Kamakura

Kamakura is known for its bronze Great Buddha, temples on the hillsides and a coastal setting, about an hour from Tokyo by train.

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Kamakura is a coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo on Sagami Bay. It was the seat of the Kamakura shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1185 to 1333, and the city still has many Zen temples and Shinto shrines from that period and later. The best-known sight is the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, a bronze statue cast in the 13th century, which you can walk up to and go inside. Hase-dera, on a hillside above the town, is known for its hydrangeas in June and its views over the streets and the sea.

The town is compact enough for a one-day trip from Tokyo, and a second day suits travelers who want more time on the coast and at Enoshima, the small island linked to the mainland by a causeway. The Enoden, a small electric tram, runs along the coast and through the streets, and riding it is part of the trip. Plan a full day to see the main temples without rushing. Visit on a weekday if you can, since weekends are busy, and aim for June if you want the hydrangeas.

Kamakura in five

Do it as a day trip from TokyoKamakura takes about an hour by train from Tokyo, Shinjuku or Yokohama. A full day covers the Great Buddha, Hase-dera and the main shrine street.Kamakura day trip from Tokyo
Buy the Enoden day pass only for many stopsThe Noriorikun pass covers the full Enoden line for a day. It pays off if you stop at several stations or go on to Enoshima; for Hase and back, single tickets are cheaper.
Start at Hase, walk to the centerTake the Enoden to Hase for the Great Buddha and Hase-dera before the tour buses arrive. Then walk or ride back toward Kamakura Station and the shrine street.
Avoid weekends in June and NovemberHydrangeas in June and late-autumn color in November bring long queues at the temples and on the Enoden. Go on a weekday, or arrive before 9am.Best time to visit Japan
Add Yokohama or Enoshima, not bothYokohama is 25 min north by JR and Enoshima is about 25–30 min by Enoden. Add one of them to your day, not both.Yokohama travel guide

Things to do in Kamakura

See all attractions in Kamakura

Temple · KamakuraJōchi-jiBring cash for admission; the reported entrance fee differs, so check the temple’s current information before visiting.

Shrine · KamakuraZeniarai Benten ShrineGo around 9 AM for a quieter visit.

Temple · KamakuraSugimoto TempleChoose a weekday or a quieter season if you want to explore with fewer people around.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to KamakuraPut the places you like in Kamakura on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Getting there: JR from Tokyo, Shinjuku or Yokohama, about 25–60 min
Getting around: On foot, the Enoden line and buses
Best base: Tokyo or Yokohama; Kamakura for a quiet evening
Time needed: 1 day; add Enoshima for a second half-day
Lodging tax: None charged now; the city has proposed one for 2027

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good

JanuaryClear6 rainy daysHigh10°Low3°Cold, clear
FebruaryPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh11°Low4°Plum blossom
MarchRain13 rainy daysHigh14°Low7°Early blossom
AprilRain12 rainy daysHigh18°Low12°Cherry blossom
MayRain12 rainy daysHigh22°Low16°Golden Week
JuneRain14 rainy daysHigh25°Low20°Hydrangea, rain
JulyRain15 rainy daysHigh28°Low24°Beach season
AugustRain14 rainy daysHigh30°Low26°Hot, humid
SeptemberRain15 rainy daysHigh27°Low23°Typhoon risk
OctoberRain14 rainy daysHigh22°Low17°Clear, mild
NovemberPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh17°Low11°Autumn color
DecemberClear6 rainy daysHigh12°Low6°Late color

Average daily high and low in Kamakura, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Kamakura

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 14°
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 12 km/h
Chance of rain: 2%

Kamakura

05:37 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+9

Today18°14°2%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 18°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 2%.
Wed17°13°31%Wednesday: Rain. High 17°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 31%.
Thu19°13°91%Thursday: Rain. High 19°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 91%.
Fri22°15°14%Friday: Clear. High 22°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 14%.
Sat16°11°20%Saturday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 20%.
Sun14°9°7%Sunday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 7%.

Updated 03:06 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY

Amount

Converted to

JPY · Japanese Yen

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Kamakura

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Coming up

Tokyo, JapanGrand Sumo in TokyoJan 10 – 24, 2027 · Read the event guide

Every year

AprShingen-ko FestivalFuji Five Lakes, a day trip
MayKanda MatsuriTokyo, a day trip
MaySanja MatsuriAsakusa, a day trip
JunSannō MatsuriTokyo, a day trip
Jul–AugTokyo Idol FestivalTokyo, a day trip
AugFukagawa MatsuriTokyo, a day trip
AugKōenji Awa OdoriTokyo, a day trip
AugJingu Fireworks FestivalTokyo, a day trip

Day trips by train

Enoshimaabout 25–30 min by EnodenA small island with shrines, a lighthouse and seafood.
Yokohamaabout 25–30 min by JRHarbor walks and Chinatown, in the afternoon.Read the guide
Hakoneabout 1.5–2 hours by trainOnsen and Lake Ashi, reached via Odawara.Read the guide
Tokyoabout 1 hour by trainThe direct JR lines make Kamakura an easy round trip.Read the guide

Before you go to Kamakura

Odakyu and Enoden passesCompare with plain single ticketsSee pass prices

Guided Kamakura day tripsSmall groups with a local guideCompare day trips

eSIM for JapanMaps and train apps on the wayRead the guide

Travel insuranceMedical cover for JapanRead the guide

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Rules for Kamakura, checked

Check whether your passport allows visa-free entry to Japan on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you fly.Source
Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafés or taxis. Pay at the register or at the tray where the bill is left.
Avoid eating on local trains and buses. Most people wait until they leave the station.
Some strong medicines need an import certificate. Check the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website before you pack them.

All Kamakura guides

a statue of a man sitting on a bench in a courtyard

How toKamakura day trip from Tokyo: trains, passes and a one-day routeChecked Oct 3, 2026

Plan around Kamakura

Hakone travel guide

Onsen and Lake Ashi, a short train ride south.

Read the guide Is the JR Pass worth it

Price the route before you buy any national pass.

Read the guide Best time to visit Japan

Blossom, hydrangeas, autumn color and typhoons.

Read the guide Money in Japan

Cash for temple entry and small cafés.

Read the guide Best eSIM for Japan

Data plans for trains and cities.

Read the guide

Kamakura FAQ

Is Kamakura worth visiting?

Yes. Kamakura pairs temples, a large bronze Buddha and a beach town within an hour of Tokyo. It is less crowded than Kyoto and easy on foot, but weekends can be busy.

How long does it take to get to Kamakura from Tokyo?

About an hour by JR: the Yokosuka line from Tokyo Station or the Shonan-Shinjuku line from Shinjuku. From Yokohama it is about 25–30 minutes.

Can you visit Kamakura as a day trip from Tokyo?

Yes, and it is the standard way to do it. Arrive by 9am, see the Great Buddha and one or two temples, walk the shrine street, then head back or on to Enoshima.

How many days do you need in Kamakura?

One day covers the highlights. Two days let you hike between temples, visit Enoshima and stay for the quiet evening after the day-trippers leave.

Is the Enoden day pass worth it?

Only if you plan several stops or Enoshima. For a Hase and Kamakura loop, single fares cost less. The Noriorikun pass covers the full Enoden line for one day.

Is there a tax on hotels in Kamakura?

Not yet, but the city has proposed an accommodation tax from 2027. Check the city site before you book.