Kamakura · Japan
Kamakura Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Kamakura tours and things to do in Japan’s ancient seaside capital of temples: stand before the giant bronze Great Buddha, explore hillside temples and shrines, admire the ocean views at Hase-dera, wander the bamboo grove of Hokokuji and take an easy day trip from Tokyo or the island of Enoshima. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
116 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Sunset tours in Kamakura
Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Good for families in Kamakura
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Kamakura by interest
Whatever brings you to Kamakura — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Great Buddha
Giant bronze statue.
ExploreTemples & shrines
Sacred landscape.
ExploreFrom Tokyo
Easy day trip.
ExploreHase-dera
Temple & sea views.
ExploreEnoshima Island
Seaside escape.
ExploreHokokuji bamboo
Bamboo grove.
ExploreHiking trail
Temple trails.
ExploreKamakura highlights
Buddha & temples.
ExploreWhat to see
Top attractions in Kamakura
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Great Buddha
Giant bronze statue.
15 toursView tours
Temples & Shrines
Sacred landscape.
15 toursView tours
From Tokyo
Easy day trip.
15 toursView tours
Hase-dera
Temple & sea views.
10 toursView tours
Enoshima Island
Seaside escape.
10 toursView tours
Hokokuji Bamboo
Bamboo grove.
10 toursView tours
Hiking Trails
Temple trails.
10 toursView tours
Kamakura
Temple town.
15 toursView tours
Town awayGreat Buddha
Giant bronze statue.
from €31View trips
Town awayTemples
Sacred landscape.
from €82View trips
1 hr awayFrom Tokyo
Easy day trip.
from €82View trips
Town awayHase-dera
Temple & sea views.
from €45View trips
Coast awayEnoshima
Seaside escape.
from €91View trips
Hills awayHiking Trails
Temple trails.
from €43View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Kamakura visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Mar–May)
Cherry blossom frames the temples.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Fiery autumn leaves and clear skies.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and humid, but great for the beach.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool, clear and quiet at the temples.
For the coast
Summer for Enoshima and the beaches.
Best overall
Spring and autumn for the finest scenery.
One day
The Great Buddha and main temples.
Two days
Add Hase-dera, Enoshima and a hike.
Half day
A quick trip from Tokyo.
For temples
The Great Buddha and Zen temples.
For the coast
Enoshima and the beaches.
For walkers
The Daibutsu hiking trail.
Enoden line
The scenic Enoden tram links temples and coast.
On foot
Many sights are within walking distance.
By train
Trains link Kamakura with Tokyo in under an hour.
Tours
Tours combine the main temples easily.
Where to stay
Most visit on a day trip from Tokyo.
Japanese yen
Japan uses the yen; carry some cash.
Great Buddha
Go early to beat the crowds and heat.
Temples
Small entry fees apply at each temple.
Hase-dera
Visit for the gardens and sea views.
Hokokuji
Enjoy matcha among the bamboo.
Enoden line
A day pass covers the scenic tram.
Combos
Some tours pair the Buddha with Hase-dera.
Tokyo day trips
Day trips fill up — book ahead.
Great Buddha tours
Guided visits fill up — reserve early.
Guided hikes
Trail tours fill up — book ahead.
Enoshima trips
Island tours fill up — reserve early.
Temple tours
Popular tours fill up — book ahead.
Blossom season
Spring is busiest — book far ahead.
Great Buddha tour
Around €31–70 for a Great Buddha tour.
Temple tour
About €45–90 for a temples and shrines tour.
Tokyo day trip
Roughly €82–150 for a day trip from Tokyo.
Enoshima trip
Around €57–120 for an Enoshima tour.
Hiking tour
About €43–90 for a guided hike.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
When to visit
Kamakura through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mar–May
- Best for
- Cherry blossom.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Beaches.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Sep–Nov
- Best for
- Autumn leaves.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Dec–Feb
- Best for
- Quiet temples.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.
People also ask
Kamakura travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Kamakura?
The highest-rated experiences are the Great Buddha, the temples and shrines, Hase-dera, and a day trip from Tokyo.
What should I book in advance in Kamakura?
Reserve Tokyo day trips and guided temple tours ahead, especially in cherry-blossom season.
How many days do I need in Kamakura?
A day covers the Great Buddha and main temples, and two days let you add the coast and a hike.
Is Kamakura worth visiting?
Yes — a coastal town of ancient temples and the famous Great Buddha, an easy escape from Tokyo, it is a highlight of the Kanto region.
When is the best time to visit Kamakura?
Spring for cherry blossom and autumn for fall colour.
What is the Great Buddha?
A giant 13th-century bronze Buddha statue at Kotoku-in.
How far is Kamakura from Tokyo?
Less than an hour south by train.
116 Kamakura experiencesfrom €31 · free cancellation
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