The Great Buddha sits in the open air. Hiking trails connect hilltop temples. The Enoden train rattles along the coast. Kamakura was once the seat of Japan's military government, and its temples and shrines carry that gravity. Softened by salt air and surfers.
What Kamakura is known for
Top-rated in Kamakura
Jogashima Island
4.7nature
Rugged sea-cliff island at Miura Peninsula's tip with coastal caves and rock pool trails.
Kotoku-in Temple
4.4temple
Iconic 13.35-meter bronze Buddha statue dating from 1252, Japan's second tallest bronze Buddha.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
4.4shrine
This is the most sacred area at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
Hasedera
4.5temple
Sister to Nara's Hase-dera and one of the oldest temples in Kamakura.
Samukawa-jinja
4.5shrine
Shinto shrine in Kanagawa known for warding off misfortune, particularly popular for yakuyoke purification rituals.
Enoshima Island
4.6nature
Sacred island with shrines, caves, observation tower, and panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Shonan coast.
Enoshima 'The Jewel of Shonan'
4.4viewpoint
An island-wide illumination featuring a lighthouse and tropical gardens.
Hokoku-ji Temple
4.4temple
Zen temple with 2,000 bamboo stalks and an in-grove matcha tea house, rivaling Arashiyama.
