. An entrance fee is charged at the museum, and you will find many Buddhist figures, a big temple bell, and picture scrolls hanging on the walls. If you don't know Japanese and can't read the signs in the museum, ask for an English pamphlet since it provides translated instructions on how to tour the place.

Address: 3-11-2, Changgu, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Timings: 8:00 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from October to February). Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.

One of the many things to do in Kamakura is visiting the Meigetsu-in.

Here's a fun fact: it is considered to be one of Kamakura's best-kept secrets by the locals.

It oozes a solitary and quaint vibe, and the reason behind that is the temple's tasteful yet smaller footprint. When you walk into the temple, you will be greeted at the main entrance and be able to see a walking bridge. Head over to the Dry Garden, which is surrounded by trees, shrubs, and interesting rock and boulder placements. It's a quiet spot for drawing.

If you love gardens, go to the back of the main hall if you're looking for more things to do in Kamakura. You will find a beautiful flower garden where Irises and Hydrangeas are in full bloom during the rainy season. There are serene walking paths surrounded by flowers, and you mustn't miss the moving water bridges. A small bamboo forest is inside the temple complex, and it is the perfect site for taking photos here. If you visit the teahouse here, be sure to pick up a few Japanese phrases since there's no English menu. Another one of the many things to do in Kamakura (which is fun) is to stick your ears into the two bamboo poles planted into the soil at this teahouse. If you do that, you'll hear the sounds of ringing bells.

The best time to visit the temple is between the months of mid-June to end-July. Besides the gardens, the temple has two major attractions - the Tomb of Hojo Tokiyori and the Meigetsu-in Grotto Grave. Tickets to enter the temple cost 300 Yen during the regular months and 500 Yen in June, which is the month when it gets busy and crowded.

Address: 247-0062 Kanagawa, Kamakura, Yamanouch

The feudal era marked the period when women were oppressed and couldn't divorce. In 1285, the wife of the 8th Shogun regent of Kamakura established the Tokei-ji temple to help and provide refuge to the women who were suffering. According to the new law, women who stayed in this temple for three years would have their marriage nullified. This is how the temple came to be called the "Refuge Temple" or "Divorce Temple."

If you want to learn about the history of the temple, start by visiting the Matsugaoka Treasury. There are many things to do in Kamakura here such as seeing the divorce letter inside. There are many exhibits held around the year here also. The Tokei-ji Buddhist Statue Exhibition is a customary tradition that is held every year here.

During the June season, if you happen to visit, you will find beautiful irises and conundrums blooming in and around the temple. If you cannot sit in Seiza during the tea ceremony, head over to the special seating area for guests at the Byakuren-sha Teahouse, you will enjoy seeing the flowers, which are again, amongst the many things to do in Kamakura, and also get to explore the stunning views of this temple on your visit.

Enoshima is a small island that's perfect for romantic getaways, offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji. It is located near Kamakura and is linked by a bridge to the mainland. You can get to Enoshima by walking or by taking a boat ride. The island is situated in front of the popular Shonan Beach, and there are many things to do in Kamakura when it comes to this tourist destination.

You can take a trip to the Enoshima Island Spa known as 'Enospa' if you're tired after a whole day of walking. They have nurses and massage therapists who provide soothing services for healing back pain, aches, and arch pains. There's mixed bathing (with bathing suits on, of course) included in the spa, and it is conveniently located just atop the cliffs of the island next to a bridge. Make sure to set aside a day to go there since they have many cafes and restaurants inside too. If you want to enjoy the beautiful views of the island, walk across the Enoshima Bridge which spans over 600 meters. If you go to the Samuel Cocking Garden, you will find the Enoshima Sea Candle which is another attraction to explore. And if you're in the mood for sailing or kitesurfing, head over to Sagami Bay and have a great time. However, be wary of the high sea cliffs which are thrashed by the tides when you're out in the waters if it's your first time.

Address: Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture 251-0036, Japan

The Kamakura Komachi Dori Shopping Area is bustling with life and is an amazing spot for souvenir shopping and simply enjoying a great time. Walk around and soak in the views of the restaurants, cafes, thrift shops, and more, which are all lined up in this area. To get here, you have to go towards the EAST exit at JR Kamakura Station and turn left. Your first landmark is a red torii gate at the main entrance of the street, and Komachi Street begins from the station that points at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

If you're a fan of Studio Ghibli, drop by the Studio Ghibli Shop, which is filled with goodies and official merchandise from the films. Visit the souvenir shops to buy authentic Japanese Kimonos, knives, and potteries. You'll even get chopsticks for only 50 yen, which is a sweet deal. If you're into buying artifacts, you will find a few gems here in the antique stores. Keep looking, and don't be afraid to bargain your way to the best prices (since that's what smart tourists do).

Did you know that the street has some of the best street foods and snacks? Amongst the things to do in Kamakura, ask one of the vendors for their specialty - the Hydrangea soft serve and get ready for a delight. Try out the most popular dish in the region called 'Shirasu' and wrap up your day by paying a visit to the Tsurugaika Hachimangu Shrine.

Kotokuin's Great Buddha of Kamakura is located just 5 to 10 minutes away from Hase Station on foot. To get there, follow the Enoden railway line that links Enoshima, Fujisawa, and Kamakura together. You'll find the Enoden terminal station right beside the JR Kamakura Station.

The Kotokuin Great Buddha of Kamakura is 11.4 meters stands and is just above the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. The statue is regarded as the second tallest in Japan and was created in 1252. Enjoy the scenery around the temple by walking around the beautiful gardens and soak in the views while you're at it. There are spacious seating areas, and you can even explore the interiors of the statue by walking inside it. Originally the statue's main location was the large temple hall, but after many typhoons and storms brought down the buildings, it was reconstructed to stand in the open air since the late 15th century.

The admission fee to the temple area is 200 Yen while the entrance to the statue's interiors cost 20 Yen.

Address: 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Timings: 8:00 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from October to March). Statue Interior: 8:00 to 16:30

Hasadera Temple in Nara is just 15 minutes away by foot from the Kintetsu Hasaderamae Station. Climb up the 400 steps to the main hall and soak in the stunning views, from 200 meters on top. The spring season is a good time to visit the temple since you'll get to enjoy cherry trees blossom, and the rainy season is perfect for the Hydrangea Flower Blooming festival.

If you're planning to stay near Hasadera Temple to witness the Hydrangea Blooming festival, then you should make reservations at Yamatoya. It features Ryokan, which is traditional Japanese accommodation where you get futons laid out on tatami (straw mat) floors. The hotel is located just 0.3 km from the temple. If you don't mind staying a bit away from the temple but would like to access convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants, try out Candeo Hotels Nara Kashihara. Although it's 10.8 km from the temple, it offers superb air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi access 24X7. The hotel even has massage services; however, it does not allow smoking. Some of the closest historical monuments to this hotel are the Zuikaku Monument and Mizushi Kannon Myohoji Temple.

Address: 3-11-2, Changgu, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Timings: 8:00 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from October to February). Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.

If you're a fan of the manga 'Slam Dunk,' you will fall in love with Kamakurakokomae Station. It's a tiny seaside station that was used as a reference for backgrounds in the manga. When you visit, you will feel as if you're soaking in the same sights and experiencing the same sensations as the manga characters. The name of the station is derived from Kamakura High School, which is also located nearby here. Don't forget to enjoy the sunset and enjoy the seascape views while you're at it. There is also a free WiFi spot at Kamakurakokomae Station, and you can reach the station by taking a 2-minute walk from the popular seaside railway crossing. Most of the structures are crafted from wood, and you'll enjoy the sight of the Enoden train, which appears every 12 minutes, zipping away into different directions.

The railroad crossing is one of the most popular spots near the station. This is because this setting has appeared in many anime and not only in Slam Dunk. Just be careful when visiting the crossing since the crowds are huge, and it gets very busy.

Once you're done taking your photos for the day, head over to the Shonan Beach nearby for a relaxing stroll.

Address: 1 Chome-1 Koshigoe, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa-ken

Timings: Open all-day

There are many things to do in Kamakura, but one thing is for sure, you will have a great time immersing yourself in history and culture. Travel back to the feudal era in Japan and soak in the wonderful views of these touristy spots. We even feature skip-the-line bookings to make your stay memorable as they let you get quick access to special events that are hosted in the city, minus the wait time. Enjoy Japan to the fullest with Trip.com and have fun exploring the different sights. And don't forget to try out the local cuisine and processed meats since the restaurants there are very well-known for their delicacies.