Kamakura (鎌倉) makes for a great day trip from Tokyo, and when combined with the Enoshima Kamakura Freepass is a really cheap way to see a more traditional area. Kamakura is full of interesting shrines, great Autumn colour and cherry blossom areas, and a huge Buddha!
Top tips
- Try to just do places in the Enoshima Kamakura Freepass to save on costs. Most places are within it’s zone or a short walk away.
- It can get awfully busy at weekends and on national holidays, so avoid these days if you can.
Places of interest
Great Buddha
A huge Buddha that you can enter for a small fee. Be sure to have a look around the beautiful garden behind the Great Buddha.
Open: April–Sept 8 AM to 5:30 PM, Oct–March 8 AM to 5 PM
Price: 200 yen (Entrance fee), 20 yen (Buddha)
Hachiman shrine (FREE)
The main shrine in Kamakura, and a must see on your visit. It’s a vast complex of well maintained Japanese shrines, bridges and gardens.
Open: 8:30 AM to 4 PM (all day on New Year’s)
Price: Free
Zeniarai Benten Shrine (FREE)
An interesting shrine with some parts in different caves. Try this if you want to see a shrine that’s really different from the rest.
Open: 8 AM to 5 PM
Price: Free
Komachi Shopping Street (FREE)
The main shopping street provides lots of window shopping opportunities. There are lots of small, cheap Japanese candies to try as well.
Hase-dera Temple
Another must see in Kamakura, this is the main Buddhist temple in Kamakura.
Open: March–September 8 AM to 5 PM, October–Feb 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Price: Adults 300 yen, Children 100 yen
How to get there
The Enoshima Kamakura Freepass is the best way to get to and around Kamakura.
From Shinjuku station, take the Odakyu line (private line) to Fujisawa station, then take the Enoshima Electric Railway (different line) to Enoshima station (76 mins, free with Enoshima Kamakura Freepass or 780 yen without).
How to get around
When you pick up your Enoshima Kamakura Freepass, be sure to take the free sightseeing map. This will show you how to get to each attraction/sightseeing spot. From Enoshima station you can reach most areas with Enoshima Electric Railway.
Map
Hostels and Cheap Hotels
Kamakura Guesthouse
Very traditional Japanese guesthouse with free bike rental and large dorm rooms. Check prices at Booking.com.
Compare prices at Booking.com
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