Kamakura
A small town on the coast, southwest of Tokyo. Many temples, shrines, and perhaps most known for the giant bronze Buddha statue. As such, expect many tourists. Like us.
Honestly, I did more walking than would have liked on my first trip. With that in mind, I organized the Scenic north to south (though I did the reverse) and you can pick what sounds of interest to you. A couple favorite restaurants here that make me want to go back just writing about them.
I also went to Enoshima, a short train ride further west but don’t have a ton of recommendations so not adding them here for now. If you’re doing a daytrip, I would focus on Kamakura itself.
Coffee
Name
Milk Hall
Recommended
Highly
Notes
In a cute little alley; did not try their food as was full of curry. Apparently a jazz lounge. Older, chill vibe. There was smoking indoors when I was there, FYI.
Restaurants
Caraway
Name
Chayakado
Recommended
Highly
Notes
Nagashi somen are cold noodles that flow down bamboo and you grab them as they pass by. I got a small tempura set but was almost too full of noodles by the time it arrived. I feel I eat a decent amount but the nice lady seemed surprised I was slowing down. I don’t recall, but I think it may be cash only. Great if you go to Kencho-ji as it’s a short walk up the road.
Japanese curry; I believe cash only. Get there before opening to line up. So good if you like Japanese curry!
Highly
Scenic
Hasedera
Name
Kencho-ji
Recommended
Highly
Notes
Large Buddhist temple in north Kamakura. A small bamboo grove for a break, lots of stairs towards the back that lead to hiking trails that go for miles (err, kilometers). You can see Mt. Fuji at certain points if the weather is clear. Try nagashi somen afterwards at Chayakado, a short walk down the street!
Part of Kencho-ji, but up many stairs. The observation deck had a lot of tall trees so I couldn’t really see anything; maybe I missed something. I would walk up to the point there’s a small attended building (look up Fujimidai in Maps), but then maybe pass on going further up where the trail seems to really start.
If time allows
This Shinto shrine is Kamakura’s most important shrine, according to Japan Guide. Busy also because of its proximity to the Kamakura JR station, there’s a long, wide road up to the shrine itself (more stairs!).
If time allows
Shinto shrine that is more in a mountain than others I've been to. You go through a short cave to get there. It is different but it’s pretty far out of the way, and the other nearby shrine I went to near here is permanently closed so less reason to go.
If time allows
The giant bronze Buddha statue that people think of when they think Kamakura. It will be packed with tourists. Worth a stop to say you’ve seen it, but too many people for me to linger too long.
Highly
Buddhist temple and gardens that were relaxing to stroll through. Many cute stone statues throughout!
Highly