Travelling with others can be an amazing way to build memories — but let’s be honest, it also comes with its challenges. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few lessons (sometimes the hard way) about how to make group trips smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re the planner, the laid-back one, or somewhere in between, here are some things to keep in mind.

Be clear about expectations upfront — especially when it comes to budget. It can be really frustrating when someone agrees to a certain amount, then keeps adjusting it downward. If you’re the one planning, it puts you in a tough spot.

Set a realistic range from the start, and make sure everyone’s truly on board. It’s okay to ask:

“Are you sure you’re okay with this plan?”
This helps avoid resentment later and creates space for people to speak up if they’re unsure.

When I’m planning a trip, I like to make sure everyone is really okay with the plan because I want them to enjoy the trip too. But I won’t know if they aren’t responsive — and that can lead to confusion or disappointment later on.

If you’re travelling with others, please reply promptly to messages and questions about plans or changes. Even a quick “Sounds good!” or “I’m okay with this” helps keep things moving smoothly.

Good communication upfront saves a lot of headaches down the road.

Not everyone moves at the same pace or wants to see the same things. I’ve learned to adjust my plans depending on who I’m with. If someone needs more rest or slower mornings, I’ll ease up on the itinerary.

But that doesn’t mean you should cater everything around others. Be open to splitting up for parts of the day — it’s totally fine to do your own thing sometimes. You might even stumble upon something unexpectedly special.

And remember: just because you’ve travelled well with someone before doesn’t mean it’ll always be the same. People change. Travel styles shift. And sometimes, you might realize you’re not compatible travel buddies — even if you’re great friends.

Coming from an accounting background, I highly recommend tracking expenses as you go — don’t wait until the end of the trip when things get fuzzy. I use Splitwise, which helps keep everything transparent and fair.

Try to key in costs during a break or right after a purchase, and remind each other to do the same. You don’t want to end up forgetting that ice cream or taxi ride — it adds up!

And if you’re the one paying for most things upfront, don’t feel like you need to handle all the tracking yourself. Others should chip in by helping to log expenses too, not just leave it all to the person who footed the bill. A little teamwork goes a long way — and it prevents awkward money conversations later.

When I travel with my mom, she helps to key in expenses even if I’m the one paying — and I honestly really appreciate it. It lightens the load and is one less thing I have to do. It’s a small act, but it shows we’re in it together.

If you naturally take the lead in organizing — great! But if you have strong opinions or high expectations, be mindful of how you respond to other people’s ideas.

I’m guilty of this myself — sometimes I reject suggestions or change plans without much discussion. But I’ve learned that doing this can make others stop offering input altogether, which builds quiet frustration.

So if you want control, own it — but also be kind. If you’re open to sharing the load, divide up tasks like transport, meals, or daily routes.

Not everyone has the same planning style, and that’s okay. But don’t discredit what others can contribute, even if they’re not the “planner type.” Some people are great at spotting things you might miss, asking questions, or staying calm in tough situations.

Let’s be real: disagreements are bound to happen. People are tired, hungry, or stressed. That doesn’t give anyone a pass to snap or lash out.

If something’s bothering you, talk about it — but not in anger. Otherwise, people get defensive and can’t hear your side. And some people might still not understand where you’re coming from, and that’s okay too. If it becomes a pattern, maybe they’re not the best person for future trips.

The key is to be honest and kind. Don’t bottle things up, but also don’t unload in a way that hurts others.

Even if someone’s help doesn’t meet your planning standards, try to be thankful they tried. If you keep dismissing their efforts, they’ll stop offering — and then you can’t be upset when they don’t help.

Group trips aren’t just about the sights — they’re about how you navigate together. So learn to accept a bit of imbalance, and be okay carrying more of the load sometimes. It’s all part of the experience.

Travelling with others will always come with ups and downs, but with the right mindset — clear communication, flexibility, and a bit of grace — it can be incredibly rewarding. You grow not just as a traveller, but as a person.

Nestled in the heart of Fukushima Prefecture, Aizu is a picturesque region known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and peaceful rural charm. Surrounded by mountains and traditional towns, it offers a serene escape full of nature and culture. One detail that stayed with me was the sight of charming old-school train stations scattered throughout the area.

Day 1:

09:15 Train from Koriyama to Inawashiro

10:20 Bus from Inawashiro to Goshikinuma Ponds

11:00 Goshikunuma Ponds

13:30 Bus from Goshikinuma Ponds to Inawashiro Station

14:52 Train from Inawashiro to Aizu Wakamatsu

15:50 Bus from Aizu Wakamatsu to Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso (Accomodation)

Day 2:

09:50 Tonohetsuri

10:15 Yunokamionsen Station

10:30 Bus to Ouchi Juku

10:50 Ouchi Juku

12:35 Bus back to Yunokamionsen Station

13:29 Train and bus to Tsurugajo

14:30 Tsurugajo

16:30 Left Tsurugajo to head back to Koriyama

This is for those who like looking at pictures more than words. I usually do pretty detailed stories of my trip.

Part 1|Part 2

The nearest Shinkansen stop to Aizu is Koriyama Station, which is accessible via the JR East Tohoku Shinkansen line. From there, you can take local trains or buses into the Aizu region. Since we had the JR East Tohoku Pass, our train rides were covered.

Once in the Aizu area, I highly recommend getting the Aizu Gurutto Card if you’re planning to explore for two days. It costs 2720 yen and covers unlimited rides on local trains and buses within the area, including the bus to Goshikinuma Ponds from Inawashiro. It’s a digital ticket you can purchase online and show directly from your phone—just make sure you have mobile data to refresh the page when needed. The instructions are clear and it’s super easy to use.

You also get discounts at certain attractions and even the occasional freebie at restaurants or hotels, making it great value for anyone sightseeing around Aizu.

Here’s a breakdown of my transport costs and how much I saved using the Aizu Gurutto Card:

Note: There is a bus from Yunokamionsen Station to Ouchi-juku, but it’s not included in the Aizu Gurutto Pass. There is a separate pass specifically for the Ouchi-juku area, but in my case, the Gurutto Pass offered better value based on the places I visited.

Below is a screenshot of the Aizu Gurutto Pass which you just show the driver when you get on and off the train or bus.

Goshikinuma means Five Colored Ponds—and that’s exactly what you’ll find. Tucked within Bandai-Asahi National Park, this group of volcanic ponds was formed after the eruption of Mount Bandai in 1888. Thanks to the minerals left behind, each pond has its own unique hue, from vibrant turquoise to deep greens and blues.

The area is popular for its walking trail, a mostly flat 4 km route that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass five main ponds: Aonuma, Bentennuma, Midoronuma, Akanuma, and Bishamonnuma—each one offering a different shade and reflection depending on the weather and lighting.

The trail is mostly flat and peaceful, winding through forest and along quiet ponds. When I visited, it was muddy from the rain and colder than expected, with patches of lingering snow—so do be cautious if the path is slippery. I actually slipped and twisted my ankle right at the end, just as we were exiting the park (great timing, at least!). Even then, the stillness and soft colors of the ponds made the walk feel magical.

The easiest way to reach Goshikinuma is by bus from Inawashiro Station, which is accessible via the JR Ban’etsu West Line. From the station, you can take a local bus heading towards Urabandai.

If you’re using the Aizu Gurutto Card, the bus fare is covered.

For the walking trail, I started at the Urabandai Kogen-eki Bus Stop, located right next to the Urabandai Bussankan, a small tourist center that sells local souvenirs and even has a ramen shop inside (a good place to fuel up before the walk!). I ended the trail at Goshikinuma Iriguchi Bus Stop, which worked perfectly as both stops are along the same bus route.

Tip: If you’re planning to walk the trail one way, make sure to time your visit so you don’t miss the return bus. Buses aren’t super frequent, especially outside of peak season.

With 50 minutes to kill (and a freshly twisted ankle), we needed somewhere warm to wait for our train. Just across from Inawashiro Station, Manpe Café—a cute, old-school spot run by a sweet elderly lady—was the perfect hideout. It’s close enough that even I could hobble back in time without missing the train.

We ordered a Matcha Ore (600 yen), Lemon Tea (500 yen), and a Soufflé Pancake (600 yen). The drinks were especially comforting in the cold, but the highlight was definitely the pancake. While not the super jiggly kind you might expect, it was still soft, fluffy, and not overly sweet—just the way I like it. I’d absolutely recommend giving it a try if you stop by.

Manpe Address:
Ogida-12-12 Chiyoda, Inawashiro, Yama District, Fukushima 969-3133, Japan

Opening Hours:
08:00-17:00

Yes—this is the ryokan that people often say resembles the Infinity Castle from Demon Slayer, and I can definitely see why. With its multi-level walkway leading to the red open atrium, and dramatic lighting, it feels like something out of an anime. I’ll admit, this is one of the most beautiful ryokans I’ve ever stayed at.

When you check in during the afternoon, you’re even welcomed by a live shamisen performance echoing through the atrium—which makes you feel even more like you’ve stepped right into the Infinity Castle itself.

The room was huge, with plenty of space to stretch out, and it came with its own private shower and toilet—always a plus in a traditional ryokan. Best of all, it had a beautiful view overlooking the river and the valley behind the building. I spent some time just sitting by the window, letting the view distract me from my very swollen ankle. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive—after I told them about my injury, they brought me ice and even offered cooling patches, which honestly saved me for the rest of the night

A Kaiseki dinner was included in our package—and yes, there were three portions even though there were only two of us. Because it was Golden Week, there were no two-person rooms left, so we ended up booking a room for three. That meant three servings of dinner. Technically, we could have asked for just two portions… but what kind of Singaporeans would we be if we turned down extra food?

We tried our best but couldn’t finish everything. I’ll admit we were very full—but I wasn’t about to complain about the bonus sashimi. The food was overall really good, though some dishes were a bit on the heavier side. The beef, for example, was great quality with a nice marbling of fat—just a little too fatty for my personal taste.

Breakfast was a buffet spread—much lighter than dinner, and honestly, I really enjoyed it. Special mention goes to their original dish of fresh egg on rice: they topped warm rice with fluffy whipped egg whites and a raw yolk, then torched it lightly to give it that wok hei aroma. Simple, but surprisingly satisfying.

The onsen area was spacious and relaxing, with both indoor and outdoor baths. The open-air onsen faced the valley, making it the perfect spot to soak while taking in the scenic view. They also had a sauna with a unique twist—you lie down on a bed of warm stones, which was surprisingly soothing.

Ookawaso offers free shuttle service to and from Ashinomaki Onsen Station, but you’ll need to reserve it in advance. Just a heads-up—the station isn’t actually near the onsen town itself. It’s about a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute bus ride away. If you’re coming from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, there’s also a direct bus that takes around 40 minutes—that’s the option we took to reach Ookawaso.

Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso
Address:
Japan, 〒969-5147 Fukushima, Aizuwakamatsu, Otomachi Oaza Ashinomaki, 字下平９８４

Special mention goes to Ashinomaki Onsen Station. Like many along the Aizu Line, it’s a quaint and picturesque stop—but what makes it extra special is its cat station masters. Yes, actual cats! If you’re a cat lover, this place is a must-visit.

On the day we visited, Sakura was on duty! While photos aren’t allowed, they do place the station master on the yello bench by the tracks before the train arrives, so you can say a quick hello.

Here’s a bonus shot of the cat-themed train on the Aizu Line, inspired by its beloved station masters. Who knows—you might just ride it on your visit!

I should mention that I’m not sure what hours the cat station masters are there or if they’re there every day. When we visited, it was around 9:30 a.m. on a Thursday morning.

Tō-no-Hetsuri literally means “cliff overlooking a river,” and it lives up to the name. This striking natural formation stretches about 200 metres, with dramatic, jagged cliffs that have been sculpted over millions of years by erosion. It truly a beautiful sight and the quiet walk along the river makes you wonder why this place is not mentioned more often as a place to visit.

There’s a bridge across the river for a closer look, but we had to rush for our train and couldn’t explore further. It’s definitely a place we wished we had more time to enjoy.

It’s not a big site and doesn’t take long to explore, but it’s peaceful and defnitely worththe stop. And if you’re visiting in autumn, I hear the fall foliage here is something else.

To-no-hetsuri
Opening Hours:
24 Hours

Admission:
Free

Step back in time at Ouchi-Juku, a former Edo-period post town where thatched-roof houses still line the main street. Many of the buildings now serve as shops selling handmade crafts and local specialties, preserving the charm of old Japan.

At the end of the main street, a flight of stairs leads up to a small shrine—and the best viewpoint of the village. The steps might look intimidating, but don’t worry—there’s an easier, gentler path to the left if you’d rather skip the workout.

Here’s the shot of the village from the viewpoint. 

One of the unique local dishes to try is Negi Soba—buckwheat noodles eaten with a long green onion instead of chopsticks. (Don’t worry, they still give you proper chopsticks too!) You can eat the onion, but be warned—it’s spicy and packs a punch. It’s a quirky experience and makes for a fun photo. Several shops along the street serve it, so I just went with the one that had the shortest queue.

You can take a train to Yunokamionsen Station. After exiting the station, turn left and head down the sloped path—you’ll soon see the bus stop for the Saruyu-go Bus, which goes to Ouchi-Juku. You can find the bus timings on their website. If possible, try to book tickets in advance, as priority is given to those with reservations. That said, I honestly had no idea how to reserve them—we were lucky there weren’t many people when we arrived, and on the return trip we got there early enough to get a seat.

Do note: This bus isn’t covered by the Aizu Gurutto Card. A round-trip ticket costs 1100 yen. There’s also a discount combo ticket that includes the train ride from Aizu-Wakamatsu, but again, the information is only available in Japanese.

Ouchi-Juku
Admission:
Free

Tsurugajo Castle is one of Aizu-Wakamatsu’s most iconic landmarks. While the current structure is a reconstruction, it’s been beautifully restored and offers panoramic views from the top. Its distinctive red tile roof—uncommon in Japan—stands out against the crisp white walls, said to resemble a crane (“tsuru” means crane in Japanese), which is how the castle got its name.

Inside, the castle museum offers a glimpse into the region’s samurai heritage, with artifacts, historical displays, and exhibits on the Boshin War. I especially enjoyed seeing the unique helmets worn by the feudal lords of the castle—they were unlike anything I’d seen before.

Before you exit the castle, don’t miss the large gift shop near the exit—it’s a great place to pick up local Fukushima specialties, souvenirs, and treats to bring home.

After exploring the castle, we walked over to Rinkaku Tea House, a quiet retreat tucked in the castle grounds. The tea house has historical significance too—it was once used by the feudal lords—and offers a serene spot to take in the scenery.

We were lucky to catch a lovely view of the castle framed by the last of the cherry blossoms from here.

Tsurugajo
Opening Hours:
08:30-17:00

Admission:
410 yen (Castle Tower )
520 yen (Castle Tower + Rinkaku Teahouse set ticket)
With the Aizu Gurutto Card, the set ticket is discounted to 410 yen.

Enoshima is a charming little island just off the coast of Kamakura, easily accessible from Enoshima Station by foot or bus. When I first arrived, I honestly wasn’t quite sure what to expect—what to see, where to start, or how much time I’d need. If you’re feeling the same, don’t worry! I’ve put together this itinerary to help guide your own visit, filled with highlights, tips, and little discoveries that made my trip memorable.

9:20 Arrived at Enoshima Station

9:45 Arrived at Enoshima

9:55 Enoshima Escar

10:10 Samuel Cocking Garden

10:25 Enoshima Sea Candle

11:10 Break at Lon Cafe

12:15 Iwaya Caves

13:10 Lunch

15:00 Back at Enoshima Station

If you prefer a quick overview, check out my Instagram story highlights:

There are two main ways to reach Enoshima Station. The first—and most scenic—is by taking the Enoden Line from Kamakura Station. Do note that trains along this route can get quite crowded, especially in the afternoon, so it’s best to go early if you want a more comfortable ride.

The second option is to take the Shonan Monorail from Ōfuna Station. It’s actually a pretty unique experience—unlike most trains, this is a suspended monorail, which means the train hangs below the track instead of riding on top of it.

From the station, you’ll walk through a lively street lined with shops before reaching an underpass that leads to the bridge connecting to the island. While there is a bus option, most people opt for the easy 20-minute walk.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance—I did, and it was easily my favorite photo of the day. Just five minutes later, the clouds rolled in and it disappeared.

Along the bridge to the island, there’s actually a small boat service that takes you to the far side of Enoshima, near the Iwaya Caves. I didn’t take it myself, but it’s a good option if you’d prefer to skip the long walk across the island.

The main way to get around the island is to walk. Enoshima is a hilly island so to get from one side to the other you have to climb up and down and there are quite a lot of stairs. So it can be difficult.

As you enter Enoshima and stroll down the main street, Benzaiten Nakamise Street, you’ll arrive at the base of the stairs leading up to Enoshima Shrine. From there, you can choose which path to take.

The path to the right will bring you to the back of the island where the Shrine Okutsumiya and Iwaya Caves are at. 

The Enoshima Escar is the first outdoor escalator in Japan built in 1954. It consists of three escalators that take you up to the Sea Candle and Samuel Cocking Garden. However, they are one-way only—so you’ll need to make your own way back down.

Between each escalator, there’s a short walk to the next one—but it’s a nice chance to enjoy the views along the way.

You can pay for the use of the 3 escalators but there are also passes that include other attractions. More information can be found on the Discover Fujisawa Website.

I purchased the Enoshima 1-Day Ticket for 1,100 yen, which includes access to the Escar (360 yen), Sea Candle and Samuel Cocking Garden (500 yen), and Iwaya Caves (500 yen). Without the pass, it would have cost 1,360 yen in total—so you save a bit.

I do like to walk but personally I would recommend the Escar as it saves time and energy.

Enoshima Escar
Opening Hours:
08:50-19:05

Fare:
360 yen

Enoshima Shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, wealth, and knowledge. It’s actually made up of three main shrines—Hetsunomiya, Nakatsunomiya, and Okutsunomiya—scattered across the island.

To be honest, I didn’t know this at the time. But as I made my way to the other attractions, I ended up passing by all three shrines—which is how I managed to capture photos of each without even realizing it!

Enoshima Shrine
Opening Hours:
24 Hours

Samuel Cocking was a British merchant who built his residence on Enoshima, along with a 10,000m² botanical garden filled with rare plants from around the world. After his death, the garden fell into ruin, but it was later purchased by the city of Fujisawa and beautifully restored into the garden you see today.

The garden hosts various seasonal events, many of which feature beautiful night illuminations. When I visited, the Enoshima Art Festival was taking place, so there were several artistic structures set up throughout the garden. I didn’t stay until nightfall, but I can only imagine how beautiful it must have looked all lit up.

Do note that during such events, if you enter or leave the garden at night, there may be an additional fee.

Since the garden is located at the top of Enoshima, it offers beautiful views of the coastline. This photo was taken just outside Lon Café, where I took a short break to escape the heat.

Samuel Cocking Garden
Opening Hours:
9:00-20:00

Admission:
Free except at night during events

This cute little café inside the Samuel Cocking Garden offers great views and tasty food—perfect for a break in the middle of exploring. Their specialty is French toast, served in a variety of flavours. I went for the Apple Pie with Gorgonzola French toast and added an iced milk tea to make it a set. The toast cost 1,595 yen, with the set drink adding 220 yen (other drinks cost more). It’s a bit pricey for the portion size, but the flavour was great and the view made it worth it—a lovely spot to escape the sun for a while.

I arrived around 11 a.m. and it was already quite full. When I passed by earlier at 10 a.m., only a few tables were taken—so it’s best to go early if you want a quieter experience or hope to snag a terrace seat.

LON Cafe
Opening Hours:
Weekdays 10:00-20:00
Weekends: 09:00-20:00

The Sea Candle is a lighthouse and observation tower standing 59.8 meters tall, built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Enoshima Electric Railway. Both its indoor and outdoor decks offer spectacular panoramic views of the sea, the coastline, and even Mount Fuji on clear days.

After passing the entrance gate, you can take the elevator up to the indoor observation deck. To reach the outdoor deck, however, you’ll need to climb a flight of stairs, as the elevator doesn’t go all the way up.

The view of the city and the bridge to Enoshima.

Sea Candle
Opening Hours:
09:00-20:00

Admission:
500 yen

Located on the southern side of Enoshima, the Iwaya Caves were formed over time by the powerful erosion of ocean waves against the island’s cliffs. There are two caves to explore, the first being 152m while the second is 56m.

In the first cave, you’re given a small candle to light your way—but don’t worry, it’s not completely dark, and you can still see where you’re going. Inside, there are two main paths: one leads to the legendary birthplace of Enoshima Shrine, and the other is said to connect to the Narusawa Ice Cave at the foot of Mount Fuji.

To reach the second cave, you’ll need to walk along an outdoor path. Don’t miss the Turtle Rock, or Kame-Ishi, along the way—it really does look like a turtle! See if you can spot it. Inside the second cave, you’ll find a large statue of a dragon, which honors the legendary dragon associated with Enoshima’s mythology.

Just a heads-up—you’ll need to go down quite a lot of stairs to reach the Iwaya Caves. And of course, that means climbing back up to return to the front of the island—unless you decide to take the boat back to the bridge. It was definitely a bit of a workout!

Iways Caves
Opening Hours:
09:00-18:00

Admission:
500 yen

There are two main streets on the island where you’ll find most of the restaurants. One is Benzaiten Nakamise Street—the main street at the entrance that leads to Enoshima Shrine—and the other is along the path toward the Iwaya Caves. While there are plenty of dining options, do note that most places tend to have queues during lunchtime.

I ended up eating at Enoshima Harumi Restaurant, which is located along Benzaiten Nakamise Street. It had available seats, so it was a convenient choice. The place was simple and no-frills—perfect for a quick lunch without the wait.

Between the bridge to Enoshima and the station, you’ll also find plenty of shops—so there’s no shortage of things to see (or snacks to try) as you walk to and from the island.

Enoshima Yoghurt

This was me totally pigging out before heading back to the station. The walk back was actually really pleasant—the road was less crowded and had much more space, which made it a nice and relaxing end to the day.

If you have time, I definitely recommend combining your Enoshima visit with a trip to Kamakura—they’re close by and complement each other really well. You can read more about my Kamakura day trip in this post.

Kamakura makes for a perfect day trip from Tokyo, offering a blend of rich history, serene temples, and beautiful beaches. Just an hour away by train on the Yokosuka Line, it’s an easy escape from the city. Due to its popularity, Kamakura can get quite crowded so it’s best to start your day early to enjoy the sights with a bit more peace and quiet. I arrived around 8.30am and the streets were pretty empty and quiet. Most of the shops had yet to open.

08:30 Arrived at Kamakura Station

08:45 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Temple

09:30 Kamakura Beniya (Queued for 1 hour)

10:50 Hokoukuji

11:45 Komachi Dori for lunch and some shopping

14:30 Kotoku-in

15:10 Hasedera Temple

16:30 Kamakurakoko-mae Station

If you prefer a quick overview, check out my Instagram story highlights: Part 1| Part 2

Originally founded in 1063 by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in Zaimokuza, the shrine was later relocated to its current site in 1180 by his descendant Minamoto Yoritomo. It remains one of Kamakura’s most important historical sites.

Don’t miss Genpei-ike Pond, located within the grounds, which is surrounded by cherry trees in spring and lotus flowers in summer.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Temple
Opening Hours:
April to September 05:00-21:00
October to March 06:00-21:00

Admission:
Free

The store opens at 9:30am and this was the queue then. Earlier as I walked to the temple I already saw people queueing up. Being the typical Singaporean I joined the queue. I had to read a few google reviews to see what the shop was famous far. I had to wait an hour to get inside to make my purchase. I reconsidered half way if I should continue the wait but I had already invested too much time to back out.

Famous for their Kurumicco confectionary which is filled with bitter sweet caramel and walnuts. I actually enjoyed it as it wasn’t too sweet. I would buy it again though I’m not sure if I would queue for 1 hour again. They only produce a limited quantity each day, so it might be sold out in the afternoon.

Kamakura Beniya
Opening Hours:
09:30-17:00

Known as the “Bamboo Temple,” Hokokuji is famous for its tranquil bamboo grove. You’ll first pass through the main temple area before reaching the garden.

From the moment you enter you will be surrounded by greenery. 

The temple and gardens areas are not large but they are beautiful.

Behind the temple is the bamboo grove, which requires a small admission fee. In addition to the bamboo, the area features various other flowers and plants. The hydrangeas were just beginning to bloom for the season.

You can sit and savour a cup of matcha paired with traditional sweets while admiring the tranquil view of the bamboo forest — all for just 600 yen.

Hokokuji
Opening Hours:
09:00-16:00

Admission:
Free (Temple), 400 yen (Garden only), 1000 yen (With matcha)

This lively street stretches from Kamakura Station all the way to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Temple, lined with food stalls, boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants. It was the perfect spot to grab some lunch before indulging in a bit of shopping.

I had lunch at Kamakura Karari, arriving just before noon — perfect timing to beat the crowd.  I ordered the Warigo Soba set, which included three types: one with shirasu (whitebait), a Kamakura specialty, another with mountain vegetables, and the last with little shrimp tempura. The shirasu soba was my favourite — light, and flavourful. The set was 1200 yen, plus an extra 200 yen for a side of ika tempura. Delicious!

After lunch, I browsed the shops:

Plenty of matcha shops with soft serve and drinks.

A 10-minute bus ride from Kamakura Station brings you to Kotoku-in, home to the iconic Daibutsu (Great Buddha). Standing 11 metres tall and weighing 121 tons, this bronze statue is a must-see national treasure.

You can even step inside the statue for a small fee.

Kotoku-in
Opening Hours:
April-September 08:00-17:30
October-March 08:00-17:00

Admission:
300 yen (plus 50 yen to enter the statue)

Just a 10-minute walk from Kotoku-in, Hasedera is known for its magnificent eleven-headed Kannon statue, carved from camphor wood. Unfortunately, photos aren’t allowed inside.

The grounds are quite large. There is a observation platform with a beautiful view of the ocean. It’s a bit of a workout to get to it but it is worth it. In the summer, the path to the top is lined with hydrangeas.

Points of interest:

Benten Kutsu Cave – Dedicated to Benzaiten; watch your head in areas with low ceilings.

Hasedera
Opening Hours:
July – March 08:00-17:00
April – June 08:00-17:30

Admission:
400 yen

A popular photo spot thanks to its appearance in the Slam Dunk anime opening scene. Many try to capture the Enoden Line train with the beautiful view of the ocean in the background.

I took the Enoden Line from Hase Station and arrived around 4:30pm and saw a long line of people waiting for the perfect shot, It was also raining so I decided to return the next morning around 5am. By 6am, a few others had gathered, but no queues yet.  Would I say its worth waking up early?Definitely. The early morning calm and beachside view were absolutely worth waking up for.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Koshigoe Station on the Enoden Line, Ryokan Kakiya is a clean and simple place to stay. The main building overlooks the tracks, but I stayed in the annex which doesn’t have that view.

I purposely chose this place not just for its price but because it’s only a 15-20 minute walk to Kamakurakoko-mae station.

Note: Bathrooms are shared, so if that’s a dealbreaker, this may not be the place for you. Breakfast is available — just inform the host in advance. Though she didn’t speak English, she was incredibly friendly and helpful.

You can also combine this Kamakura day trip with a visit to nearby Enoshima for coastal views, shrines, and cafes by the sea. Read more about my Enoshima adventure here.