Located in the southern part of Kanagawa Prefecture, Kamakura is attracting visitors across the world due to its rich culture and traditions. Travelers visiting this beautiful part of the state can explore the traditional arts at the temples. Once forgotten, Kamakura temples have evoked the essence of Zen meditation that travelers can witness. It nestles over 100 shrines and temples along with Great and many historical monuments.
Apart from that, Kamakura attracts the foodies equally. From tea ceremonies to seafood, the place celebrates all that it has with abundant joy. Visitors coming to Kamakura have fulfilling holidays in all aspects. It is a paradise for food lovers. The stylish cafes and shops have made it one famous destination among traveling buffs.
This guide will provide all the necessary information for travelers visiting Kamakura for the first time.
Knowing The Weather In Kamakura
The pleasant climate at Kamakura is another reason why it is popular as a tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy the place in June if they want to witness the beauty of flora and fauna. It is the best time to see the hydrangeas. Fall foliage is best seen in November and December.
With multiple sights within walking distance from the Kamakura station, it is recommended to wear comfortable sneakers. The wind gets chilling near the coast, so layering up with clothes, especially during fall and winters, is recommended.
The Best Ways To Get Around Kamakura
Getting around Kamakura is easy as there are multiple options. From Japan Railways to Enoshima Rail and buses to rickshaws, exploring every spot of Kamakura is hassle-free.
- JR Lines - JR Kamakura Station operates Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Sobu Line and Yokosuka Line. Travelers can get a pass of the JR Lines to avoid the last-minute hustle and at the same time save some yen.
- Enoshima Rail - This special line runs between Kamakura and Fujisawa station. Travelers can stop at Hase to see the popular Hasedera and Buddha temple and later the popular Enoshima Island.
- Buses - Buses that operate in the city are Enoshima and Yokohama Keikyu. Getting o the bus can help travelers explore the popular sightseeing as per their time and comfort.
- Rented Bicycles - It is the most feasible and fun option to travel around Kamakura because, at some places, the roads get narrow and extremely crowded, especially during fall. It is recommended to visit the temples and shrines with a rented bicycle.
- Rickshaws - For a little more adventure and to get a real feel of Japan, visitors can take a ride on a rickshaw that can be found at JR Kamakura Station. The benefit of taking a rickshaw ride is that travelers get a free local guide to take to the popular spots and tell stories behind them.
- Tour buses - People visiting Kamakura only for a day or two can take tour buses that take travelers to see maximum sightseeing areas in just one or two days.
Best Places To Visit In Kamakura
Due to plenty of top-rated attractions, travelers often get into a dilemma about what to see and what to leave. Since Kamakura has more than 100 shrines, temples, and other attractions, here are some finest characters that vacationers must-see.
Kamakura Daibutsu Statue
This beautiful relic Great Amitabha Buddha statue is located at Kotokuin temple. It is something unique about Kamakura that witnesses thousands of tourists every year. Made of bronze, Kamakura Daibutsu Statue is a national historic site. It is mesmerizing from the outside and equally spectacular from the inside.
Hasedera Temple
For all the travelers visiting Kamakura for the first time, a visit to the Hasedera temple is a must. Here, one can witness the eye-catching beauty of blooming hydrangeas. These beautiful flowers bloom from mid-June to early July. Apart from hydrangeas, the amazing statue of the Goddess of Mercy is a sight to behold. It is creatively carved from wooden, where the details give an impression of artistic magnificence. Later, visitors can enjoy the ocean vistas and cityscape of Kamakura.
Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine
Travelers can visit the popular Tsuruoka Hachimangu as soon they reach the JR Kamakura station as it is in its proximity. The place is enveloped by lush green forest, making it worth visiting. The huge Torri gate painted in red gives a striking first impression of the shrine. One can find many Buddhist pilgrims here, especially in the first three days of the year.
Wakamiya Oji Street And Komachi Street
Travelers who have had enough of temples and shrines can now switch to city life and take a stroll at the popular Wakamiya-Oji Street and Komachi Street. Walking through these streets will give travelers the real Japanese feel where they can indulge in local cuisine, street fashion, and of course, the eye-catching pink petals all over the path. It is because of this; the Wakamiya-Oji is called one of the most beautiful streets in Japan.
Kamakura Koko Mae Station
Visiting the station may sound lame, but one visit to Kamakura Koko Mae Station will turn all the beliefs. This station is not just a hub of transport but popular sightseeing too. The vintage ambiance of the station comes with a wooden structure, giving great photo spots at most of the locations. Furthermore, the oceanic views on a sunny day over Oshima Island, Izu Peninsula, and Miura Peninsula are treat to eyes.
Enoshima
Hopping into the beautiful island is on the bucket list of many travelers visiting Kamakura. Enoshima is a small island giving leisure pursuits to people visiting it. It is located off the coast of the city, offering a spectacular observatory, great shrines, and many restaurants and cafes. Additionally, travelers can buy great souvenirs from multiple shops on the island. Later, visiting the Enoshima aquarium will make the trip worthwhile.