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Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kamakura, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea, is an ancient capital second only to Kyoto and Nara. Worshipped by the Kamakura shogunate in the late 2nd century, it was later revered by the merchant guild as the patron saint of samurai.
Later, it became the political center of early medieval Japan. In addition to the buildings of the shogunate and the residences of the samurai, there were also many shrines and temples. It was once prosperous. In the 14th century, with the fall of the shogunate, Kamakura declined.
You can visit Kamakura's shrines and temples to admire the various flowers that bloom in each season. The hydrangeas at Meigetsu-in Temple, the plum blossoms and irises at Tokei-ji Temple, and the cherry blossoms at Kencho-ji Temple are all very famous.
Spring, summer and autumn are all suitable;
In spring, you can see cherry blossoms and wisteria flowers, in summer there are lotus flowers, in autumn there are red leaves, and in June you can even see fireflies at night.
Kamakura Kokōmae Station
Located in Kamakura, Japan, this unmanned station, operated by the Enoshima Electric Railway, was selected as one of the "100 Best Kanto Stations." From there, you can walk to Kamakura High School. Thanks to the anime "Slam Dunk," this ordinary station has become a pilgrimage site for countless anime fans. The most famous scene in the opening credits of "Slam Dunk," where Hanamichi Sakuragi and Haruko wave at the gate, was filmed at the intersection in front of Kamakura High School Station.
Standing on the platform, you can overlook the nearby Shichiri Beach and Shonan Coast. The charming scenery attracts a large number of tourists.
Free, all day
Hasedera Temple
Hasedera Temple is a single-story temple of the Pure Land Buddhism in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The Hasedera Kannon statue is a major attraction for visitors. Famous for its bodhisattva statues, various sculptures can be found throughout the temple. The temple's enshrined statue, the Eleven-Faced Kannon, stands approximately 9 meters tall and is Japan's largest wooden Buddhist statue.
Opening hours : 8:30-17:00 (April-September); 9:00-16:30 (October-March)
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Built in 1063, it is a symbol of Kamakura. Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, led his army here to defeat the rival Taira clan. The dance hall leading to the main shrine is the venue for palace dances, and the "Shizuo no Mai" performed at the Kamakura Festival held every April is a must-see.
In addition, this place is famous for its natural beauty. The cherry blossoms and wisteria flowers in spring, the lotus flowers in summer, and the red leaves in autumn are all beautiful. You can also see fireflies at night in June.
Tickets
Treasure Hall: Adults 200 yen, Children 100 yen
Opening hours
April to September 5:00~21:00
October to March 6:00~21:00
The last admission time is 20:50
Kamakura was the political center of Japan during the Kamakura Shogunate (1185–1333). It is renowned for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha, representing both cultural and religious significance in Japan’s history.
Kamakura is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Access is via JR Yokosuka Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Tokyo (about 1 hour), Enoden train for local stops, buses, taxis, and walking around central areas.
Booking in advance is not required for most temples, but recommended for guided tours or special seasonal events.
1–2 full days are sufficient to visit main temples, shrines, Komachi Street, and nearby beaches or hiking trails.
Guided tours are available in English and Japanese at major temples; audio guides are limited and mostly in Japanese, but some apps provide English commentary.
Morning: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine → Komachi Street. Afternoon: Hase-dera Temple → Kōtoku-in → Yuigahama Beach. Optional: Explore Engaku-ji or Kencho-ji Temples via hiking trail.
Some temples and shrines offer seasonal illumination (autumn leaves, cherry blossoms) and cultural festivals; limited night access to main sites.
Peak crowds during spring cherry blossoms, Golden Week, and autumn foliage. Visit weekdays and early mornings for quieter experience.
Temples and shrines provide toilets and rest areas; Komachi Street has restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and convenience stores. Limited vending machines near trails.
Main temples and shrines are mostly accessible, but hilly paths, stairs, and hiking trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is preferred for small temples, street shops, and food stalls; cards are accepted in larger restaurants and shops.
Komachi Street offers traditional Japanese cuisine, cafés, dessert shops, seafood restaurants, and street food like matcha sweets and shirasu-don.
Vegetarian options are available in select restaurants and cafés; vegan and halal options are limited, requiring planning ahead.
Options range from traditional ryokans and guesthouses to modern hotels near Kamakura Station and coastal areas.
