Kamakura Komachi-dori Street is a peculiar strip of modernity in the center of an ancient city, where trendy boutiques, gourmet cuisine, and a timeless ambiance rub shoulders.

With humble beginnings as a modest street market centuries ago, the area has transformed into a symphony of shopping and commerce.

You can find everything from boutique fashion stores to souvenir gift shops along Komachi-dori, and when the bags get heavy and your feet tired, there are countless cafes, restaurants, cake shops, and bakeries.

Many of the restaurants serve whitebait, a local delicacy known as shirasu. Every conceivable method of preparation and presentation has been considered and tried, so whether you want to try it raw, with noodles, on a pizza, or on top of a rice bowl, there will be a place that caters to your appetite. Sweets and snacks are a big draw, particularly candied bean sweets and cookies.

Upon arriving to Kamakura Station, grab breakfast here or grab lunch before heading over to the Hase region for your other half of the day.

Partial Summary Credit: Japan Travel

Notable shops to visit:

• Iwata Coffee: Opened in 1948 it was a favorite cafe for famous Japanese Nobel Laureate winner Yasunari Kawabata and even John Lennon.

• Kamakura Chacha: a famous green tea sweets store that’s popular among locals

• Goro Kamakura: a famous Japanese confectionery store

Photo Credit: Kamakura City Website

Address: 8, 小町 Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006

Hours: Depends on stores. Some open for breakfast, most open for lunch and dinner.

Website: https://www.city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/visitkamakura/en/index.html

How to get there: A 5 minute walk from Kamakura Station East Exit.

 

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (鶴岡八幡宮, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū) is Kamakura's most important shrine. It was founded by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063, and enlarged and moved to its current site in 1180 by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura government.

The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin who has been identified with Hachiman, Hime-gami and Empress Jingu are enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

The shrine is reached via a long, wide approach that leads from Kamakura's waterfront through the entire city center, with multiple torii gates along the way. The main hall (Hongu or Jogu) stands on a terrace at the top of a wide stairway. The main hall includes a small shrine museum, which displays various treasures owned by the shrine, such as swords, masks and documents.

To the left of the stairway stood until 2010 a large ginkgo tree, which predated the shrine, and was once used as a hideout in an ambush attack on a shogun. Every autumn, the tree turned beautifully golden, but it did not survive a winter storm in March 2010. At the base of the stairway stands the Maiden, a stage for dance and music performances. Other structures on the shrine grounds include the Wakamiya Shrine, a secondary shrine to the right of the stairway and various auxiliary buildings.

Summary Credit: Japan Guide

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

Address: 2 Chome-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588

Hours: 8am - 8:30pm

Website: http://www.tsurugaoka-hachimangu.jp/

How to get there: A 10 minute walk from Kamakura Station via Dankazura Street or through the main shopping street of Komachi Dori.

 

This small temple hidden away in the hills of Kamakura, is a part of the Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism. Upon arrival, it may seem rather unassuming at first. There is a small garden and a gate that leads a path to the main hall of the temple where a historic statue of Buddha sits - the main object of worship. However, the temple is best known for its bamboo grove tucked away in the back of the main hall. Over 2000 bamboo stalks tower over the temple - a truly mesmerizing sight. A narrow path in the grove leads to small tea house, and for a fee, you can enjoy a cup of matcha while looking out to the bamboos.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Address: 2 Chome-7-4 Jomyoji, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0003

Hours: 9am - 4pm

Website: https://houkokuji.or.jp/?page_id=215

How to get there: A 10 minute bus ride from Kamakura Station (or 20 minute walk). Take bus headed for Jomyoji Bus stop.

 

Enoden Line [江ノ電] is the most useful transportation that links Fujisawa [藤沢] and historical city Kamakura [鎌倉] via Enoshima. Most of major tourist spots in the area are located along the line.
It is known for variegated landscape and keeping atmosphere of nostalgic railway, among 15 stations on 10km, 30minutes trip.

This tiny railway in Japan is also known for appearing on many TV drama, movie, anime and manga works very often.
It is sure that riding on the train will become one of highlight for trip to the area.

You will take this train from Kamakura to get to the Great Buddha, Hasedera and Enoshima.

Partial Summary Credit: Travel Enoshima Website

Photo credit: Enoden Website

Address: N/A

Hours: 5am - 12am

Website: https://www.enoden.co.jp/en/train/

How to get there: The Enoden train runs from Kamakura to Fujisawa.

 

Around 1300 years ago, two sculptors carved two Kannon statues out of a sacred tree. One of them was enshrined here at Hasedera in Kamakura. It is commonly called “Eleven-headed Kannon” since it has eleven heads on top of its own head. It measures 9.18 meters tall and this makes it one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan.
Hesedera temple resides on a mountain called “Kannon-zan”. The ground holds a large variety of flowers which bloom throughout the year welcoming visitors. Additionally, the scenic view from the observation platform on the upper ground is recognized as one of the most picturesque spots in Kamakura.

Partial Summary Credit: Hasedera Website

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Address: 3 Chome-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016

Hours: 8am - 5pm

Website: https://www.hasedera.jp/en/

How to get there: A 6 minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden Line.

 

This is quite possibly the main attraction for all of Kamakura and the symbol of that area.

The Great Buddha

The statue commonly known as Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura), a colossal copper image of Amida-butsu (Amitabha Buddha), is the principle image of Kotoku-in. The fact that it sits in the open air makes it unusual amongst large Buddha statues in Japan. The Great Buddha, designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government, is some 11.3 meters tall and weighs around 121 tons. Though in size it falls short of the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple at Nara (an image of Rushana-butsu [Vairochana Buddha]), it essentially retains its original form; as such it is an invaluable example of Japanese historical Buddhist art.
According to the Azumakagami, a chronicle describing the achievements of the Kamakura Shogunate from the late 12th century through the mid-13th century, construction of the Great Buddha began in 1252. It is also believed that the priest Joko gathered donations from the people to build it. However, much remains unclear about the specifics of the Great Buddha’s construction, and the artist has yet to be identified.

Kotoku-In

Kotoku-in (officially known as Daii-san Kotoku-in Shojosen-ji) belongs to the Jodo Sect, a traditional Buddhist sect founded by the priest Honen (1133–1212). Honen was a devotee of Amitabha, Buddha of the Western Pure Land. It is believed that the original vow of Amitabha Buddha is to liberate all beings, irrespective of sex, age or social standing, regardless of whether the individual has engaged in good or evil deeds in their lives. According to the Jodo Sect belief system, one only needs to chant the nenbutsu* to receive the protection of Amitabha and be reborn in his Pure Land. This is the teaching of the Jodo Sect as taught by Honen.

Partial Summary Credit: Kotoku-In Website

Photo credit: Gaijin Pot Travel

Address: 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016

Hours: 8am - 5pm

Website: https://www.kotoku-in.jp/en/

How to get there: A 6 minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden Line.

 

Kamakura is home to several sand beaches, which are popular getaways for those who want to escape the nearby cities of Tokyo and Yokohama for some sunbathing, swimming and surfing. The official beach season in Kamakura lasts from July to August.

Located adjacent to each other, Yuigahama and Zaimokuza are Kamakura's two most popular beaches due to their convenient location and good facilities. As a result, both get very crowded during the summer season. The two beaches collectively span about one kilometer of coastline, providing a lot of space for sunbathing and swimming. Beach huts and rental shops are open during the season and provide visitors with shade, changing and shower rooms, food and drinks.

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

Address: Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0014

Hours: N/A

Website: https://www.city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/visitkamakura/en/index.html

How to get there: A 5 minute walk from Yuigahama Station on the Enoden Line.

 

If you got to Kamakura early enough and have enough energy left then it’s worth taking the rest of the day to Enoshima. Enoshima is a small island off the coast connected by a bridge. It offers really nice views, shrines, a park, caves to explore and an observation tower.

From Kamakura, you can access Enoshima on the Enoden train. Enoden is a famous train a long the coastline that is often seen in many movies, TV shows, dramas, animes and manga.

Enoshima is divided into a yacht harbor accessible to motorized traffic and a forested hill which can only be explored on foot (and paid escalators) and contains most of the sights. Several shrine buildings, collectively known as Enoshima Shrine, are found around the island and are dedicated to Benten, a popular goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge. Benten is believed to have created Enoshima before subduing a five headed dragon that had been terrorizing the area.

An interesting aquarium and some of the closest beaches to Tokyo are located on the mainland just off Enoshima. The beaches on either side of the island can become very crowded with sun bathers and swimmers during the summer holidays in July and August, while the long stretches of beach that continue to Chigasaki in the west and Kamakura in the east are popular surfing spots.

Visitors to Enoshima should consider purchasing the Enopass, a combination ticket that includes admission to the island's main attractions (garden, observation tower, caves) and use of the escalators for 1000 yen. The pass provides additional discounts on admission to the Benten Statue, the Enoshima Spa and the aquarium as well as on purchases at dedicated shops and restaurants. The Enopass can be purchased at tourist information desks and the escalator ticket office.

You can also go inside caves (may be closed some days due to weather or water ocnditions) and explore the cave using a candle they give you.

Partial Summary Credit: Japan Guide

Photo credit: Usplash

Address: N/A

Hours: N/A

Website: N/A

How to get there: A 20 minute walk from Ensohima Station on the Enoden Line. You can also take a bus from Ensohima Station that will drop you off closer to the island.

 

The Meguro River meanders nearly 8 kilometers through several chic neighborhoods before emptying into Tokyo Bay. Generously landscaped walking paths along its banks and easy access to drinking and dining make it popular year-round.

Much of the Meguro Riverside area provides pleasant walking and a mellow atmosphere that marks a contrast to the capital's urban buzz. The stretch between Nakameguro and Gotanda Stations is renowned for its pretty greenery and easy access to the hip Nakameguro neighborhood with its many restaurants and bars.

Just beside the river, the Meguro Museum of Art focuses on modern Japanese artists and is worth checking out if you get caught in the rain. So is the quirky, squirmy Tokyo Parasite Museum just a couple blocks from the river. The gift shop alone is worth a look.

Further downstream at the edge of Tokyo Bay, Tennozu Isle offers galleries, chic cafes, and waterside dining, including at T.Y. Harbor, a popular brewery restaurant.

The Meguro River is also one of Tokyo's premier cherry blossom viewing spots. Over a kilometer of trees lining the paths on either side of the river in Nakameguro burst into bloom at the end of March and beginning of April, forming a corridor of flower clouds above the river.

When the sun goes down, the paper lanterns strung along the river come on during the Nakameguro Sakura Festival when bands of locals celebrate spring with feasting and drinking on blue tarps beneath the blossoms. Grab a beer from one of the street stalls and bask in the glow of Japan at its most laid back.

Wintertime has its own charm when a stretch of the river near Gotanda Station comes alive with an impressive holiday lights display.

Summary Credit: Go Tokyo

Photo credit: JW Web Magazine

Address: N/A

Hours: N/A

Website: N/A

How to get there: A 5-10 minute walk from Nakameguro Station East Exit on the Tokyu Toyoko Line depending which part of the river you go to.

 

Opened in November 2016, this commercial strip is set below the railway tracks in Nakameguro, stretching for a total of 700m and running from the Meguro River across Yamate-dori in the direction of Yutenji. 28 different businesses occupy the complex, all with their own distinct personality: you'll find the likes of Pavilion, a wine and kiln-grilled food specialist; a branch of Tsutaya Books, complete with a café; the newest Tokyo outpost of New York's City Bakery, and Niwakaya Chosuke, an udon izakaya from Kyushu that finally made the move to the capital. 

Summary Credit: Timeout Tokyo

Photo credit: G Mark

Address: Right around the Nakameguro Station

Hours: Depends on store but typically open for lunch and dinner time

Website: N/A

How to get there: An 1 minute walk from Nakameguro Station