Things to do in Kamakura

Top Things to Do in Kamakura, Japan - Kamakura Attractions

Things to Do in Kamakura


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Kamakura.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Kamakura

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Tara B
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We loved our visit to this historic and stunning temple. There was an amazing view of the city and the sea. We enjoyed strolling through the complex and seeing the various structures, sculptures and gardens. A little busy later in the day as it is a last stop for many peoples' Kamakura day trips.
    Written 22 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve M
    Perth, Australia244 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Like others have said in the reviews, I wouldn't go too far out of my way to come visit the Buddha but Kamakura is a nice little town in itself so it's worth the journey. It's nice just to walk around and its not as busy compared to the other tourist locations which is always good. Apparently you can also go inside the statue but it was far too hot the day we went and it was closed off.
    Written 12 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • J&S_Singapore
    Singapore, Singapore4,356 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura's most important shrine. The shrine is reached via a long, wide approach that leads from the multiple torii gates along the way.
    We took the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo for about an hour. While Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a 10-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station all of us will spend 30 mins or more, and that's due to the large crowd and busy 鎌倉小町通 Street that draws our attention away (see separate Review).

    Dedicated to Hachiman, the family’s patron god, the whole Shrine grounds feature a stage, a main hall with a terrace, even a museum and some secondary shrines. Flanking the main approach to the shrine are two ponds. One pond represents the Minamoto Clan and has three islands, while the other represents the Taira Clan, the Minamoto's arch rivals, and has four islands, as the number four can be pronounced the same as "death" in Japanese. A garden, known for its peonies, surrounds the Minamoto Pond halfway. During April's cherry blossoms it’s not hard to miss; a cherry blossom-lined pathway leading through the city center, you will be led straight to its main Torri Gate!

    The main hall (Hongu or Jogu) stands on a terrace at the top of a wide stairway. The main hall includes a small museum, which displays various treasures owned by the shrine, such as swords, masks and documents. Not to be missed is the Maiden dancing stage at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine which is often used for ceremonies. Various events are held at the shrine throughout the year but in December when we were here, we just missed them

    We were here on a Sunday noon time and the crowd was large, challenging to get nice photoshoots. Popular souvenirs among tourists from the shrine include charms for good luck, happiness, or longevity as well as amulets.
    We spent an hour or so and left the wonderful place, via the same route we came.
    Written 2 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martina1888
    Inverness, UK513 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A quiet and peaceful Zen temple complex. The highlights are certainly the dragon painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall and the Jizo statue in the Buddha Hall.
    Written 30 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martina1888
    Inverness, UK513 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A small but beautiful temple in Kamakura. The bamboo grove in the back is lovely. For an additional fee, you can enjoy matcha and sugar sweets while facing the bamboo forest.
    Written 1 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martina1888
    Inverness, UK513 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are a number of trails in Kamakura and I only walked the Daibutsu Hiking Trail. There were hardly any tourists and the path was wonderful. It's strenous at times and you'll have to walk over lots of tree roots and climb steep stairs but it's absolutely worth it. Beautiful scenery.
    Written 1 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • J&S_Singapore
    Singapore, Singapore4,356 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Komachi Street is a major shopping street in central Kamakura that is filled with souvenirs, treats, cafés and shops and restaurants. Very happening place (street) and it begins with the large red torii gate (on the left) when one exits the Kamakura Station. The street expands with side streets and alleys, all offering local food and products where one will get a good feel of all sorts of local specialties and souvenirs.
    Following the street and moving ahead straight will lead us to the famous Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, probably takes 15+ mins. But most people spend much more time as it’s the perfect opportunity to savour some good food and get familiar with the local kamakura cuisine. Charming shops from boutique fashion stores to souvenir gift shops and when you are tired there will always be the cafes, restaurants, cake shops, and bakeries to chill out.
    Indeed we spent close to an hour visiting & patronizing some of the interesting Shops along Komachi-dori Street. Until we come to the end and it is minutes to the Shrine entrance (Torri gate)!
    A great experience, exulting a nostalgic feel.
    Written 4 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martina1888
    Inverness, UK513 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The temple is right next to Kita Kamakura station. The grounds are vast, so it will take some time to see everything. Engaku-ji is also the resting place of Ozu and Kinoshita.
    Written 30 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emma C
    Godalming, UK2,360 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My Japanese friend and I came here after lunch on a miserable Saturday mid-November. I was really impressed with the place. So much character and some lovely gardens including a bamboo forest and a zen rock garden. We spent about an hour here including a cup of tea (money goes to Unicef) in their teahouse with a lovely view through its round window, and waiting for my goshuin-cho (temple stamp) to be updated with the visit.

    We really enjoyed our time here.
    Written 10 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
    Vermont7,449 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent almost a hour at the money washing temple in our detour from the Daibutsu Hiking Course.

    To get here you take a marked turn off the hiking course, if you are coming from the Jochiji Temple direction (I don’t know how it’s marked coming from the other direction. The detour takes you down a very long hill. We worried about having to walk up the hill to resume the hiking course, which we did. Only later did we realize that we should have followed our instincts and continued down and that we would ultimately rejoin the hiking course. You can drive here, but that takes away the mystery of the place.

    Zeniarai Benten was a very interesting stopping point.

    There are lots of little buildings in the compound to visit as well. And tucked in the corner is a tiny waterfall and a bridge. All very photogenic.

    Visitor tips:
    Do take care in the cave not to let your camera lens get wet; in addition there is the risk of your camera getting in contact with too much humidity.
    Toilets are located near the entrance to the shrine.
    Written 18 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SeeMoreLiveMore
    Singapore, Singapore527 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of the smaller temples with beautiful grounds to walk in. It is also far quieter, and hence, a good break from the other more crowded places here.
    Written 22 October 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • J&S_Singapore
    Singapore, Singapore4,356 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We heard quite abit about this mode of transport in Enoshima - the eye-catching train with a retro charm which transit throughout the seaside town of Kamakura. For tourists like us it will be the best way to get around the few sightseeing spots we identified along the Shonan coast.
    From Tokyo Ginza we changed train twice (at Yokohama sta.,JR Yokosuka) before we reached Kamakura.
    The Eno-den connects Kamakura Station in Kamakura with Fujisawa Station in the wsetern sector of Fujisawa, and we only which we alight at the stations of Hase & 長谷. Noted the various stops are quite close to each other and the train tracks are very close to the neighbourhood, at times sharing some traffic junction. In the vicinity of each station there are many beautiful cafes and unique shops to explore. We especially love the section that runs along the coast. Such picturesque and beautiful views, and I become the avid photographer whom move to the coast side and start taking photos from the train windows!
    We did not purchase the Day Pass & still enjoy the convenience and value throughout the transit.
    A must-try!
    Written 30 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.