JapanFlow › Things to Do in Kamakura

Japan Travel Guide

Things to Do in Kamakura: Top Experiences & Activities

8 curated experiences — from guided tours to tickets and hands-on workshops

Kamakura was Japan's medieval capital, and its hillside temples, coastal shrines, and the iconic Great Buddha make it one of the most rewarding day trips from Tokyo. The compact city is walkable, with the Enoden tram connecting beach temples and the "Slam Dunk crossing" to the famous bamboo grove.

Top 8 Things to Do in Kamakura

1

Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple

See the iconic 11-meter bronze Daibutsu, enter the hollow statue for ¥50, and explore the surrounding garden temple grounds.

2

Hokokuji Bamboo Temple & Matcha Tea

Walk through the small but atmospheric bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple, then enjoy matcha tea in the garden (¥800 set).

3

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Explore Kamakura's main samurai shrine with its symbolic pond garden, ancient ginkgo tree site, and sweeping stone steps.

4

Enoshima Island & Cave Shrines

Visit the island shrine and the Iwaya Caves — sea caves lit by candles with dragon deity altars — on the coast south of Kamakura.

5

Daibutsu Hiking Trail

Hike the historic 10km Daibutsu trail through forested hills between Kita-Kamakura and the Great Buddha — the original medieval pilgrimage route.

6

Enoden Tram Ride & Slam Dunk Crossing

Ride the charming Enoden coastal tram and photograph the level crossing near Kamakura-Kokomae Station made world-famous by the Slam Dunk anime.

7

Kamakura Temple & Cafe Tour

Guided walking tour of Kamakura's hidden temples and neighborhood cafes — the authentic local experience beyond the main tourist circuit.

8

Shirasu Whitebait Seafood Lunch

Enjoy Kamakura's signature dish — fresh shirasu (whitebait) on rice with the Pacific Ocean view — at the many specialty restaurants near Hase Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Kamakura from Tokyo?+
Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura (55–65 min, ¥940, JR Pass valid). The Shonan-Shinjuku Line runs direct from Shinjuku to Kamakura (54 min). Kamakura is also reachable from Yokohama via the Yokosuka Line (25 min).
What is the best season to visit Kamakura?+
June for the famous hydrangea season at Hasedera and Meigetsu-in Temples. Late March–April for cherry blossoms at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Autumn foliage in November is excellent. Summer is popular for beach activities near Yuigahama. Avoid weekends in cherry blossom season (extremely crowded).
How much does it cost to visit Kamakura temples?+
Most temples charge ¥200–¥400 entry. The Great Buddha (Kotoku-in) is ¥300 (+ ¥50 to enter the statue). Hasedera is ¥400. Hokokuji bamboo grove is ¥300 (+ ¥800 for matcha set). Budget ¥2,000–¥3,000 for full temple admissions plus Enoden tram.
What is the "Slam Dunk" level crossing?+
The level crossing at Kamakura-Kokomae Station on the Enoden tram line appeared in the opening credits of the beloved basketball anime Slam Dunk (1993–1996). The gate crossing with the ocean in the background has become a pilgrimage site for fans from across Asia, especially South Korea and China.
Can I combine Kamakura with Enoshima in one day?+
Yes — this is the classic Kamakura day trip combination. Visit Enoshima Island in the morning (caves, shrine, shirasu lunch) then take the Enoden tram to Kamakura for Hasedera and the Great Buddha in the afternoon. The Odakyu Enoshima-Kamakura Pass (¥2,880 from Shinjuku) covers all transport.

Where to Stay

Hotels in Kamakura →

Itinerary

Kamakura Travel Plan →

Related Itineraries

Kamakura 2daysTokyo 5daysJapan 7days
← Back to JapanFlow