aventuro
Japan
Things to do in Kamakura
913 attractions · Japan
Photo: Dudva, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kanto, Japan · 35.316, 139.550
About Kamakura
Kamakura is a coastal town south of Tokyo that served as the political center of Japan during the Kamakura Shogunate in the 12th century. The city is defined by its rugged topography, which protected it as a natural fortress and now surrounds numerous historic sites like the towering bronze statue at Kotoku-in. Visitors can explore the hillside paths of Houkokuji, famous for its dense bamboo grove, or the seasonal hydrangea blooms at Meigetsu-in. The city balances this medieval heritage with a relaxed seaside atmosphere, anchored by the coastal vistas of Kamakura Yuigahama Beach.
Good to know
- 1
Kamakura was the first city in Japan to establish a military government, effectively shifting political power from the Imperial Court in Kyoto to the samurai class.
- 2
The city's unique geography, characterized by mountains on three sides and the ocean on the fourth, served as a natural defensive barrier that influenced its urban layout.
- 3
Despite being a major tourism hub, Kamakura retains a strict height restriction on new construction to preserve the skyline of its surrounding hills.
- 4
The city is home to the 'Kamakura Five Mountains,' a ranking system of the most important Zen temples established during the Muromachi period.
Plan your visit to Kamakura
Best time to visit
June for the hydrangeas or November for the autumn foliage, as the mild coastal climate remains pleasant during these transition seasons.
How many days
2 days, allowing for one full day of temple hopping in the hills and a second day to explore the coast and Enoshima.
Getting around
The Enoden tram line is the iconic way to travel along the coast, while the city center is best navigated by walking or renting bicycles.
Where to stay
Stay near Kamakura Station for the best access to transport links and major shopping streets, or near Hase Station for closer proximity to the beaches and temples.
Budget
Mid-range; while temples often have small entry fees, transport and dining options vary from affordable local eateries to higher-end establishments.
Highlights of Kamakura
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Kotoku-in
View the massive outdoor Great Buddha statue that has survived multiple tsunamis and fires since the 13th century.
Hase-dera
Walk through the Kannon-do hall to see the eleven-headed wooden statue of Kannon, one of the tallest in Japan.
Houkokuji
Experience the quiet atmosphere of the bamboo garden located behind the main temple structures.
Meigetsu-in
Visit during the rainy season to see thousands of blue hydrangea bushes in full bloom across the temple grounds.
Engaku-ji
Explore the oldest Zen temple in the city, which features a prominent Sanmon gate and peaceful sub-temples.
Kamakura Yuigahama Beach
Enjoy a seaside stroll or participate in local watersports along this popular stretch of the Sagami Bay coast.
Enoshima Iwaya Cave
Walk through the sea-carved caves of Enoshima, which contain historic shrines and reach deep into the island's rock face.
Zeniarai Benten Shrine
Wash your money in the shrine's spring water, as local legend suggests it will multiply your wealth.
Top things to do in Kamakura
The 913 most popular places in Kamakura.
-
121
Historical places Hidden gem
Enoshima Shrine Enshrinement Commemorative Dragon Lanterns
The Enoshima Shrine Enshrinement Commemorative Dragon Lanterns are prominent bronze-style street lanterns featuring intr...
-
122
Parks Hidden gem
Kotsubo Seaside Park
Kotsubo Seaside Park is a coastal neighborhood park situated directly on the waterfront in Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, i...
-
123
Temples Hidden gem
Tengakuin
Tengakuin is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, serving as part of the regional religio...
-
124
Parks Hidden gem
Kosuzume Park
Kosuzume Park is a neighborhood green space situated in Totsuka Ward on the border area between Yokohama and Kamakura. T...
-
125
Temples Hidden gem
Dance Stage (Lower Oratory)
The Dance Stage, known as the Maiden, is a prominent structure within the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine complex in Kamaku...
-
126
Museums Hidden gem
藤沢市ふじさわ宿交流館
-
127
Places of interest Hidden gem
Yama-Futatsu (Twin Mounts)
Yama-Futatsu, or Twin Mounts, is a unique geographical formation located on the island of Enoshima in Fujisawa, Kanagawa...
-
128
Places of interest Hidden gem
Omaruyama
Omaruyama is a preserved green space and woodland area located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, near the border with Kamakura...
-
129
Museums Hidden gem
Kannon Museum
The Kannon Museum is a specialized facility located on the grounds of Hasedera Temple in Kamakura, Japan. It displays a...
-
130
Temples Hidden gem
Joei-ji
Joei-ji is a Nichiren Buddhist temple situated in the Ōmachi district of Kamakura, known for its connection to the histo...
-
131
Temples Hidden gem
Shugenji
Shugenji is a Buddhist temple located in the Hase district of Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Situated in a quiet...
-
132
Parks Hidden gem
Kosugayakita Park
Kosugayakita Park is a neighborhood green space located in the Sakae Ward of Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, serving the...
-
133
Parks Hidden gem
Kōnandai Central Park
Konandai Central Park is a sprawling neighborhood green space situated in Konan Ward, Yokohama, featuring extensive walk...
-
134
Temples Hidden gem
Raikoji
Raikoji is a Nichiren Shu temple situated in the quiet Nishimikado neighborhood of Kamakura, known for its association w...
-
135
Parks Hidden gem
Maruyamadai Park
Maruyamadai Park is a sprawling hillside neighborhood park located in the Konan Ward of Yokohama. The site is notable fo...
-
136
Parks Hidden gem
Konandaikita Park
Konandaikita Park is a community green space situated within the Konandai residential district of Yokohama. The park fea...
-
137
Historical places Hidden gem
Nie Er Memorial Square
Nie Er Memorial Square commemorates the Chinese composer Nie Er, who tragically drowned at the nearby Kugenuma Beach in...
-
138
Places of interest Hidden gem
Lookout
Lookout in Hase, Kamakura, is a strategic vantage point located on the hillside near the Great Buddha, offering a rare e...
-
139
Temples Hidden gem
Shomyo-ji (Imaizumi Fudo Temple)
Shomyo-ji, commonly known as Imaizumi Fudo Temple, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the quiet valley residential...
-
140
Parks Hidden gem
Okuda Park
Okuda Park is a neighborhood green space located in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, serving the local community near the...
-
141
Temples Hidden gem
佛行寺（仏行寺）
Busshoji is a quiet Buddhist temple located in the Fueda residential district of Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. Establis...
-
142
Places of interest Hidden gem
Kamakura Station Old Station Clock Tower
The Kamakura Station Old Station Clock Tower is a prominent historic landmark located right outside the main gates of Ka...
-
143
Historical places Hidden gem
Takano-Nagakubo Kiridoshi Pass
The Takano-Nagakubo Kiridoshi Pass is one of the historic artificial mountain passes carved into the hills surrounding K...
-
144
Places of interest Hidden gem
Statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo
The Statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo commemorates the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, who established...
-
145
Temples Hidden gem
Nio-mon Gate
-
146
Temples Hidden gem
Kaishunin
-
147
Museums Hidden gem
Kamakurabori Museum, Local Giftshop & Cafe
-
148
Temples Hidden gem
Raikōji Temple
-
149
Temples Hidden gem
Fudarakuji Temple
-
150
Temples Hidden gem
Kuhonji Temple
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Kamakura on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Kamakura?
Aventuro lists 913 curated attractions in and around Kamakura, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Kamakura?
Kotoku-in is the most popular place to visit in Kamakura right now.
What kind of attractions does Kamakura have?
The largest category is parks, with 329 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Toshima, Osaka, Kyoto.
