The best things to do in Kamakura in 2026 are the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, Hase-dera temple with its sea views and hydrangeas, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, the bamboo grove at Hokoku-ji and the Zen temples of Kita-Kamakura. Komachi-dori's snack stalls and the island of Enoshima, a short ride on the Enoden, round out the day.
Kamakura is about an hour south of Tokyo on the JR Yokosuka or Shonan-Shinjuku lines. Start in Kita-Kamakura and walk south, then take the Enoden train to the Great Buddha at Hase.
The giant bronze Buddha sitting in the open air.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue more than 11 meters tall, cast in the 13th century and sitting outdoors since its hall was washed away.
You can step inside.
Good to know: Go early; it gets crowded by late morning.
4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016
A hillside temple with sea views and gardens.
Hase-dera is a hillside temple with a tall wooden Kannon statue, a cave of carvings, gardens and a terrace looking over the sea.
It is famous for hydrangeas in June.
Good to know: Climb to the terrace for the view.
3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016
Kamakura's main shrine at the end of a grand avenue.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura's most important shrine, reached along the long Dankazura avenue from the sea.
It is busy at New Year and during festivals.
Good to know: Walk up Komachi-dori to reach it.
2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588
A Zen temple with a bamboo grove and tea house.
Hokoku-ji has a small but beautiful bamboo grove where you can sip matcha in a tea house.
It is quieter than Kyoto's bamboo.
Good to know: Buy the matcha ticket at the entrance.
2-7-4 Jomyoji, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0003
A major Zen temple complex by Kita-Kamakura Station.
Engaku-ji is one of Kamakura's great Zen temples, with wooden halls spread up a forested hillside right by Kita-Kamakura Station.
It is a calm start to the day.
Good to know: Start your day here and walk south.
409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062
Japan's oldest Zen training monastery.
Kencho-ji, founded in 1253, is the oldest Zen monastery in Kamakura, with large halls and a garden.
A trail behind it climbs to a viewpoint.
Good to know: Hike up to Hansobo for views of Fuji on clear days.
8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8525
A shopping street of snacks and souvenirs.
Komachi-dori is a busy lane from Kamakura Station toward Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, lined with snack stalls and souvenir shops.
Try shirasu (whitebait) snacks, a Kamakura specialty.
Good to know: Weekdays are calmer.
Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006
A small island with shrines, caves and a lighthouse.
Enoshima is a small island connected by a bridge, with shrines, sea caves, a lighthouse observation tower and seafood restaurants.
On clear days Mt Fuji appears across the bay.
Good to know: Ride the Enoden from Kamakura.
Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036
A forest trail between Kita-Kamakura and the Great Buddha.
The Daibutsu Hiking Course links Kita-Kamakura with the Great Buddha along a forest ridge, passing Zeniarai Benten shrine, where visitors wash coins for luck.
It takes about 90 minutes.
Good to know: Wear sturdy shoes; parts are rooty and steep.
Kita-Kamakura, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062
Yes. It is about an hour away and combines temples, shrines, hiking and the beach.
Yes, for a small extra fee you can step inside the hollow bronze statue.
June. Hase-dera and Meigetsu-in are famous for it, and queues can be long.
The Enoden, a small local train, connects Kamakura, Hase and Enoshima along the coast.
One full day covers the highlights; add Enoshima if you start early.