Kamakura is a beautiful seaside city south of Tokyo.
Day Trip Itinerary for Kamakura, Japan
Distance from Tokyo
One hour train ride from Tokyo Station
Tokyo to Kamakura by Train
The fastest way to Kamakura is on the JR Yokosuka Line. It goes directly from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. If you happen to be going during rush hour, I highly recommend paying the extra ¥1,000 to get seats in the Green Car. You won’t have to fight the crowd and are guaranteed a seat. It’s a much more comfortable and relaxing ride.
The Green Car is not available on all train lines. It can be found on lines that run great distances and have limited express trains. This includes the Yokosuka Line that runs to Kamakura.
You can purchase the Green Car ticket on the platform at the train station. Once you pick your seat on the train, scan your Suica card above your seat, as shown below.
Things to Do
Komachi-dori Street
Komachi-dori Street, located right outside of Kamakura Station, is lined with apparel stores, souvenir shops, and eateries.
At Kamakura Chacha, you will find three levels of matcha soft serve and five levels of matcha gelato. They also have a hojicha gelato for those who enjoy hojicha. I had the level 3 matcha gelato, which I thought was just perfect!
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the most important Shinto Shrine in Kamakura, is about a 10-minute walk from Komachi-dori Street.
From Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, it’s another 10-minute walk back to Kamakura Station. Take the Enoden Line from Kamakura Station to Hase Station to see the Great Buddha.
Lunch at Hase Shokudo
Before heading to the Great Buddha, stop at Hase Shokudo for lunch. It is located at the exit of Hase Station and within walking distance of the Great Buddha. Their menu includes donburi, udon, tempura, and loco moco, the Hawaii inspired dish shown here.
Kotoku-in
It is about a 5-minute walk to Kotoku-in, the Great Buddah of Kamakura.
After visiting the Great Buddha, take a walk back to Hase Station and take the Enoden Line to Kamakurakoko-Mae Station.
Kamakurakoko-Mae Station
Kamakurakoko-Mae Station is the famous scenic railway station that sits right along the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji from the station platform. We enjoyed the beautiful train ride along the coastline.
To return to Tokyo, take the Enoden Line back to Kamakura Station. At Kamakura Station, take the JS Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Shibuya Station (or Tokyo Station). Once again, I highly recommend upgrading to the Green Car, especially if you are traveling during rush hour.
Also, if you love melon, be sure to stop by at the Kamakura Station bakery and try the musk melon cream bun! It is so good!
For more places to visit in Japan, click the “Explore Japan” link below!
Happy Travels!
BK Travel Collage 