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.