Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo: A Local's One-Day Itinerary
In this post
Kamakura is about an hour from Tokyo by train, and it's one of the easiest day trips you can take. It was Japan's old samurai capital — a giant Buddha, a hundred temples, and a little train that runs between the houses and the sea.
I'm Miyuki. I've lived on the Shonan coast for over ten years, and I guide small groups around Kamakura. This is the day I'd send a friend on. Copy it as it is — that's what it's for.
Getting to Kamakura from Tokyo
- From Tokyo or Shinagawa: the JR Yokosuka Line goes straight to Kamakura. About an hour, no changes.
- From Shinjuku or Shibuya: the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, about an hour. Some trains need one change at Ofuna.
Tap in with a Suica or PASMO card. You don't need a special pass.
The itinerary, hour by hour
| Time | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Enoden | Three stops from Kamakura to Hase. |
| 9:20 | The Great Buddha | Get there before the tour buses. |
| 10:15 | Hasedera | Climb to the top for the sea view. |
| 11:30 | Back on the Enoden | Ride it back to Kamakura Station. |
| 12:30 | Lunch | Soba or rice balls near the station. |
| 14:00 | Hokokuji | A short bus ride. Bamboo, and matcha at the back. |
| 15:30 | Komachi Street | Snacks and small shops on the way back to the station. |
| 17:00 | Done | Back in Tokyo by six. |
Only have a morning? Stop after Hasedera. You'll still have seen the best of it.
9:00 — Ride the Enoden to Hase
The Enoden is the small local train that runs along the coast. From Kamakura Station it's three stops to Hase, the closest station to the Great Buddha.
9:20 — The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in
The Great Buddha has stood outdoors at Kotoku-in since the 13th century. Kamakura gets busy from mid-morning, so this is the one place worth getting to early.
10:15 — Hasedera
Hasedera is built up the side of a hill. Climb to the top for the view over the sea.
12:30 — Lunch near the station
Soba or rice balls near Kamakura Station are an easy, classic choice. If you have dietary needs — vegetarian, halal, allergies — options are different at every shop, so check before you go.
14:00 — Hokokuji, the bamboo temple
A short bus ride from the station. Walk through the bamboo grove, and have matcha at the back.
15:30 — Komachi Street
Snacks and small shops on the way back to the station. Kamakura asks visitors not to eat while walking on busy streets like Komachi — most shops have a spot to stand and eat.
What I tell my friends before they come
- Bring more cash than you think. Temple entry fees are cash. So are some of the best little shops.
- Bring a small bag for rubbish. There are almost no bins on the street.
- Wear shoes for steps. Kamakura is stairs, slopes and gravel. Wet wipes help too.
- Leave your bags at the station. There are coin lockers by the station.
- Go early, and on a weekday. Mornings are when Kamakura is quiet.
- Rain is fine. Wear boots or non-slip trainers, and take the bus to places like Hokokuji so you walk less. The moss turns deep green, and the crowds go home.
Add Enoshima to the same day
The Enoden also runs to Enoshima — about 25 minutes from Kamakura, or about 15 from Hase. It's an island you can walk to, with fresh shirasu and the sea all around. On a clear day, especially in winter and early in the morning, Mt Fuji appears across the water.
Want the whole plan in your pocket?
My free guide, Steal this day, has this itinerary plus eight places to eat in Kamakura (cash only, booking, kids), Enoshima, Yokohama and Hakone. Get it here.