Kamakura is an excellent place to visit for a day trip from Tokyo. It is situated about 50 kilometres southwest of the city on the Miura Peninsula. Located on Kamakura Bay, the beach offers superb surfing and is immensely popular, especially during the warmer months. In summer, the beach transforms into an entertainment hub with small outdoor bars popping up and plenty of music.
Kamakura is home to many notable shrines and temples, including Hase-dera, which houses Japan’s largest wooden statue of the goddess Kannon. Standing over 9 metres tall, the statue is made of camphor wood. Hase-dera was founded by Tokudo Shonin and dates back to 736. To the north of the city, Engaku-ji Temple is said to contain one of Buddha’s teeth, while the bell at Kencho-ji Temple has been designated a national treasure of Japan. The oldest temple in Kamakura is Sugimoto-dera, founded in 734.
The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the place to be (or avoid) on New Year’s Day, as over a million people gather to witness the first sunrise of the year. While the shrine is fairly quiet on weekdays, weekends can be busy, and it is a popular location for traditional Japanese weddings, which visitors may find fascinating to observe.
A local delicacy is senbei—crispy rice cakes similar to the rice crackers found in the West. These can be found at small stalls throughout the retail areas, freshly cooked and ready to enjoy. Another Kamakura specialty is Hato Sabure, a biscuit shaped like a pigeon. For something more unusual, try murasaki-imo sofuto, a purple sweet potato ice cream. Though its colour may be surprising, it is quite tasty. Beer lovers should also seek out the Kamakura microbrewery, known for its exceptional range of craft beers.
Many visitors take a ride on the Enoshima Electric Railway, or Eno-den. This narrow-gauge railway, dating back over 100 years, runs to Fujisawa and offers stunning views of the shoreline. Covering a distance of about 10 kilometres, it provides a unique and scenic way to explore Kamakura. On a clear day, travellers can enjoy magnificent views of Mt Fuji. If you wish to make a one-way trip, you can continue from Fujisawa to Tokyo via the Tokaido Main Line. Fujisawa itself offers excellent department store shopping and popular beaches, including the well-known Enoshima surf city.
Kamakura is easily accessible via the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station. The journey takes about an hour, with trains departing every 10 to 15 minutes.
