Discover Kamakura

Kamakura, once the capital of Japan during the 12th and 13th centuries, offers a wealth of historical sites and gardens to explore. Sometimes referred to as the 'Kyoto of Eastern Japan,' Kamakura is sure to impress with its rich heritage. Beyond its historical charm, Kamakura also boasts beautiful beaches, providing the perfect blend of relaxation and cultural discovery.

Things to see and do

Tours and Activities

FAQs

Getting around in Kamakura

The easiest way around Kamakura is on foot, since the major sights and attractions are within walking distance from each other. Though, some sights are located a bit further ahead, where a car or bus might be necessary. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from the nearest airport in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

Travelers can also opt to buy the following passes to get around:

  • Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass

    • Coverage:

      • round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Enoshima and / or Kamakura on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • all Enoden and Odakyu stations within the Kamakura / Enoshima area

    • Duration: 1 day

    • Price: 1520 Yen

    • Where to buy: all Odakyu railway stations

 

  • Hakone Kamakura Pass

    • Coverage:

      • Round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone, Enoshima and Kamakura on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • all Enoden and Odakyu stations within the Kamakura / Enoshima area

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

      • Tokai Bus Between Hakone and Mishima

    • Duration: 3 days

    • Price: 7000 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station

Getting to Kamakura

Public transportation:

To get from Tokyo to Kamakura by public transportation, travelers need to take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, take the Odakyu Enoshima Line from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura Station with a transfer at Fujisawa Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

 

 

Valid rail passes:

  • Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass

    • Coverage:

      • round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Enoshima and / or Kamakura on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • all Enoden and Odakyu stations within the Kamakura / Enoshima area

    • Duration: 1 day

    • Price: 1520 Yen

    • Where to buy: all Odakyu railway stations

 

  • Hakone Kamakura Pass

    • Coverage:

      • Round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone, Enoshima and Kamakura on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • all Enoden and Odakyu stations within the Kamakura / Enoshima area

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

      • Tokai Bus Between Hakone and Mishima

    • Duration: 3 days

    • Price: 7000 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station

 

Nearest airport:
The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

  • by car: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

  • by public transport: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes

 

Car rentals:

 

How long to stay in Kamakura

We recommend staying here between two and three days.
 

Hotels in Kamakura

Flights to Kamakura

The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

  • by car: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

  • by public transport: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes

Seasonal information

Beaches:

The swimming season on mainland Japan is usually between July and August. 

Festivals in Kamakura

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

 

  • Kamakura Festival

    • Date: April 14th until April 21st

 

  • Kamakura Museum of Literature Rose Festival

    • Date: May 10th until June 9th

 

  • Kamakura Citizens Carnival

    • Date: May 23rd and 24th

    • Time: 10:00 - 16:30
       

  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Tanabata Festival

    • Date: July 1st until July 7th

 

  • Kamakura Fireworks Festival

    • Date: July 10th

    • Time: 19:20 - 20:10
       

  • Kamakura Omachi Festival

    • Date: July 13th until 15th

    • Time: 09:00 - ???
       

  • Yuigahama Beach Yoga Day

    • Date: July 20th

    • Time: 17:00 - 18:40
       

  • Bonbori Festival

    • Date: August 7th until 9th

 

  • Kurojizo Fair

    • Date: August 10th

 

  • Zushi Beach Sea Festival

    • Date: August 25th

    • Time: 17:00 - 19:30
       

  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Festival

    • Date: September 14th until 16th

 

  • Zushi Beach Fireworks Festival

    • Date: September 27th

    • Time: 19:15 - 20:00

Getting mobile data in Japan

Day trips from Kamakura

Hop on the Kominato and Isumi Railway in rural Chiba. Offering an old fashioned train trip that gives you a feel of nostalgia. Along the way, you can experience the ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 59.28

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Situated on Japan's eastern coast, both Izu Kogen and Ito offer an array of activities for the whole family. Indulge in relaxing onsens, visit amusement parks, stroll along pristine beaches, or ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 60.98

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Mishima is a quaint bayside village near Mount Fuji, featuring several museums showcasing fine Japanese culture and art. Stroll along the Mishima Sky Walk for picturesque scenery, or conquer your ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 62.00

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For those seeking a scenic getaway from Tokyo, the Izu Islands provide an idyllic retreat. Hop on a ferry from Tokyo and arrive at these nature-filled islands, perfect for adventurous ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 67.13

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Kawagoe, famous for its traditional warehouses, transports visitors back in time to the Edo period. Stroll along the Candy Alley, browsing a variety of traditional Japanese sweets, and marvel at ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 67.14

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Hanno, a small town nestled between Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park and the residential areas of Saitama, offers a mix of historical temples and impressive hikes. Experience the tranquility of Hanno's natural ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 67.19

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Located on the Izu Peninsula, Shuzenji Onsen is renowned for its soothing hot springs. Named after the Shuzenji Temple at the town's center, which offers meditation classes for visitors, this ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 68.96

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