Kamakura, a walk around temples and gardens

Kamakura is famous for its many temples, gardens, the beach as well as Great Buddha of Kotokuin. Being located only 60km away from Tokyo it is a common day trip from the capital, there are however a number of hotels and good restaurants making it a good destination to easily escape the hustle and bustle of one of the largest cities on the planet.



The Hasedera Temple in early spring - Kamakura, Japan

Spending a day in early spring walking around (mostly walking but also making use of the light railway that serves Kamakura and Enoshima, see details below), near to Kamakura is also the Odawara castle well worth a visit.

Below would be an outline of a good itinerary for a sunny day in Kamakura.

Hasedera (長谷寺) – a temple with a fantastic garden, home to the largest Kannon wooden statue in the Country, but also offering a great view over the city and the sea from its observation desk.



Entrance to Hasedera - Kamakura, Japan

The Hasedera Temple in early spring - Kamakura, Japan

Figurines and blossom at the Hasedera temple - Kamakura, Japan

On the grounds of Hasedera - Kamakura, Japan

Kotokuin (長谷寺) Great Buddha – at just above 13m in height this is one of the top three large buddha statues in Japan, it is also possible to walk inside the statue to experience first-hand the work put in to building the statue.

The Great Buddha is visible even outside the entrance - Kamakura, Japan

Kotokuin Great Buddha - Kamakura, Japan

Hokokuji (報国寺)- In the eastern parts of the town is this temple with another beautiful garden, in particular famous for its bamboo forest.

Bamboo forest on the grounds of Hokokuji - Kamakura, Japan

Blossoming tree - Kamakura, Japan

 Enoshima (江ノ島)– a small island and seaside town just a few minutes outside of Kamakura

Enoshima, Japan

The beach at Enoshima attracts many surfers - Enoshima, Japan

Odawara (小田原) – On my visit to Kamakura I arrived from Hakone meaning that I had to change train in Odawara which is provided an excellent opportunity to get a glimpse of the Odawara Castle. 

Odawara Castle - Japan

Public Transport in Kamakura

Kamakura is a very walking friendly city, the historical sites are no longer than 30min walk between them and traffic is organised and slow. There is however the Enoden line serving Kamakura with a number of stations en-route to Enoshima.

Walking around Kamakura - Japan

Waiting for the Enoden line train - Kamakura, Japan



Train between Kamakura and Enoshima, Enoden line - Japan