Table of Contents:
Day 1: Historical Kamakura
Day 2: Natural Wonders of Kamakura
Kamakura is an ideal Tokyo-area trip, just a 30-minute ride (18 miles) from Yokohama. We enjoy visiting the spectacular Kamakura Buddha, strolling through Tsurugaoka Hachimangu‘s stunning gardens, and walking to the Shonan beach—all in one day. We often find a great souvenir at Yogado, a store specializing in Kamakura-bori which is a local craft, wood-carving techniques.
Day 1: Historical Kamakura
Morning – Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
We started our journey with a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura. Founded in 1063, this shrine is a testament to the city’s rich history. The approach to the shrine is a long, wide road, perfect for a peaceful morning stroll. The lush greenery and traditional architecture create a serene atmosphere.
Midday – Komachi Street
After exploring the shrine, we headed to Komachi Street for lunch and shopping. This bustling street offers a variety of local snacks, souvenirs, and charming boutiques. It’s a perfect place to experience the local culture and taste traditional Japanese street food. We enjoy the eclectic mix of stores on this street from traditional Japanese sweet shops to socks specialized stores. One soba restaurant recommendation – Kamakura Yamaji.
Afternoon – Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple)
We visited the tranquil Hokokuji Temple, known for its stunning bamboo grove, to get away from the busy Kamakura shopping streets. The temple grounds are peaceful and offer a perfect setting for meditation or quiet contemplation. Enjoy a cup of matcha in the tea house, surrounded by the serene beauty of the bamboo.
Dinner – Yakiniku Kamakura
This place, Yakiniku Kamakura, was a great find. We met our friend for dinner. We can look out the Kamakura main street from our table. The selection of meat was excellent and they had a variety of Korean dishes as you expect. Yakiniku, also called Korean BBQ, is popular restaurant choice. They bring plates of raw meat and we cook on the grill on the table. It is definitely high-protein meal!
Evening – Jazz at Club Daphne
At the end of our day, we went to see the Jazz singer, Nakamoto Mari, at Jazz Club Daphne. Mari is a legendary Japanese Jazz singer. Daphne provides live jazz regularly in an intimate setting, and it was easy to make a casual conversation with the performers.
Day 2: Natural Wonders of Kamakura
Morning – Hiking the Daibutsu Trail
We began our day with an invigorating hike on the Daibutsu Trail. This trail offers scenic views and leads to the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotoku-in). The hike is relatively easy and provides a great way to connect with nature. Getting inside the Great Buddha statue in Kamakura, which was constructed in 1252, made me realize the magnitude of people’s hard work.
Midday – Lunch at Hase-dera Temple
After visiting the Great Buddha, we headed to Hase-dera Temple for lunch. This temple is famous for its beautiful gardens and the statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The temple’s cafe is famous for a vegetarian meal, offering dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
Afternoon – Enoshima Island Excursion
We took a short train ride to Enoshima Island. We visited the island’s shrines, parks, and caves. Don’t miss the Enoshima Sea Candle, a lighthouse observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Evening – Relax at Enoshima Onsen
We concluded our trip with a relaxing visit to one of Enoshima’s hot springs (onsen). It’s a perfect way to soothe your muscles after two days of exploration and to experience a quintessential part of Japanese culture.
This itinerary offers a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, making your two days in Kamakura a memorable journey.