Planning to take a Kamakura day journey from Tokyo? We’ve put collectively the right sooner or later itinerary for first-time guests!
Kamakura is a picturesque city with an ocean view, outdated shrines and temples, and scrumptious native meals. Situated in Kanagawa Prefecture, round one hour away from Tokyo and Yokohama, this place is the right getaway for individuals who wish to escape the busy streets of the large cities for some time.
Within the aftermath of the Gempei Battle (1180 – 1185), the primary shogun of Japan (Minamoto no Yoritomo) made Kamakura the capital of his army authorities which lasted for over a century. In Japan, this period is named the Kamakura Interval (1185 – 1333).
Realizing this, it most likely received’t come as a shock that Kamakura become a flourishing city. Right this moment, it’s identified for its many temples, seashores and hydrangea flowers blooming in June.
Planning the right journey to Kamakura shouldn’t be straightforward, because it relies upon extremely on the season which temples and shrines are particularly price visiting. We’ve put collectively this information to indicate you the place to go to get pleasure from sooner or later in Kamakura whatever the time of the yr. Let’s have a look!
Kamakura Day Journey Overview & Map
No time to learn the complete information? No drawback! Here’s a fast overview of the Enoshima and Kamakura day journey itinerary and a map with all factors of curiosity:
One Day Kamakura Itinerary
Right here is how one can take advantage of out of a day journey to Kamakura together with Enoshima.
1. Journey to Kamakura from Tokyo
Kamakura is definitely accessible from Tokyo through the Odakyu or Yokosuka Line. Be certain to depart within the early morning as most temples and shrines in Kamakura and Enoshima shut round 4PM or 5PM.
The Yokosuka Line departs from Tokyo Station (with stops in Shimbashi, Shinagawa and Yokohama alongside the way in which) and can instantly deliver you to Kamakura Station for round 900 Yen.
If you happen to’ve bought the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, you need to board the prepare from Shinjuku. This particular ticket offers you limitless prepare rides on the Odakyu and Enoden Line for twenty-four hours and reductions for collaborating services within the designated space.
As this information assumes that you just’ll have solely sooner or later to discover the entire space and see crucial locations in a handy order, it is going to observe an itinerary ranging from Shinjuku Station through the Odakyu Line, going to Enoshima after which to Kamakura.
2. Arrive at Katase-Enoshima Station
The prepare trip to Katase-Enoshima Station, the final cease on the Odakyu Enoshima Line, will take you a little bit bit multiple hour.
The structure of the station constructing is pretty distinctive and positively price some consideration upon arrival. It’s a recreation of the underwater palace of the traditional dragon deity Ryūjin – a widely known determine in conventional Japanese folklore.
From Katase-Enoshima Station you want not more than a 10-minute stroll to achieve Enoshima.
Tip: Since there aren’t any comfort shops in Enoshima, you may need to purchase some snacks or drinks close to the station beforehand (if you happen to haven’t already in Tokyo). However no want to fret! You received’t face any bother discovering road meals stalls or eating places on the island.
3. Discover Enoshima
Enoshima is a small island off the coast of Japan – a 30-minute prepare trip away from Kamakura – and has been a supply of inspiration for a few of the well-known Nineteenth-century woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, in addition to native myths.
Based on legend, Enoshima was created when a dragon with 5 heads tormented the individuals of Koshigoe and stole their kids. For a lot of days, dense clouds shaped over the ocean close to the coast till an island rose from the troubled waters, summoned by a heavenly maiden referred to as Benzaiten who soothed the dragon’s mood.
Your first cease on Enoshima will likely be Nakamise Avenue. Retailers on this slim slope alley primarily promote road meals and souvenirs. Notably well-liked amongst guests are Tako Senbei – octopus-flavoured crackers which are at the least seven occasions the dimensions of a daily Japanese Senbei.
Strolling up the alley you’ll finally attain the doorway gate of Enoshima-jinja, the primary shrine of the island devoted to Benzaiten. You may both climb up the staircase or purchase an escalator ticket to achieve the shrine and the upper areas. Both approach, simply hold following the trail uphill from right here.
With some smaller observatory terraces surrounded by timber, and the ocean peeking by means of the greenery right here and there on the way in which, Enoshima is an completely lovely and scenic vacation spot with many photo-worthy spots.
For a view from excessive above, enter Samuel Cocking Backyard on the highest of Enoshima. With the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, you will get a reduction for the Enoshima Sea Candle. This can be a 60-metre-high observatory tower within the botanical backyard. Going through West, you may even spot Mt. Fuji on the horizon if you happen to go to on a virtually cloudless day.
Earlier than returning to Nakamise Avenue, discover the sharp-edged cliffs and gloomy caves within the southwestern nook of Enoshima. Among the many most well-known spots are Enoshima Iwaya Cave, which was naturally carved by the ocean, and Yama Futatsu, two mountains scenically framing the ocean waves within the background. Or ring the Dragon Love Bell, a memorial in honour of the Enoshima legend.
In whole, you shouldn’t spend greater than 2–3 hours on the island given that you just need to discover each Enoshima and Kamakura in sooner or later. If you happen to want to discover extra temples in Kamakura (see number 7), you can even skip or minimize brief on Enoshima by going on to Hase-dera through the Enoden Line.
4. Take the prepare to Hase-Dera
After leaving Enoshima, hop on the Enoden Line and lean again for round 20 minutes till you attain Hase Station. Hase-Dera lies inside strolling distance of the prepare station, round 5 minutes on foot. A reduction on the admission price is included within the Freepass.
With its lovely backyard behind the doorway, small koi carp ponds and a picket terrace with an ocean view near the primary corridor of the temple, Hase-Dera is a perfect place to take a small break.
The temple itself was constructed within the eighth century. It’s residence to an eleven-headed gilded statue of Kannon, the Japanese goddess of mercy, measuring roughly 10 metres in top.
Also called a worthwhile hydrangea spot in June, Hase-Dera has a path completely lined by these blue-purple flowers. On account of its narrowness, entry to the hydrangea path is restricted to those that possess a separate numbered ticket. You will get one on the temple entrance.
5. Go to the Nice Buddha of Kamakura
The Nice Buddha (or Kamakura Daibutsu) is arguably probably the most consultant landmark of Kamakura. From Hase-Dera you may attain Kōtoku-in, the temple that’s residence to this big monument constructed within the thirteenth century, inside 10 minutes on foot.
With 13.35 metres in top together with the bottom, it is without doubt one of the greatest bronze Buddha statues in Japan. Though that is a powerful and must-see sight, there may be not a lot to see in Kōtoku-in, so that you received’t want lots of time to go to this place.
6. Stroll round Komachi Avenue
After leaving Kōtoku-in, return to Hase Station and take the Enoden Line to Kamakura Station. The prepare trip will take you solely 5 minutes.
Adjoining to Kamakura Station lies Komachi Avenue, a small alley with a number of eating places, cafés and outlets that promote all types of native specialities and souvenirs. It’s the right alternative to savour some good meals and get conversant in the native delicacies.
Kanagawa Prefecture is legendary for Namashirasu-don, a rice bowl topped with uncooked whitebait – tiny sardines which are delicate in flavour and creamy in texture. You’ll discover this tasty dish in eating places all over the place throughout Kamakura and Enoshima.
7. Discover the temples of Kamakura
Relying on how lengthy you spent exploring Enoshima, you won’t have time to see the opposite temples round Kamakura. Nonetheless, if you happen to do, there are tons to select from. Our favourites embrace Hokoku-ji, Meigetsu-in, and Kenchō-ji.
All the temples beneath are situated northeast of Kamakura Station, which suggests they aren’t accessible by the Odakyu or Enoden Line (and due to this fact not included within the Freepass).
Hokoku-ji is legendary for its bamboo grove and tea home. From Kamakura Station, you may attain this temple in round 10 minutes by bus or half-hour on foot.
Meigetsu-in is without doubt one of the most regularly visited temples of Kamakura in June, due to all the hydrangea flowers blooming through the wet season. It’s additionally identified for the spherical window of the primary temple corridor, majestically framing the view of the backyard behind it. Going there from Kamakura Station will both take you 10 minutes by prepare (with arrival at Kita-Kamakura Station) or half-hour strolling on foot.
Established in 1253, Kenchō-ji is understood to be the oldest and most vital Zen temple of Kamakura, wealthy in historical past and a hoard of a number of nationwide treasures of Japan.
8. Watch the sundown in Inamuragasaki
Relying on how beneficial the climate circumstances on the day of your go to are, watching the sundown by the ocean is the right approach to finish this Kamakura itinerary.
Take the Enoden Line from Kamakura Station to Inamuragasaki Station and stroll to Cape Inamuragasaki, an typically ignored vacation spot in Kamakura. You’ll go by Inamuragasaki Station in your approach again to Fujisawa Station, which makes a detour to this spot earlier than returning to Tokyo pretty straightforward.
Whereas strolling alongside the shore, take within the view of the ocean and the mountains on the horizon. For a good higher view, hike up the steps of Inamuragasaki Park. On a transparent day, you’ll be gifted with a incredible view of Mt. Fuji!
9. Take the prepare again to Tokyo
After watching the sundown, it’s time to return to Tokyo. Take the Enoden Line from Inamuragasaki Station to Fujisawa Station and board the Odakyu Line again to Shinjuku. You may try the prepare schedules for the Odakyu Line certain for Shinjuku on their official web site.
If you happen to don’t use the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass and need to return to Tokyo instantly from Kamakura Station, you can even return through the use of the JR Yokosuka Line.
What’s the finest season to go to Kamakura?
Irrespective of if it’s for chasing plum and cherry blossoms in spring, an in depth autumn stroll by means of a temple backyard or taking an image of the Nice Buddha on a snowy day – a visit to Kamakura is gorgeous throughout any season.
But, probably the most magical occasions to go to Kamakura should be the hydrangea season. All through June, well-known temples like Meigetsu-in (also referred to as the hydrangea temple), Hase-Dera and different spots are lined in copious quantities of blue, pink and purple.
You’ll find out extra concerning the seasons in Kamakura on town’s official tourism web site.
get to Kamakura from Tokyo
As beforehand outlined, there are a number of methods to conveniently get from Tokyo to Kamakura.
You may both board the prepare from Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Line to Fujisawa Station and switch to the Enoden Line to reach in Kamakura. If you happen to go all the way in which to Katase-Enoshima Station you’ll want to stroll a few minutes to Enoshima Station and board the Enoden Line from there.
Or you may instantly go to Kamakura by JR Yokosuka Line departing from Tokyo Station, in addition to Shinagawa, Shimbashi and Yokohama Station. If you happen to accomplish that, you should use the JR Pass.
Is Kamakura price a day journey?
Sure, a day journey to Kamakura from Tokyo is completely price it. Kamakura is a gorgeous city with a protracted historical past, serene temples and a beautiful view of the ocean. If you happen to solely have sooner or later to dedicate to it in your Japan itinerary, you may positively see lots of the primary sights.
Nonetheless, sooner or later is not going to be sufficient to see every little thing. Temples and shrines, in addition to most outlets and eating places, have a tendency to shut early, so anticipate to go to all of the vital sights between 8AM and 5PM.
Whereas going to Enoshima and Kamakura in sooner or later is actually potential, it is perhaps bit too packed for individuals who like gradual travelling. If you happen to want taking your time exploring cities, think about including an additional day to your Kamakura itinerary.
Is the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass price it for sooner or later?
The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass offers you limitless prepare rides on the Odakyu and Enoden Line for twenty-four hours. On prime of that, there are reductions for some services and sights in and across the Enoshima and Kamakura space.
The Freepass is obtainable for 1.640 Yen from Shinjuku or 840 Yen from Fujisawa. Usually, a spherical journey from Shinjuku to Enoshima by Odakyu Line prices round 1.200 Yen. As well as, each single prepare trip within the designated space comes at an expense of round 200 Yen.
If you happen to trip the prepare at the least three extra occasions and lower your expenses by means of reductions on some native sights, the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass will likely be price it for sooner or later. And if you happen to’re planning to observe this Enoshima and Kamakura day journey itinerary, we positively suggest it!
Nonetheless, don’t overlook you’ll be restricted to the Odakyu and Enoden Line. If you wish to see temples comparable to Meigetsu-in which are situated additional away from these traces, you might need to pay for buses or further prepare rides as much as Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line.
In your approach again, you’ll additionally must take the Odakyu Line to return to Shinjuku as a substitute of going instantly from Kamakura Station through the Yokosuka Line, so calculate a little bit further time for that.
Conclusion – One Day in Kamakura
Kamakura is a superb vacation spot for a day journey from Tokyo. Though it’s hardly potential to see every little thing in solely sooner or later in Kamakura, you’ll have sufficient time to cowl a number of sights, savour some good meals and benefit from the ocean view.
When you have a little bit bit extra time in your palms, you received’t remorse staying within the space for 2 days. That approach, you’ll be capable to totally discover each Enoshima and Kamakura.
If you happen to’re in search of extra day journeys from Tokyo, try our guides on how to spend one day in Nikko and Hakone.
