🚋 A Perfect Day Trip to Kamakura: Temple Hopping and Iconic Photo Spots

Just an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura is a historic coastal town known for its Zen temples, the Great Buddha, and relaxing beaches. Whether you're into history, nature, or just looking for a break from the city, Kamakura is an easy and rewarding getaway. 🌟 Top Things to Do in Kamakura: 🗿 Visit the Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu) – This 13-meter bronze Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple is Kamakura’s most iconic landmark. For ¥20, you can even step inside the statue! ⛩️ Hasedera Temple – A beautiful temple with hydrangea gardens, a hillside view of the coastline, and a 11-faced statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. 🚶♂️ Walk the Komachi-dori Shopping Street – A lively street full of souvenir shops, matcha treats, and street food like shirasu (whitebait) croquettes and freshly grilled senbei (rice crackers). 🏯 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine – The most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, located at the heart of the city. Walk up the grand staircase for a view of the town! 🌲 Hike the Trails to Hidden Temples – If you love nature, take the Daibutsu Hiking Trail, which leads to the serene Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, where people wash coins for good luck. 🏖️ Relax at Yuigahama Beach – A great spot to unwind, especially at sunset. In summer, beachside cafes and bars pop up along the shore. 🍵 Where to Eat & Drink: * Kamakura Mameya – A specialty shop selling flavored nuts (wasabi, matcha, black sesame—so good!). * Uki Uki – Famous for matcha soft serve and traditional Japanese sweets. 🍦 * Sasho – A hidden teahouse in a Japanese garden serving delicate wagashi sweets with matcha. 🛤️ Getting There: * 🚆 From Tokyo: Take the JR Yokosuka Line (~1 hour, ¥940) or the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku (~90 min with the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass). * 🚃 Getting Around: The Enoden tram is a charming way to travel between Kamakura, Hase, and Enoshima. 💡 Travel Tips: ✅ Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially at the Great Buddha.
✅ Try the shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl)—a Kamakura specialty! 🍚🐟
✅ Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for stunning foliage. 🍁🌸 Kamakura is the perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal charm—whether you’re temple-hopping, hiking forested trails, or relaxing by the sea, it’s a day trip that offers something for everyone. #kamakura #daytripfromtokyo #japantravel #hiddenjapan #kamakurafood #templehopping