Kamakura Day Trip From Tokyo Itinerary
Looking for places to visit near Tokyo? Check out this 1-day travel itinerary for Kamakura, Japan, where youโll discover places to visit and get Japan travel tips. This itinerary is great for those seeking an easy, more relaxed day trip.
Kamakura: Day Trip Itinerary from Tokyo
Travel from Tokyo to Kamakura Station.
It takes about an hour to get from Tokyo to Kamakura. There are JR lines that get you there, which means you can use your JR Pass. However, a JR Pass is not needed. You can get there using your Suica, Pasmo, or train ticket.
Travel from Kamakura to Hase Station.
From Kamakura Station, take the Enoden line to Hase Station. The Enoshima Electric Railway, or the Enoden Line, is the main train line between Fujisawa and Kamakura stations.
Check out this article for more things to do along the Enoden line โคต๏ธ
There are eki (train station) stamps at almost every stop along the Enoden Line.
Melting Pot (brunch)
Start your day in Kamakura at a cozy brunch spot near the water. The Melting Pot is a small local spot known for its freshly baked scones, soups, and set meals.
I ordered a meal set and chose the following for my order:
- Chickpea and minced meat curry soup
- Cheese & plain biscuit
- Mushroom omelet
Location details:
- Address: 2 Chome-21-5 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
There are so many great cafes and coffee shops located off the Hase Station exit.
A few other coffee shops near the water that Iโve been to (& loved)
Hase Station area
After filling your stomach, walk back towards Hase Station and follow the signs that take you to the street that gets you to the Great Buddha. The road leading up to the temple has many little shops that sell local specialty foods and souvenirs.
Kotoku-in Temple & the Kamakura Great Daibutsu
The Great Buddha is located at Kotoku-in Temple. The entrance fee for the temple is 300 yen.
The Kamakura Great Daibutsu a is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, second to the one at Todaiji Temple in Nara.
The bronze statue was built in 1252. It was originally located inside a building but due to natural disasters over the years, is now in the open-air.
Fun tip: You can go inside the statue for only 50 yen!
Kamakura Station
You donโt need to venture far from the station to experience Kamakura sightseeing.
If you exit Kamakura Stationโs East exit and walk straight past the buses out to the main road, you will hit a shopping area with lots of cute cafes, restaurants, local souvenir shops, street food stalls and more!
Thereโs even a pedestrian path lined with sakura in the middle of the road leading up to one of the main shrines in the area.
The Dankazura walkway in the middle of the shopping street is lined with fluffy sakura (cherry blossom) trees during the springtime!
Pro tip: Visit Toshimaya Honten to grab the famous Kamakura dove butter cookies. These make for great souvenirs or midday snacks.
Final Thoughts
This itinerary is perfect for those looking for an easy, no-stress day trip from Tokyo. Youโll get to take in one of Kamakura’s most notable sites, get a feel for the local vibe, and do some good shopping (& eating).
However, this is only the tip of the iceberg for places you can visit in the Fujisawa/Kamakura area. There are also SO MANY great cafes and restaurants with views of the Enoden Line.
Itโs why Kamakura is one of my favorite places to visit whenever Iโm in Tokyo.
Other Stops Along the Enoden Line
- Enoshima & Enoshima Island
- Hokokuji Temple & Kamakura Bamboo Garden
- Koshigoe Rakko Park (Slam Dunk railroad crossing)
Watch Next
All these places and more are shown in this Enoshima Electric Railway vlog:
