The Good Kamakura Day Journey From Tokyo (One Day Itinerary)

Planning to take a Kamakura day journey from Tokyo? We’ve put collectively the right someday itinerary for first-time guests!

Kamakura is a picturesque city with an ocean view, outdated shrines and temples, and scrumptious native meals. Positioned in Kanagawa Prefecture, round one hour away from Tokyo and Yokohama, this place is the right getaway for these wanting to flee the busy streets of the large cities for some time.

Within the aftermath of the Gempei Battle (1180–1185), the primary shogun of Japan (Minamoto no Yoritomo) made Kamakura the capital of his navy authorities, which lasted for over a century. In Japan, this period is called the Kamakura Interval (1185–1333).

Figuring out this, it most likely gained’t come as a shock that Kamakura became a flourishing city. Immediately, it’s recognized for its many temples, seashores and hydrangea flowers blooming in June.

Planning the right journey to Kamakura just isn’t simple, as which temples and shrines are value visiting relies upon extremely on the season. We’ve put collectively this information to point out you the place to go to get pleasure from someday in Kamakura, whatever the time of the yr. Let’s have a look!

Kamakura Day Journey Overview & Map

No time to learn the total information? No downside! Here’s a fast overview of the Enoshima and Kamakura day journey itinerary and a map with all factors of curiosity:

One Day Kamakura Itinerary 

Right here is how one can take advantage of out of a day journey to Kamakura and Enoshima. 

1. Journey to Kamakura from Tokyo 

Kamakura is well accessible from Tokyo by way of the Odakyu or Yokosuka Line. Make sure that to depart within the early morning, as most temples and shrines in Kamakura and Enoshima shut round 4 PM or 5 PM.

The Yokosuka Line departs from Tokyo Station (with stops in Shimbashi, Shinagawa and Yokohama alongside the way in which) and can straight deliver you to Kamakura Station for round 900 Yen. 

Should you’ve bought the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, it’s a must to board the prepare from Shinjuku. This particular ticket offers you limitless prepare rides on the Odakyu and Enoden Line for twenty-four hours and reductions for collaborating services within the designated space. 

As this information assumes that you simply’ll have solely someday to discover the entire space and see crucial locations in a handy order, it’s going to observe an itinerary ranging from Shinjuku Station by way of the Odakyu Line, going to Enoshima after which to Kamakura.

2. Arrive at Katase-Enoshima Station  

The prepare journey to Katase-Enoshima Station, the final cease on the Odakyu Enoshima Line, will take you somewhat bit multiple hour.

The structure of the station constructing is pretty distinctive and positively value some consideration upon arrival. It’s a recreation of the underwater palace of the traditional dragon deity Ryūjin, a widely known determine in conventional Japanese folklore.

From Katase-Enoshima Station, you want not more than a 10-minute stroll to succeed in Enoshima.

Since there aren’t any comfort shops in Enoshima, you would possibly need to purchase some snacks or drinks close to the station beforehand (in the event you haven’t already in Tokyo). However no want to fret! You gained’t face any bother discovering avenue meals stalls or eating places on the island. 

3. Discover Enoshima

Enoshima is a small island off the coast of Japan, a 30-minute prepare journey away from Kamakura. It has been a supply of inspiration for a number of the well-known Nineteenth-century woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, in addition to native myths.

Based on legend, Enoshima was created when a dragon with 5 heads tormented the folks of Koshigoe and stole their kids. For a lot of days, dense clouds fashioned over the ocean close to the coast till an island rose from the troubled waters, summoned by a heavenly maiden known as Benzaiten who soothed the dragon’s mood.

Your first cease on Enoshima shall be Nakamise Avenue. Retailers on this slim slope alley primarily promote avenue meals and souvenirs. Notably widespread amongst guests are Tako Senbei – octopus-flavoured crackers which might be no less than seven occasions the scale of a daily Japanese Senbei. 

Strolling up the alley, you’ll ultimately attain the doorway gate of Enoshima-jinja, the principle shrine of the island devoted to Benzaiten. You possibly can both climb up the staircase or purchase an escalator ticket to succeed in the shrine and the upper areas. Both method, simply maintain following the trail uphill from right here.

With some smaller observatory terraces surrounded by bushes, and the ocean peeking via the greenery right here and there on the way in which, Enoshima is an totally stunning and scenic vacation spot with many photo-worthy spots.

For a view from excessive above, enter Samuel Cocking Backyard on the highest of Enoshima. With the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, you may get a reduction for the Enoshima Sea Candle. It is a 60-metre-high observatory tower within the botanical backyard. Going through West, you’ll be able to even spot Mt. Fuji on the horizon in the event you go to on a virtually cloudless day.

Earlier than returning to Nakamise Avenue, discover the sharp-edged cliffs and gloomy caves within the southwestern nook of Enoshima. Among the many most well-known spots are Enoshima Iwaya Cave, which was naturally carved by the ocean, and Yama Futatsu, two mountains scenically framing the ocean waves within the background. Or ring the Dragon Love Bell, a memorial in honour of the Enoshima legend.

In whole, you shouldn’t spend greater than 2–3 hours on the island, given that you simply need to discover each Enoshima and Kamakura in someday. Should you want to discover extra temples in Kamakura (see quantity 7), it’s also possible to skip or minimize brief on Enoshima by going on to Hase-dera by way of the Enoden Line.

4. Take the prepare to Hasedera 

After leaving Enoshima, hop on the Enoden Line and lean again for round 20 minutes till you attain Hase Station. Hasedera lies inside strolling distance of the prepare station, round 5 minutes on foot. A reduction on the admission price is included within the Freepass.

With its stunning backyard behind the doorway, small koi carp ponds and a picket terrace with an ocean view near the principle corridor of the temple, Hasedera is a perfect place to take a small break. 

The temple itself was constructed within the eighth century. It’s house to an eleven-headed gilded statue of Kannon, the Japanese goddess of mercy, measuring roughly 10 metres in peak. 

Also referred to as a worthwhile hydrangea spot in June, Hasedera has a path completely lined by these blue-purple flowers. Attributable to its narrowness, entry to the hydrangea path is proscribed to those that possess a separate numbered ticket. You will get one on the temple entrance.

5. Go to the Nice Buddha of Kamakura

The Nice Buddha (or Kamakura Daibutsu) is arguably probably the most consultant landmark of Kamakura. From Hasedera, you’ll be able to attain Kōtoku-in, the temple that’s house to this large monument constructed within the thirteenth century, inside 10 minutes on foot.

With 13.35 metres in peak, together with the bottom, it is without doubt one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Japan. Despite the fact that that is a formidable and must-see sight, there may be not a lot to see in Kōtoku-in, so that you gained’t want a whole lot of time to go to this place.

6. Stroll round Komachi Avenue 

After leaving Kōtoku-in, return to Hase Station and take the Enoden Line to Kamakura Station. The prepare journey will take you solely 5 minutes. 

Adjoining to Kamakura Station lies Komachi Avenue, a small alley with plenty of eating places, cafés and outlets that promote all kinds of native specialities and souvenirs. It’s the right alternative to savour some good meals and get acquainted with the native delicacies.

Kanagawa Prefecture is legendary for Namashirasu-don, a rice bowl topped with uncooked whitebait – tiny sardines which might be gentle in flavour and creamy in texture. You’ll discover this tasty dish in eating places all over the place throughout Kamakura and Enoshima. 

7. Discover the temples of Kamakura

Relying on how lengthy you spend exploring Enoshima, you won’t have time to see the opposite temples round Kamakura. Nonetheless, in the event you do, there are tons to select from. Our favourites embody Hokoku-ji, Meigetsu-in, and Kenchō-ji.

All the temples under are situated northeast of Kamakura Station, which implies they aren’t accessible by the Odakyu or Enoden Line (and due to this fact not included within the Freepass). 

Hokoku-ji is legendary for its bamboo grove and tea home. From Kamakura Station, you’ll be able to attain this temple in round 10 minutes by bus or half-hour on foot. 

Meigetsu-in is without doubt one of the most often visited temples of Kamakura in June, due to the entire hydrangea flowers blooming throughout the wet season. It’s additionally recognized for the spherical window of the principle temple corridor, majestically framing the view of the backyard behind it. Going there from Kamakura Station will both take you 10 minutes by prepare (with arrival at Kita-Kamakura Station) or half-hour on foot.

Established in 1253, Kenchō-ji is thought to be the oldest and most vital Zen temple of Kamakura, wealthy in historical past and a hoard of a number of nationwide treasures of Japan. 

8. Watch the Sundown in Inamuragasaki

Relying on how beneficial the climate circumstances on the day of your go to are, watching the sundown by the ocean is the right option to finish this Kamakura itinerary. 

Take the Enoden Line from Kamakura Station to Inamuragasaki Station and stroll to Cape Inamuragasaki, an typically ignored vacation spot in Kamakura. You’ll cross by Inamuragasaki Station in your method again to Fujisawa Station, which makes a detour to this spot earlier than returning to Tokyo pretty simply.

Whereas strolling alongside the shore, take within the view of the ocean and the mountains on the horizon. For a good higher view, hike up the steps of Inamuragasaki Park. On a transparent day, you’ll be gifted with a incredible view of Mt. Fuji!

9. Take the Practice Again to Tokyo 

After watching the sundown, it’s time to return to Tokyo. Take the Enoden Line from Inamuragasaki Station to Fujisawa Station and board the Odakyu Line again to Shinjuku. You possibly can try the prepare schedules for the Odakyu Line certain for Shinjuku on their official web site.

Should you don’t use the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass and need to return to Tokyo straight from Kamakura Station, it’s also possible to return by utilizing the JR Yokosuka Line. 

What’s the Finest Season to Go to Kamakura? 

Irrespective of if it’s for chasing plum and cherry blossoms in spring, an in depth autumn stroll via a temple backyard or taking an image of the Nice Buddha on a snowy day, a visit to Kamakura is gorgeous throughout any season.

But, one of the magical occasions to go to Kamakura have to be the hydrangea season. All through June, well-known temples like Meigetsu-in (also referred to as the hydrangea temple), Hase-Dera and different spots are coated in copious quantities of blue, pink and purple.

You will discover out extra concerning the seasons in Kamakura on the town’s official tourism web site.

Get to Kamakura From Tokyo 

As beforehand outlined, there are a number of methods to conveniently get from Tokyo to Kamakura.

You possibly can both board the prepare from Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Line to Fujisawa Station and switch to the Enoden Line to reach in Kamakura. Should you go all the way in which to Katase-Enoshima Station you should stroll a few minutes to Enoshima Station and board the Enoden Line from there. 

Or you’ll be able to straight go to Kamakura by JR Yokosuka Line departing from Tokyo Station, in addition to Shinagawa, Shimbashi and Yokohama Station. Should you accomplish that, you should use the JR Go.

Is the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass value it for someday? 

The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass offers you limitless prepare rides on the Odakyu and Enoden Line for twenty-four hours. On high of that, there are reductions for some services and sights in and across the Enoshima and Kamakura space.

The Freepass is on the market for 1.640 Yen from Shinjuku or 840 Yen from Fujisawa. Usually, a spherical journey from Shinjuku to Enoshima by Odakyu Line prices round 1.200 Yen. As well as, each single prepare journey within the designated space comes at an expense of round 200 Yen.

Should you journey the prepare no less than three extra occasions and get monetary savings via reductions on some native points of interest, the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass shall be value it for someday. And in the event you’re planning to observe this Enoshima and Kamakura day journey itinerary, we positively advocate it!

Nonetheless, don’t overlook you’ll be restricted to the Odakyu and Enoden Line. If you wish to see temples akin to Meigetsu-in which might be situated additional away from these traces, you might need to pay for buses or further prepare rides as much as Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line. 

In your method again, you’ll additionally need to take the Odakyu Line to return to Shinjuku as a substitute of going straight from Kamakura Station by way of the Yokosuka Line, so calculate somewhat further time for that.

Conclusion – Is Kamakura Price a Day Journey? 

A day journey to Kamakura from Tokyo is completely value it. Kamakura is a gorgeous city with a protracted historical past, serene temples and a beautiful view of the ocean. Should you solely have someday to dedicate to it in your Japan itinerary, you’ll be able to see a whole lot of the principle sights.

Nonetheless, someday won’t be sufficient to see every little thing. Temples and shrines, in addition to most outlets and eating places, have a tendency to shut early, so count on to go to all of the vital sights between 8AM and 5PM.

Whereas going to Enoshima and Kamakura in someday is definitely attainable, it may be a bit too packed for individuals who like gradual travelling. Should you want taking your time exploring cities, contemplate including an additional day to your Kamakura itinerary.

Should you’re on the lookout for extra day journeys from Tokyo, try our guides on learn how to spend someday in Nikko, Hakone and Kawagoe.