Top 22 things to do in Kamakura according to TripAdvisor

Although going to the beach is not easy if you’re living in the central of big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Kamakura is a seaside Japanese city just 31 miles from the south-west of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture; therefore it has become one of the most popular places in Japan for beach lovers. It used to be the political center of medieval Japan, however, today Kamakura is a prominent resort town with dozens of Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. Its most remarkable landscape is the Great Buddha of Kotokuin pagoda, a 42.6 feet-high bronze statue still standing after a tsunami in the 15th century. Coming to Kamakura can fill in your list of activities and meet everyone’s interests: Yuigahama Beach in Sagami Bay for surfing, Buying famous Hatosabure biscuit(鳩サブレー) which are shaped like pigeons, or purple potato soft ice cream (Murasaki-imo sofuto); and yet not to mention some hiking trails for mountain climbers, and many many things more. Let’s check the list of the best 22 things to do and places to go next time you visit the beautiful Kamakura.

Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple was constructed on the mountainside with views of both the ocean and city. The beautiful garden is blooming with hydrangeas and irises all year round. And because of this, the temple has also become known as the “flower temple”.

Great Buddha(Kotoku-in)

Kamakura is a city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, nestled between the mountains and the ocean. It is an area that is abundant in nature. The Great Buddha of the Kotoku-in Temple has been designated as a National Treasure.

Hokoku-ji Temple

Hokoku-ji is a Zen temple that was established 700 years ago. It has been carefully maintained over a long period of time and the lush bamboo grove will take your breath away. Drink some matcha tea during a tea ceremony and take some time to quietly view the forest.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a shrine located in the city of Kamakura, west of Tokyo. It was established in 1180 by Yoritomo Minamoto, the first shogun of the Kamakura Era. It is one of the most famous shrines among the 80,000 shrines in Japan.

Kencho-ji Temple

Kencho-ji is Japan’s oldest Zen temple, built in the 13th century. Experience the serene world of Zen while walking through the large grounds of this awe inspiring temple and viewing the garden of the chief priest.

Komachi-dori

Komachi-dori is a popular street attracting everyone from local residents to tourists. Going past the landmark of the red “torii” gate, you will find the street filled with attractive shops and cafes. You will have no trouble choosing souvenirs from the many famous local products.

Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Zeniarai has the meaning of “washing money”. The legend of this popular shrine is that if you wash your money in the spring water, it will multiply. Try praying at the spring inside the mysterious cave.

Meigetsu-in Temple

This temple received two stars in the Michelin Green Guide. Meigetsu-in Temple is famous for its hydrangeas, but what is surprisingly not very well known is that the rear garden is covered in beautifully blooming irises.

Sasuke-Inari Shrine

There’s a rising tunnel of over 100 red torii gates. Sasuke-Inari Shrine is a branch shrine of the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine in Kyoto. If you are lucky, you may even encounter a squirrel.

Tokei-ji Temple

In an era when women could not divorce, Tokei-ji gave refuge to many women who fled to the temple under a law allowing divorce if they joined the temple. Currently surrounded by lush greenery, it has received three stars in the Michelin Green Guide.

Enoshima

From historic structures such as Enoshima Shrine and the many caves to recreational facilities such as an aquarium and places for marine sports, the entire island is popular as one vast tourist area.

Jochi-ji Temple

There are many highlights such as Kamakura’s sole Chinese-style Shoromon gate, statues that have been designated by Kanagawa Prefecture as Important Cultural Properties, and the statue of Hotei-son, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. There is a deep feeling of being inside a mountain with a distinct atmosphere.

Kamakura Beach

At a total length of 7km, Kamakura Beach has plenty to offer such as swimming areas, a place for marine sports, and parks. Along with the Enoshima Railway that runs along the coastline, Kamakura Beach represents the city of Kamakura.

Kamakura Hiking Trails

Surrounded in all 4 directions by ocean and mountains, the Kamakura Shogunate was started here 1000 years ago in an ideal place that was safe from enemy attack. A hike in Kamakura provides a taste of nature and history.

Zuisen-ji Temple

The Zen Buddhist monk who designed the temple, Soseki Muso, is a famed gardener who had also taken care of the gardens at temples such as Kyoto’s Saion-ji and Tenryu-ji. The wild rock garden has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government.

Jufuku-ji Temple

The temple is where Masako Hojo, the wife of the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, Yoritomo Minamoto, is laid to rest. Except for special times (New Year’s Day and Golden Week), visitors are not allowed past the Chuumon gate.

Myohon-ji Temple

The place where Hiki’s Rebellion took place in 1203. Hokke-do Hall was constructed on the Hiki residential land which had been destroyed by the shogun, and it was here that the mourning for the spirits began.

Ankokuron-ji Temple

Nichiren, who was considered radical and even extremist at times, came to Kamakura and initially established a place of meditation. Famous writings remain of the temple that became a base for his 20 years of missionary work.

Jomyoji Temple

The Kencho-ji temple school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism was built in 1188. The main hall, which was rebuilt in 1756, and a Japanese rock garden can be observed. You can enjoy a cup of matcha tea viewing the garden, and the in-temple restaurant with an English-style garden is popular. While admiring this garden at the restaurant, visitors can also enjoy cuisine using local ingredients.

Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway)

A tram that goes from Kamakura to Fujisawa, it also passes through major tourist sites so it’s convenient for tourists. Just brushing past the edges of houses, the oceanside view from the windows is one of its charms.

Inamuragasaki

Inamuragasaki is a spot that has been selected as one of the Top 50 Places of Scenic Beauty in Kanagawa Prefecture as well as one of the Top 100 Views of Mt. Fuji in the Kanto District. On sunny days, Enoshima Island and Mt. Fuji can be seen beyond the sea, and it is also a place famous for its beautiful evenings. There is a wonderful view from the plateau in the park.

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