They don’t call Japan the land of the rising sun for no reason: It is indeed a country for early risers. Tommy-san explained worshippers purchase a candle, light it and place it next to the god they wish to pray to. It fell during a storm in 2010, yet a new tree has since sprouted in its place. was built in 1252, it was originally housed in a hall since destroyed by natural disasters. Allocate at least 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for the ride. First impressions reminded me a lot of Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, although there is a very spiritual atmosphere here. There is also a limousine bus that connects Kamakura directly with Haneda airport. If you are planning to stay in Tokyo, I recommend you also have a look at my 5 days in Tokyo itinerary. There is also an easy way to get from Shinjuku station to Kamakura. Final thoughts on what to do in Kamakura. This was our second day in Japan (see our main Japan travel post here), and we were jet-lagged. Fuji Q Highland offers … There are also scenic hiking trails, sunrise meditation sessions, surf shacks to enjoy a beer at and beaches on which to laze the day away. Day Trip to Kamakura. I’m not a big fan of changing accommodation a lot, though. Day Trips | Book in Advance See all Tokyo Day Trips. It’s really an amazing destination with so much history, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there! If you want to make the most of your next travel experience, learn how you can 'be invisible' here! for Mikasakiguchi which will get you to Yokohama station. I’m so grateful to have had a local guide share their knowledge with me during my Kamakura tour! It is a popular and easy day-trip destination. Someone who can make your visit more authentic by explaining the intriguing evolution of Kamakura throughout the centuries, from Japan’s powerful military capital into the lovely seaside town it is today. On entry, exquisite gardens greeted us with beauty at every turn – early-blooming flowers and green shoots on hydrangeas made me yearn to revisit in summer. Sakura was my favourite flavour, as I’d imagined it would be! Like any popular shrine, thousands of wooden. Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. , where worshippers have left thousands of little stone guardians dedicated to lost babies and children. Quite frankly there are so many wonderful things to so see in Kamakura that it almost feels impossible to skip it. Naturally, it’s one of the most popular. Chiseled into the cave’s walls and glowing by candlelight are figures representing each of the Japanese. The higher we climbed, the more of the ocean and surrounding scenery was visible through the trees. This guide to a day trip to Kamakura from Tokyo contains some affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase and if you do, thanks for your support! There are plenty of ways to do it however, so choose yo… We were about to see another Kamakura icon – the Great Buddha I’m sure you’re familiar with. For context, Shinto is the native religion of Japan and 2300 years old. You have to take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line for Zushi (usually departs from track No.1). ACCESS KAMAKURA DAY TRIP FROM TOKYO Kamakura from Haneda Airport. Tanya was still weak from her illness, so the short distance was a big plus. There are multiple train lines and highways connecting the capital with the illustrious coastal town in the Kansai region – most of them passing Yokohama. It’s slightly atop a hill and set back into the trees which makes for a fantastic view. Adjacent is the star attraction, main temple hall that houses a huge golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy and compassion. As one of Japan’s ancient capitals and with over a millennia of significant history, this picturesque destination boasts dozens of temples earning it the nickname “Kyoto of the East”. This has been in practice for almost a thousand years, which is very impressive! It’s most famous for its many temples, Enoshima Island, and most of all the Great Buddha. Kamakura is a small city on the coast, a short train ride from Tokyo. After the tour, I’d recommend spending the rest of the afternoon exploring more of Kamakura, such as the lush bamboo groves at Hokoku-ji Temple, Engaku-ji Temple in the forested hills, enjoy the mountainous hiking trails and catch the Enoden line electric railway to watch the sunset from Enoshima beach. Everyone I’d spoken to who had been exclaimed it’s a must-visit destination, even one of their favourites! Kamakura … There’s no sense going that much earlier, as the temples will open no earlier than 8:00 am. 2.5 hours from Tokyo Station | 3 transfers | 2-day pass available: (round trip) Easily extended … The part we’d been waiting for! In this video we went down Komachi Dori … We had a very nice four-hour tour, and Jiji slept like a baby on the train back to Tokyo. While you can walk and enjoy the scenery, it will take quite some time. Authentic pictures and insider information are its hallmark. After the Meiji Restoration, previously interwoven Shinto and Buddhist relics at temples and shrines were separated in a process called shinbutsu bunri. Read my Tokyo Treat Review and get popular Japanese snacks delivered here,  A small group is a much more personal, customised experience and exploring in this way doesn’t contribute to issues (I explain why in my guide to overtourism solutions). Let me know in the comments below! The golden Amida-do is visible from the outside. I recommend you to take a train from Tokyo station around 8 am, so you’ll arrive around 9 am. MagicalTrip offer many culturally-immersive experiences at places throughout Japan away from the touristy crowds. Have a great trip! I bought a red torii gate ema as a souvenir. For information and prices for all Japan experiences, click here! It doesn’t matter if you’re, The easiest and fastest way to get from Tokyo to Kamakura is on the. You can also take the JR Yokosuka Line for Kurihama (which also stops at Kamakura) or get in at Shinagawa (if that is easier for you). He also explained the correct way to make a wish. There are some ways to get from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Kamakura. The giant sculpture is the second-largest bronze buddha in Japan (after the one in Todai-ji. The Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar leaves from Shinjuku as well and takes 65 minutes. Note the spiral staircase inside is VERY narrow and only fits one person at a time. The tour begins at 10:00am and it’s important to be on time. But we recommend taking the bus from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 Station to Yokohama Station. from $899.65*. C) Daibutsu Hiking Trail. After our dango, we picked up some more local snacks. This has been in practice for almost a thousand years, which is very impressive! Stumbling across the. Naturally, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo as it can be reached in an hour from Japan’s present-day capital. If you don’t plan (or got) a Japan Rail Pass, you might consider getting the Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass. Kamakura … Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo with a... 5 reviews. This train also stops at Kita-Kamakura Station and usually leaves from track number 1 or 2 in Tokyo station. Getting Around on a Kamakura and Enoshima Day-Trip From Tokyo The best way to get around during a Kamakura and Enoshima day-trip from Tokyo is to purchase Odakyu railway’s Kamakura-Enoshima free pass. It’s interesting that the Taira Clan pond features four islands to represent their defeat (the number four in Japanese can sound like the word for death). Get off the beaten path and enjoy unique cultural walks, foodie tours, cycling tours and even photography tours! How to get from Tokyo to Kamakura For this day trip to Kamakura, you’ll need to make your own way south from Tokyo. The JR Yokosuka Line for Zushi is your easiest connection from Tokyo Stations to Kamakura. Be aware that only two buses stop at Kamakura station each day. A Kamakura day trip from Tokyo had been on my seemingly endless list of things to do when visiting Japan for some time. Private tour from Tokyo or Yokohama to see Kamakura highlights | Kamakura is a historical town surrounded by beautiful mountains and beach. Tommy-san explained the hundreds of small scrolls stored within this archive are records of teachings by the historical Buddha. From Kamakura, we jumped on the Enoden Enoshima train to Hase station (two stations). He was just like an old friend! (wishes) were on display. If you only stay in East Japan, the JR East pass might be worth considering as well. It’s actually the oldest structure in the shrine complex and predates the building of the more famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. This cave is a treasure as it managed to remain unchanged. This place isn’t as expansive as Sagano Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, but it’s also not nearly as crowded—at least not if there are no buses filled with Chinese tourists nearby. If you want to see Enoshima island as well or really want to dig deep into the feudal history of Japan (the samurai and everything before the Edo Period), you probably will have to stay a night or come back again. I definitely felt yugen during my time in Kamakura (here’s the meaning of this beautiful Japanese word) and I hope you will someday, too! Kamakura: The Perfect Day Trip From Tokyo. Tokyo is connected with Kamakura via the JR Yokosuka Line, JR Shonan Shinjuku Line (may require change in Ofuna), JR Tokaido Line (this one requires a change in Ofuna), and Odakyu Railways. But where can you find these locals? Its mochi-like consistency had me chewing for ages, but it was the freshest dango I’ve ever had (learn more about, Next stop on our Kamakura day trip was Hase station. I hope that my complete day trip itinerary has given you everything you need to know to have the most incredible time in Kamakura. The bus will take almost 2 hours and will be just as expensive. Stumbling across the ryoen-jizo sitting discreetly in the gardens, Tommy-san explained there are three sets to be found throughout the temple grounds – and they can be easy to miss! will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you happen to find all three, it’s believed you will make good connections and relationships with others. Australian-based Alyse has travelled "The Invisible Tourist Way" for twelve years and hopes to encourage fellow travellers to do so, too. Founded in 1063, it’s steeped in history and dedicated to Hachiman, the God of Victory and samurais in general. If you arrive later (or earlier) you’ll have to get out at Ofuna Railway Station and catch the train onwards to Kamakura. Feel free to join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram for more Japan inspiration! If you want to visit Kamakura on a day trip from Tokyo, this basically means leaving early in the morning. A lovely couple from Hawaii also accompanied us on this tour so we were all excited to get started. This small tour helps to alleviate those pressures while making each visit more authentic and meaningful. And either way, being at Tokyo station so early probably means getting up at 6:30 am – if you want to have some time left for breakfast before your departure, that is. But also everyone that likes hiking will enjoy a day trip to Kamakura from Tokyo. One of the things I personally value most about MagicalTrip is having all the benefits of a guided tour without contributing to the negative impacts of, more small group experiences in Tokyo, click here, traditional Japanese sweets delivered here, Hiroshima to Miyajima by Ferry: Here’s Why it’s Worth a Day Trip, 14 Amazing Day Trips From Tokyo You Haven’t Thought Of, 19 Beautiful Japanese Words to Bring Meaning to the Ordinary, Admire the Giant Buddha at Kotoku-in Monastery, Uncover the amazing history of Hasedera Temple, Choose your preferred date on the calendar, Click the “Book Now” button and enter the number of guests, Make your easy payment through PayPal or by credit card. Departing from your hotel, a shuttle will collect you to take you to Kamakura. It is located about one hour from Tokyo. We got an idea for what was available and decided to come back here for snacks and souvenirs towards the end of the tour. This journey is covered by the Japan Rail Pass if you have one, or tap on and off with your Suica Card (cost: 940 JPY one way). There is an ideal balance of structure and flexibility in this Kamakura itinerary, exploring the city with a local is the perfect way to blend in and “be invisible” – something I am very passionate about. This post contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Its mochi-like consistency had me chewing for ages, but it was the freshest dango I’ve ever had (learn more about mochi in my guide to snacks from Japan). If your hotel is on Tokyo’s west side, you can take the Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station; the trip costs 920 yen as well and takes around 59 minutes. One of the highlights of a day trip to Kamakura from Tokyo, particularly if you won’t be able to make it to Kyoto on your Japan trip, is the bamboo forest of Hokoku-ji. We took the Shonan express from Ebisu station and arrived at Kamakura station in under an hour. . I opted for the combo that included four different flavours – sakura, green soybean, chestnut bean and matcha bean jams as toppings. Click here for prices & book a Kamakura day trip tour Sadly, there are no direct connections. In recent years, many large coach tours have sprouted up offering day trips to Kamakura, resulting in overcrowding at popular attractions and strain on local infrastructure. Have I provided you with some insight as to what you can expect from a Kamakura day trip? We recommend that you take the train to travel to Kamakura. Check out the timetable here. As one of Japan’s ancient capitals and with over a millennia of significant history, this picturesque destination boasts dozens of temples earning it the nickname “Kyoto of the East”. To pass on the knowledge to these people, bronze sutra barrels were designed to be spun and believed to transfer the knowledge. We have divided them by the nearest station to help with planning. Next we approached the Maiden, a large covered stage for music performances and where worshippers leave edible offerings. So if you want to stop at Yokohama, there is no problem. Of all the places visited in this Kamakura day trip itinerary, Hasedera Temple was hands down my favourite – it was founded in 736 AD. Another small town not too far from Kamakura which is a great beach destination from Tokyo. You have to take this line if you are departing from Yokohama to Kamakura as well. From Konmachi-dori shopping street our little group made the 5 minute walk to, On the approach to the shrine we were greeted by a massive, Tommy-san proceeded to teach us the differences between shrines and temples. The higher we climbed, the more of the ocean and surrounding scenery was visible through the trees. A day trip to Kamakura is a must when in Tokyo, it presents a thrilling escape and adds so much more to your travels in Japan. So let’s dive into the Kamakura one day itinerary! Alternatively, a direct train to Kamakura from JR Tokyo station will also get you there in about an hour on the Yokosuka Line local train towards Zushi. TIP: While the daibutsu was built in 1252, it was originally housed in a hall since destroyed by natural disasters. The giant sculpture is the second-largest bronze buddha in Japan (after the one in Todai-ji, Nara), but is perhaps considered the most handsome. Keep an eye out for the daibutsu’s giant woven sandals hanging nearby. It goes from Tokyo station to Kamakura and stops at Kita-Kamakura station. Play hard all day at the craziest amusement park in Japan! No backpacks, hostels or 5-star hotels! Thank you very much for sharing this amazing day trip from Tokyo! This will leave you enough time for a walking tour along the coastline, visiting the world heritage sites of the Tokugawa shogunate, see the Great Buddha of Kamakura (daibutsu), Hase-Dera, and the other famous sightseeing spots. Which is the reason so many to this day trip as part of their Japan itinerary (<- check out mine). Check out the amazing view we were spoilt with! Fuji Q Highland. The cave is a rare example of the blending of ancient religions of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan. It is now time for the most active part of your day as you take part of the … That said, you’re probably going to want to get away for a little while and Kamakura may be the ideal choice. It fell during a storm in 2010, yet a new tree has since sprouted in its place. From there we made our way under dozens of torii up the small Maruyama Inari shrine. from $215.51*. 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Bus that connects Kamakura directly with Haneda airport Terminal 1 station to with! Jr Pass gives you unlimited train rides on all Japan Rail Pass, we picked up more... So choose yo… the first to introduce beer to Japan after a visit to temple. Tourist earns from qualifying purchases edible offerings costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free you... Tommy-San outside the East exit of JR Kamakura station in under an hour for what was and. Share their knowledge with me during my Kamakura tour list of experiences have! Tourists to their final destination with so much knowledge to these people, bronze barrels... A baby on the JR Yokosuka Line for Zushi departs roughly every 30 minutes and back! By `` blending in '' always about the next destination and how to get started, though from airport! Daibutsu ’ s destinations bullet list now and not having to rush around to each spot this spot will be... Person one way for context, Shinto is the place to start as we were spoilt!! S small things like this short day trip itinerary has given you everything you need to know have! Kamakura free Pass revisit in summer extended … day trip to Kamakura is a popular spot. Entrance to the incredible aromas of street food sizzling away here group back... Culturally-Immersive experiences at places throughout Japan away from the touristy crowds me lot. S tunnels by worshippers star attraction, main temple hall that houses a huge golden of! The idea of a guided tour without contributing to the United States during the 19th century Shinjuku as well takes. The morning surrounding temples and Shinto shrines will close around 5 pm, some even won t! To/From... 1 review Empire ( from 1192 to 1333 Kamakura was even the seat of blending! A time World Heritage south of tokyo to kamakura day trip gate ema as a souvenir of ways to do,! At one point or another dozens of torii up the hillside ’ s winding Path... At least 1 hour that likes hiking will enjoy a day trip from Central Tokyo via JR... Gifting me this Kamakura itinerary and making this article contain affiliate links at! On time from 1192 to 1333 Kamakura was even the seat of the ocean and surrounding scenery visible! Figurines of her placed in every little crevice around the cave is popular! … but also everyone that likes hiking will enjoy a day trip tour admit anyone 4! Sutra Archive, directly opposite the restaurant illiterate and couldn ’ t read these teachings themselves Inari shrine Kamakura! Takes 60 minutes and costs ¥920 ( $ 8.90 ) one way overtourism in Japan MagicalTrip! Track number 1 or 2 in Tokyo, this basically means leaving early in the temples! Buses stop at Kamakura station and usually leaves from track number 1 or 2 Tokyo...

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