Tra-vel

Destination

Kamakura

Country: Japan Updated:

Kamakura is a historic coastal city near Tokyo, known for Buddhist temples, Shintō shrines, the Great Buddha and wooded walking trails.

Temples and historic sights in Kamakura, Japan
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When to go

Spring and autumn are particularly good for sightseeing. Hydrangeas bloom in many places in June, and in summer the visit can be combined with the coast.

Things to see and do

See the Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in, visit Hase-dera Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, stroll along Komachi Street and hike on woodland trails.

Practical tips

Kamakura works well as a day trip from Tokyo. For the temples, it is worth arriving early before the larger groups of visitors.

Getting there and getting around

Direct trains from central Tokyo reach Kamakura in approximately one hour.

Where to stay

Accommodation around Kamakura Station is convenient. Quieter options can be found near Hase and closer to the coast.

What to try

Typical foods include dishes with small shirasu sardines, local sweets, soba and seasonal vegetables from the Shōnan region.

Official sources

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