As the former stronghold of the Minamoto clan and later Hojo Regents during the ‘Kamakura Period’ of 1192 to 1333, the city of Kamakura is one of Japan’s most historic and popular destinations. It boasts multiple temples and shrines of national importance including its celebrated ‘Kamakura Gozan’ or ‘Five Great Zen Temples’, Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine and perhaps most-famously, the ‘Great Buddha of Kamakura’.

Kamakura Station is a major transportation hub for visitors heading to the many popular attractions in the Kamakura area, but it is also very close to Tokyo and offers quick travel into the city. The station is operated by JR East and is served by the Shonan-Shinjuku Line and the Yokosuka Line which connects the station to Tokyo. To reach Shinjuku from Kamakura station its takes just over 60 minutes and to reach Shibuya it takes just under 60 minutes via the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line direct. To reach Tokyo station, it takes just under 60 minutes using the JR Yokosuka Line.

As well as exploring the central Kamakura area, travellers can take the local ’Enoden’ train to reach the lesser known areas of Kamakura, its beaches and Enoshima Island. The ’Enoden’ service has its own platform and runs every 10 minutes or so. To reach Enoshima will take approximately 28 minutes.

The area immediately around the station offers a variety of accommodation including small hotels, guesthouses and hostels. Prices are typically reasonable and staying in this area allows you walk to many popular attractions. The most popular attractions in the central part of Kamakura is Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Komachi-Dori street, and Hokokuji Temple. For more active visitors, temples including Kencho-ji, Meigetsu-in, Engaku-ji, Hokoku-ji and Jomyo-ji are fantastic options to explore.

It should be noted that the Hase Station area – located only a short train ride to the west of Kamakura Station – offers even more accommodation and is also a convenient point from where to access the temples and shrines including the ‘Great Buddha’ – which is with walking distance of Hase Station. To the south of Kamakura Station, the area around Yuigama and Zaikmokuza beaches offer a lot of accommodation given their popularity with Japanese as a summer destination. As such, most accommodation in the area caters to the domestic market ranging from large hotels to budget lodgings and is not that convenient if your primary interest is visiting the temples and shrines.

We offer a tour to Kamakura which explores many of the popular attractions in the area! If you’re interested, click on the tour card below.

1 Day Tour

1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea
Period	All Year Round
Time	08:00 – 19:10
Meeting Place	Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥13,000