Kamakura Sightseeing & Attractions
Our top picks of things to see and do
Ugafuku Shrine (Goddess of Money Washing)
For some variation, visit the Ugafuku Shrine and wash your money with the holy water in the temple. It is said that the Goddess will make your money shine twice as much as it did before. Whether or not that is so shant keep you from having a blast whilst you wash your yen. But take care not to wash your bills!
2-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture 248-0017, Japan
+81 467-25-1081
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Kamakura Hiking Trails
Stop by at the Tourist Information Center at JR Kamakura station to get a pamphlet map which shows all of the hiking trails availible for you. Or you can be a real adventurer, ditch the map and go wherever the hell you want!
Engaku-ji Temple
Built in the year 1282 the Engaku-ji Temple is one of many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kamakura. The Sanmon Gate to the Temple is said to be able to free an individual from obsessions and therefore bring about enlightenment, while this remains to be seen why not give it a try? The most you have to loose is 300 yen.
Sightseeing time: 60 minutes
Admission: 300 yen
Kencho-ji Temple
Shortly before the Engaku-ji the Kencho-ji Temple was erected in 1253. Its claim to fame is the fact that it is the first Zen Dojo built in all of Japan. The temple has a rather large gate, which towers over at over 30 meters.
Since you’re at the heart of Zen Buddhism why not experience how they eat? Be a guest and enjoy a standard Buddhist lunch. (vegetarian)
Sightseeing time: 60 minutes
Admission: 300 yen
Wakamiya-oji Street
The main artery of Kamakura, this street has the majority of your shopping and restaurants on it. It starts behind Kamakura station (at the Hachiman-gu Shrine) and goes all the way to the beach.
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine
The original center of Kamakura, built by the shogun himself Minamoto Yoritomo nine hundred years ago. From the top floor you have a panoramic view of Kamakura, where you can look down on the city just as the shogun did 900 years before you.
Continue your fun and education at the Kamakura Kokuhokan Museum where you can look back at the Kamakura Period like a window into the past.
Sightseeing time: approx. 60 minutes
Admission: 300 yen (Kamakura Museum)
Komachi-dori Street
A section of the Wakamiya-oji, Komachi-dori (street) is crammed with souvenir shops, restaurants, craft shops, everything you’ll want to buy and eat you’ll find here. For further edification into the history and culture of Kamakura, you’ll also find the Kichoan Museum on Komachi street.
Daibutsu at the Kotokuin Temple
At last we’ve come to what you’ve all been waiting for, the pride of Kamakura: Daibutsu (Great Buddha). The 120 ton, 13 meter tall Buddha made its debut in 1252. It is without a doubt the most photographed feature in the city.
During spring time the statue’s neighboring cherry blossoms bloom creating a most magnificent image.
If it had not been for a tsunami 500 years ago this Buddha would be inside a temple, however the temple was completely destroyed and washed away, but it could not wash away or destroy this steadfast statue.
Sightseeing time: 40 minutes
Admission: 200 yen
Hase-dera Temple
Take trip in a time machine and check out the Hesa-dera Temple. You’ll be going back 1300 years... to the year 736. One of Japan’s oldest temples, its needless to say the Hase-dera pulls in a lot of tourists. The temple is near the sea and offers a fantastic view of the coast and ocean.
Sightseeing time: 60 minutes
Admission: 300 yen
Yuigahama Beach
Weather permitting you can enjoy a delightful stroll (preferably in the warmer months) along the yuigahama beach. And if the weather is even better you’ll be able to spot Mt. Fuji off in the distance.
Shopping
Being a tourist town you won’t be able to walk a block without running into a tourist shop. Here is where you can find both the kitsch and the traditional intermingled, from hand carved kokeshi dolls to neon colored jellie Buddhas. You will find the highest concentration of said stores near the train stations: Kita Kamakura, Kamakura, Wadazuka, Yuigihama, Hase.