TOKYO GUIDE | VISITING SHRINES AND TEMPLES IN TOKYO

When you’re wandering the streets of Tokyo, it’s hard not to bump into a shrine or a temple. In fact, this is the case for almost every city/village/town in Japan. It is estimated that there are roughly 75,000-80,000 registered shrines and temples in Japan. While Kyoto is famous for having a high concentration of some of the most well known shrines and temples, Tokyo is definitely a contender in this category. Sure, it’s nice to explore Japan’s famous nightlife scenery and have an unforgettable night out at karaokes and bar hopping, but don’t forget to take some time to explore the traditional side of Japan through their shrines and temples.

What many tourists might not know is that there is a difference between shrines and temples in Japan. The key difference is that a shrine is for the religion of Shintoism, while a temple is for Buddhism. There are also contrasts in structural differences and manners where you can read about it here.

In your short visit to Tokyo, it can be daunting on deciding which shrine and temple to visit. There are over thousands of temples and shrines in Tokyo alone! For starters, the Meiji Shrine and the Sensoji Temple are arguably one of the most famous and popular ones. Check out some other must see temples and shrines in Tokyo on this compiled list of breathtaking shrines/temples in Tokyo.

Tokyo Guide: The Sensoji Temples Pagoda with the Sky Tree in the background.

Tokyo Guide: The Sensoji Temples Pagoda with the Sky Tree in the background.

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WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN? | A GUIDE ON JAPAN'S SEASONS

Not sure when to visit Japan? Well there here are some of the basics of the best time to visit Japan.

Periods you should be aware of

Japan has three major periods throughout the year where domestic travel rises, resulting in longer queues to going places and sightseeing, crowded trains and overall more expensive.

The first is New Years holiday. New Years holiday lasts from around the last few days of December and typically the first 3 days of January. New Years is considered Japan’s biggest holiday and it is when everyone goes home for New Years to get a fresh start into the new year. Everyone goes home…we mean it. Most shops/restaurants, sight seeing spots and events/activities will be closed making much of Tokyo look like ghost towns. However, if you are here during this time than you can certainly enjoy and partake in this festivity by visiting shrines and temples where New Years celebrations will be made.

The next is golden week. Golden week is typically near the end of April to the beginning of May (depends on the year). This week has consecutive holidays lined up where much of the week is taken off. Due to many people having this week off, it calls for a rise in domestic travel making it crowded everywhere you go.

The last is during Obon. Obon is a holiday typically the week of August 13-15. People go back home to celebrate the lives of deceased family members. Businesses and shops may be closed during this time and there might be crowding but it’s a bit more dispersed than the New Year holidays and Golden Week.

Best time to visit Japan

It’s hard to choose the best time to visit Japan - each season has something to offer. The winter (December-February) time can be quite romantic with lots of illumination throughout the city with possible snowfall. The fall (September - November) offers mild temperatures and beautiful autumn leaves. But, there could be some typhoon scares to be aware of. The summer (June-August), although is hot and sticky, is the season for festivities, activities and beach parties. Then there’s the spring (March-May) when the weather if perfect and if you’re lucky, the cherry blossoms are blooming. You can also check out our festivals/events guide page to know what annual festivals and events occur during each season.

However, overall if you’re looking for ideal conditions, there’s a few ways to approach this decision. The spring time is considered one of the best times to visit Japan. The weather is beautiful and the cherry blossoms come out where everyone celebrates by outdoor picnics and events. But, due to the popularity in cherry blossoms, it could get quite busy. The fall time is another option, especially during the months of October - November. With ideal weather conditions and nice autumn leaves it’s also a relatively quiet period for domestic and international travel. Check out the graph at the bottom of the page to understand the busy periods of Japan

Overall it really depends on you!

It really depends of when you can come to Japan and what you would like to see as well. Just remember depending on when you come to Japan, the scenery could be completely different! No mater what time of year you come, it’s guaranteed that you’ll enjoy it or find something interesting. Figure out what’s best for you.

Photo Credit: Live Japan

Photo Credit: Live Japan

IS GETTING THE JAPAN RAIL PASS WORTH IT? | THE ULTIMATE QUESTION

The JR lines or the Japan Railways offers a Japan Rail Pass that foreigners can claim to ease travel throughout Japan. It can be used on any JR Lines (The pass can only be used on JR Lines only. This includes bullet trains. Cannot be used for Tokyo Metro and other private lines such as Tokyu) throughout the country making it a very popular pass to get for foreigners. They offer two passes: one is a green car pass and the other is a standard pass. The green car pass gives you access to all JR Line AND to the green cars on JR Lines which are comfier and more spacious cars. The standard pass does not include the green cars. The passes have three different options of purchase - 7 days, 14 days or 21 days.

Who’s eligible for the Japan Rail Pass?

The pass is only available to foreigners who are visiting Japan (special exceptions for Japanese nationals who reside abroad). The foreigner must be a visiting tourist from abroad for sight-seeing under the entry status of “temporary visitor”. The Japanese immigration law states that visitors can stay in Japan for 15 or up to 90 days for sight-seeing. Upon entry into Japan, you MUST get this stamped on your passport to be eligible for the pass. *If you go through customs through the automated machine, you will not get a stamp. Please go through a manned station or ask where you receive the stamp.

Ways to purchase

  • Purchase pass on reservation website. Pick up the pass at a JR office found at the airport or at major JR stations.

  • Purchase an exchange order at a JR-designated sales office or agent overseas. Pick up at designated offices after arriving in Japan

  • Purchase at a ticket office in Japan. Check offices available here

    *Note: Bring your passport when purchasing and picking up your pass. You need to show your visitor stamp that you received at customs.

Pricing and options

IF PURCHASED AT A TICKET OFFICE OR ONLINE

7 day Green Car JR Pass: 44,810 YEN for adult, 22,400 YEN for children

14 day Green Car JR Pass: 72,310 YEN for adult, 36,150 YEN for children

21 day Green Car JR Pass: 91,670 YEN for adult, 45,830 YEN for children

7 day ordinary JR pass: 33,610 YEN for adult, 16,800 YEN for children

14 day ordinary JR pass: 52,960 YEN for adult, 26,480 YEN for children

21 day ordinary JR pass: 66,200 YEN for adult, 33,100 YEN for children

IF PURCHASED AN EXCHANGE ORDER AT DESIGNATED OFFICES OR OVERSEAS TRAVEL AGENT

7 day Green Car JR Pass: 39,600 YEN for adult, 19,800 YEN for children

14 day Green Car JR Pass: 64,120 YEN for adult, 32,060 YEN for children

21 day Green Car JR Pass: 83,390 YEN for adult, 41,690 YEN for children

7 day ordinary JR pass: 29,650 YEN for adult, 14,820 YEN for children

14 day ordinary JR pass: 47,250 YEN for adult, 23,620 YEN for children

21 day ordinary JR pass: 60,450 YEN for adult, 30,220 YEN for children


The Japan Rail Pass is worth it if:

  • You are on a short trip (7-10 days) and moving quickly through cities

  • You are visiting many places and travelling long distances. For example if you are moving through major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima with round trip, you would be getting your moneys worth.

  • You are not on a backpackers budget. There are overnight buses that are much cheaper, but take MUCH longer for backpackers.

    These cases would be easier to have the pass. Make sure to purchase the pass AHEAD OF TIME. More info about the passes here.

    The Japan Rail Pass might NOT be worth it if:

  • You are backpacking or have a lot of time in Japan. The JR pass must be used consecutive days from when you pick up the pass.

  • Your only destinations is one region of Japan. For example only the Kanto area (Tokyo, Fuji, Yokohama) or the Kansai area (Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara). Regional passes like the Mt. Fuji pass, Kansai thru pass or Hakone pass are cheaper and give transit access.

    We find that if you are exploring Japan more thoroughly and with time, it’s easier and cheaper to alternate between buses, train tickets and using regional passes.

    Overall

    If your circumstances are unique you can always use the JR pass calculator to see if your trip is worth more or less than the pass here. Depending on your trip, it could be well worth purchasing the JR purchase. Make sure to check out the https://japanrailpass.net/en/ website for full information on purchasing your JR pass.

Photo Credit: JR rail pass website

Photo Credit: JR rail pass website


Shibuya Sky Observation Deck

One of the greatest observation decks in all of Tokyo. This observation deck features a 360-degree observatory overlooking all of Tokyo. It also includes a bar, comfortable seating, and unique light shows to enhance your experience 230 meters above the ground.

Availability: 7 days per week. any time from 10:00 - 22:30 (Last admission at 21:20).

Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Price: 25 USD for adults (18+ years old), 20 USD for kids (6-17 years old), 7 USD (3-5 years old).

Location: This experience is in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. If you include this experience in your tour we will also show you around Shibuya. More information on Shibuya can be found here.

This can be booked as an add-on (extra) to a private customized tour. Please select this ‘extra’ during the check-out when booking your tour.

 
Wagashi Making Class (Japanese Sweets)

Learn how to make authentic Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, with our expert friends at Gallery Okubo. Their lessons are fun and the staff are very friendly.

This 1.5-hour class is available to people booking a Private Customised Tour with us. We will schedule your class to start immediately after your tour finishes and your guide will drop you off at the wagashi studio and provide you with information about how to get back to your hotel after the class.

Photo Credit: Yuka An Facebook

Photo Credit: Yuka An Facebook

Overview: This 1.5-hour hands on class will teach you how to make traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets). The sweets will differ depending on the time of the year as they will be seasonal.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Group Size: Maximum of 6 (5 during COVID) people in a class. This class requires a minimum of 1 booking to run. If your group size is larger than 6 people we can run one classes back to back.

Price: 4300 JPY per person

Time: Anytime from 11:30am - to 4:00 pm (last class at 4.00). Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Location: Yanaka district

 
Sake Tasting Course

Every country has their own alcohol that they're known for - Italy for their wine, Russia for their Vodka and Scotland for their whiskey. In Japan, sake is the go to traditional alcoholic drink. Sake is made from fermented rice, water, yeast and koji (a type of mold). It boasts a history of over a thousand years and hundreds of different types of sake.

Over the course of this sake class you’ll dive deep into all things sake. You’ll learn the proper ways to select and drink sake with food. Sake and pairing food is very important as some sakes compliment various foods differently. Our sake experts will present to you 6 different sakes - all from small family owned businesses. Some may be cold, some warm or some room temperature served in different cups. These are a huge factor in sake as well!

*Note: The drinking age in Japan is 20. All participants MUST be over 20 years old to join.

sake-tasting-tours-japan-guide.JPG

Duration: 2 hours

Participants: Up to 20 people (Depending on size, a rental room may need to be adjusted. Please contact us for more information).

Price: 6200Yen+ 10% sales tax/person

Drinks: 6 different types of craft Japanese sake

Snacks: Light snacks paired with sake

Food restrictions: Please inform us of allergies beforehand so we can arrange possible replacements.

 
A THREE DAY ITINERARY IN YAMANASHI AND FUJI LAKES

There are tons of info on the Fuji Five Lakes and the Yamanashi region online, but a lot of locations that are worth visiting are only easily accessible by car. By taking a campervan and a tent, this is an amazing area to explore as each of the Fuji Five Lakes have places to park for the evening. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to wake up with Mount Fuji views. The Yamanashi region is a nice place to explore and camp especially during the summer as temperatures are typically nicer. Yamanashi is only two hours away by car - a convenient place especially for families trying to avoid long trips. This trip it quite fast paced so if you are more of the type to take your time or aren’t short on time, you may want to add an additional day or choose from some of the places listed in our itinerary

Day 1  

Nishizawa Keikoku (Valley)

Near Kofu, inside the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, there is a beautiful valley hiiden away called the Nishizawa Keikoku (西沢渓谷).

A hiking trail leads up to Nishizawa Valley with several waterfalls, a picturesque mountain and dark green stream of crystal clear water.

The round trip hike from the parking lot is roughly 3-4 hours, but if you want to take your time ad take photos, it might be closer to a 4-5 hour hike for the full loop.

Fuefukigawa Fruit Park

Fuefukigawa Fruit Park is great place for families. It’s located on the mountainside near Yamanashi City Station. At this park you can enjoy a nice scenery of Yamanashi city as well as Mt. Fuji.

The park’s gardens grow eight unique fruits of: grapes, peaches, apples, pears, persimmons, gingko fruits, pomegranates and chestnuts. Entry to the park is free and there is plenty of green grass and space for families and kids to enjoy. For children above the age of 3, there’s a free outdoor water park. They also have glass buildings where you can find a tropical greenhouse, children’s indoor play place, as well as resting places such as restaurants and refreshments. Once you have had enough for the day, drive a few minutes up the mountain where you can soak in an outdoor onsen with a superb view of Yamanashi City and Mt. Fuji.

Hotarakashi Onsen is open from one hour before sunrise to 22:00 in the evening . It features an indoor and outdoor hot springs. For morning bathers, there is a restaurant attached to the onsen that sells a simple breakfast for ¥600 of rice, pickled side dishes, raw eggs, miso soup. Google Map

Photo Credit: Hotaraki Onsen Website
Photo Credit: Zekkei

Photo Credit: Zekkei

Parking for the night

To park and sleep for the night there are various campsites nearby - the closest being just just 20-30 second drive from Hotarakashi Onsen. You’ll need to book and reserve a spot. Note: they can be very booked on weekends, especially during the summer.

To park for free, there’s a a stop called Michi-no-eki about 15 minutes drive away (Address: 2120 室伏 牧丘町 Yamanashi, 404-0012)

Down the mountain you can find a 7-11 convenience store Google Map

Yamanashi Prefecture is known for its flat style udon noodle. The noodles are chewy, and gluttonous,  served in a thick broth. The broth is rich in ingredients which includes things such as pumpkin. We recommend you try the noodles at Funari as it’s just a 5-minute drive away from The Fuefukigawa Fruit Park. Google Map>  

Day 2

Day 2 concentrates on Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes.

Oishi Park

Oishi park sits on the north shore of Kawaguchi Lake and provides a breathtaking view of the lake and Mt.Fuji. The park features a 350m walking path accompanied by various flowers along the way. Near the parking lot, you can find many shops such as the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center where you can make your own jam. The most popular souvenir purchases are blueberry jam and blueberry soft ice cream.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

In 864, Mt. Fuji erupted which resulted with a festival of fire in the following year dedicated to the goddess of Mt. Fuji to suppress further eruptions.  Asama Shrines are a sub-set of Shinto shrines devoted to the deity of volcanoes. In the shrine, there are seven huge trees, said to be over 1200 years old, each with their own name and meaning.  In 2013, a number of Asama Shrines, including this one, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site listings for Mount Fuji.

Photo Credit: Yamanashi Website

Photo Credit: Yamanashi Website

Hahano Shirataki Shrine

Hahano Shirataki Shrine or Mother Shirataki Shrine  – meaning “Mother’s white waterfall” is a 30-40minute walk from Kawaguchi Asama Shrine. The most prominent feature being the Torii gate beside the waterfall. I It’s recommend to go by car, as trekking the road on foot could take longer.

Photo Credit: FUjisan website

Photo Credit: Fujisan website

Saiko Iyashino-Sato Nenba

The Iyashi village was once destroyed by a typhoon in 1966, but was rebuilt and is now made up of more than twenty thatch roofed homes. These homes have been converted into shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Iyashi in Japanese means healing. Wandering through this village could put you back into ancient times. If the weather permits, you can see Fuji in the distance, making it a popular spot for photographers. 

Photo Credit: My Stays

Photo Credit: My Stays

Nakanokura Pass Observation Point

The Nakanokura Toge Mountain Pass Observatory is located on the northern side of Lake Motosuko. With clear weather, you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji reflected onto the surface of the lake. In fact, the 1,000 yen bill is modeled after this view. It’s about a 30 minute walk from the parking lot to the Observatory. Connected to the main road and around the lake, there are various spots designated for parking and photo spots. Motosuko lake itself is a beautiful crystal clear lake. There are numerous campsites near or attached to the lake where you can pay to camp by tent or campervan.

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

Minobusan Kuonji

Minobusan Kuonji is home to the “Nichiren-shu” Buddhist religious sect and generally doesn’t seem to be a very well known location. It is a 30-40 minute drive from the west side of Lake Motosuko, and is most commonly visited by tourists during cherryblossom season looking to see the beautiful 400-year-old weeping cherry tree in front of the main temple. At first, I was hesitant to even travel here as I was enjoying the sights and nature around Motosuko, but the temple was definitely worth the journey. 

Parking for the night

Finding parking places around the Fuji Five Lakes is quite easy. Each lake has more than one parking area making it easy to drive around the lake and find the most suitable location to stop for the night.

Oishi Park Parking Lot (Wake up to flowers and view of Mt. Fuji) Google Maps

Shoji Lake Canoe Parking Lot (Right next to lake) Google Maps

Lake Motosuko Parking Google Maps

For bathing there is the  Izumi hot spring hot spring. There are both indoor and outdoor pools. There is also a cafeteria, where you can dine after taking a bath. Cost of entry is¥900 for adults and ¥500 for children.

Day 3

On the way back to Tokyo, you can stop by several places.

Aokigahara Forest

Aokighara forest is found near Mt.fuji, located at an altitude of about 900-1300m above sea level. You’ll find moss, vegetation, forest trees, and caves atop the lava flows from Mt Fuji. This forest is also known as suicide forest due to it being a place where it’s dense and easy to get lost if you’re not careful.  Around this area are several caves to explore including an “ice cave,” “wind cave,” “bat cave,” etc. There is a parking lots where you can stop by and peek into the forest for about 5-10 minutes.

Photo Credit: Mental Floss

Photo Credit: Mental Floss

Arakurayama Sengen Park

Arakurayama Sengen Park is located halfway up Mount Arakura in Yamanashi and home to Fuji Asama Shrine.  This park provides a panoramic view of the city with Mount Fuji in the background. This is an iconic region in Japan and is well known for its cherry blossoms. You can stop by here and on the way back and then make your journey back home.

Photo Credit: Matcha JP

Photo Credit: Matcha JP

THREE DAY CAMPER VAN TRIP FROM TOKYO

Complete with places to sleep at, great food, relaxing and cheap hot springs, beautiful locations and many places to see and do, this 3 day trip is a one of a kind experience out of Tokyo. There are three spots to spend three nights - you can customize these spots to go at your own pace and needs or even drop some out of the itinerary completely - it’s all under your control. We will introduce to you three spots that you can visit and stay at night to park your car.

Hakone

At Hakone, one of the highlights of the area is Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway brings you up Mt. Hakone where you can visit the hellish valleys of Owakudani - an active volcano where sulfurous fumes are being expelled. On the way up, if the weather permits, you can catch a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. Nearby at Hakone Yumoto, relax and soak in hot springs fueled by volcanic activity. Yuryo Hot Springs is a great place to soak in.

Bathe/ Eat: Hakone Yuryo Hot Springs

Sleep: Roadside Station Hakone Togo is a good spot to rest if tired before continuing on into Izu

Heda, Izu

This is a very small town that is one of our favorite places on the road trip. The deep-sea bay that the town overlooks is home to spider crabs which make for an excellent lunch. The harbour also features an excellent fish market on the ground floor. For Dinner check out Tagore Hostel. There is also an option to rent fishing rods and bikes to explore the town. There is a hot-spring too at the back of the town to refresh and renew.

Eat: Marusan – Seafood / Crab Restaurant on the Harbor 10am – 6pm

Cafe: Tagore Hostel, Excellent coffee and a great place to chill. 

Bathe: Road Station at the back of the town, Hot Springs closes at 8pm

Sleep: Heda Road Station or the lookout point overlooking the bay

Unique stop: The Old Bus is an old bus converted into a bar that has a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji, Lake Saiko

A very popular spot for visitors, you can drive the van on to the bank of the lake in a few designated spaces. It’s possible to sleep there in your vans and it’s worth having a drive around to look for your perfect spot to settle down for a nice evening by the lake. If you want to set up camp properly - such as making a fire and grilling out – there are several paid campsites around the lake which you can book. Some Japanese may be required, but let our team know and we’ll get a reservation sorted out for you!

There are a few interesting spots to visit in the area such as an ancient village, a bat cave and an ice cave in winter. Open google maps in the area and you will see the spots.  

Eat/ Bathe/ Sleep: Fuji Yurari Hot Spring is a wonderful Hot Spring nearby with great hot springs, good food and a car-park to park your van to sleep for the night.

Sleep: Near the lake, (wild camp) or  Roadside Station Katsuyama Rest Area. Food also available until 5pm – located at the next lake over.

tours-to-mt-fuji.jpg
Green Tea Ceremony

Experience a traditional green tea ceremony with us on a private tour in Tokyo. Partnering with our local green tea experts over at Gallery Okubo, you’ll have the chance to enjoy freshly whipped-up green tea with their house-made traditional Japanese sweets. The green tea is prepared right in front of you in a traditional Japanese tatami matted room.

*You will not need to sit on the floor (tatami mats) - chairs are provided around the mat so you can sit comfortably in a uniquely styled room

Photo Credit: Gallery Okubo

Photo Credit: Gallery Okubo

Availability: Wednesday to Sunday between 11 am and 5 pm (closed on Monday and Tuesday).

Overview: This 30-45 minute traditional Green Tea Ceremony is an opportunity to engage in Japanese culture. You will choose your own antique tea cup and learn about its history, then witness fresh green tea being whipped up in a traditional manner.

Group Size: Maximum of 7 people in a class. Minimum of 1.

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Price: Groups of 1 or 2 people US$55. Groups of 3 or more people US$25 per person.

Inclusions: Traditional tea ceremony, Matcha (green tea) and Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).

Location: This experience is in the Yanka district of Tokyo. If you include this experience in your tour we will also show you around Yanka - it is one of our favorite areas of Tokyo! More information on Yanaka can be found here.

This can be booked as an add-on (extra) to a private customized tour. Please select this ‘extra’ during the check-out when booking your tour.

KAMAKURA ITINERARY

Visiting Kamakura is a full day trip out of Tokyo that’s worth every second of it. It’s often dubbed as the Kyoto of eastern Japan because of its history, cultures and concentration of historical sites, temples and shrines. If you’re looking for a guide to Kamakura, we have a full day itinerary ready for you. This is not the perfect itinerary and you can easily switch out certain spots for places that you wish to visit on your own. The places we list in our recommended route are also separate blog posts with more detailed info under the same Kamakura Section. There are many other places not listed in our itinerary that we believe are great places to visit as well!

Before going to Kamakura

Kamakura is an hour away from Tokyo by train. To spend a full day at Kamakura comfortably, we recommend arriving early in the morning around 8 or 9am. Around the area, transportation is limited compared to Tokyo. After arriving your main modes of transportation will be by walking, bus or the Enoden train. There will be a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes!

Getting to Kamakura

To get to Kamakura Station there is a direct one way ticket from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station (roughly 1 hr) on the JR Yokosuka Line for 920 Yen. If you are on the west side of Tokyo, you can go from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura Station on the Shonan-Shinjuku Line for 920 Yen as well (1 hr as well). Just make sure to catch the direct train to Kamakura or you will have to transfer once at Ofuna Station (additional 10 minutes).

The trip

  • After arriving at Kamakura Station, you can grab some breakfast on Komachi Dori Street. There are some cafes and bakeries open in the morning for breakfast. Make sure to eat and drink to get energized for the long day ahead!

  • After getting some food, head on over to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine or the Hokokuji Temple. This part of the itinerary you can choose the order of which to visit first. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important shrine in Kamakura and is directly connected to Komachi Dori. It takes about 10-15 minutes from Kamakura Station by walking through Komachi Dori. Or from Kamakura Station, after eating on Komachi dori, you can take a bus bound for Jomyoji, where it will take you directly to Hokokuji Temple - the temple famous for its beautiful bamboo forest.

  • After visiting the beautiful temples and shrines, head back to Komachi Dori for lunch. You will notice there will be a lot of places that sell shirasu dishes. Shirasu is a small white juvenile fish that is eaten boiled, dried or raw. Shirasu-donburi is a famous dish from Kamakura that is worth trying! It’s shirasu over white rice.

  • After re-energizing for lunch, head back to Kamakura Station. You can now head over to the Hase area for the second half of your day. At Kamakura Station get on the Enoden Train. The Enoden train is a famous train that runs a long the coastline. Get off at Hase Station.

  • Around the Hase area you can visit Hasedera Temple and Kamakuras main attraction - Kotoku-in and the Great Buddha. At Kotoku-in you will find a giant Great Buddha Statue that has been there since the 13th century.

  • From here you have two options. If you’re tired, head back to Kamakura Station and explore the areas shops and souvenir stores. You can also go to the beaches nearby as the beaches in Kamakura are quite popular - particularly Yuigahama beach.

  • Or if you have some extra time and energy left, we recommend visiting Enoshima Island. Enoshima Island can be accessed on the Enoden train as well. It’s the opposite way from Kamakura, towards Fujisawa. Get off at Enoshima Station and from the station you can walk 20 minutes to the island (it’s connected by a bridge) or catch a bus. Enoshima is a beautiful island with a shrine over looking the island, a park, an observation tower and beautiful caves to explore. You can relax by the rocky shores of the island and on a nice day even see Mt. Fuji. It’s definitely worth checking out if you have time and energy left!

    Getting Back to Tokyo

    If you went to Enoshima Island, get back on the Enoden train and head for Fujisawa station. From Fujisawa Station, you can take the train back to Tokyo Station on the Tokaido Line (45 minutes). If you didnt go to Enoshima Island and stopped at Hase Station, then head back to Kamakura station on the Enoden train and go back exactly the way you came from.

    Places not mentioned but recommended

  • Hiking trails around the area

  • Engakuji Temple

  • Kenchoji Temple and their beautiful garden

  • Inamuragasaki Beaches

  • Zeniarai Benten Shrine to wash your money

Photo Credit: Kamakura City Website

Photo Credit: Japan Guide