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.
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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.
ExploreTop 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.
Temples & Shrines
Sacred landscape.
From Tokyo
Easy day trip.
Hase-dera
Temple & sea views.
Enoshima Island
Seaside escape.
Hokokuji Bamboo
Bamboo grove.
Hiking Trails
Temple trails.
Kamakura
Temple town.
Town awayGreat Buddha
Giant bronze statue.
Town awayTemples
Sacred landscape.
1 hr awayFrom Tokyo
Easy day trip.
Town awayHase-dera
Temple & sea views.
Coast awayEnoshima
Seaside escape.
Hills awayHiking Trails
Temple trails.
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.
Kamakura through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Cherry blossom.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Beaches.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Autumn leaves.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Quiet temples.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.