The Great Buddha 

Once you arrive in Kamakura, there are loads of things to see and do. One spot you absolutely cannot miss is The Great Buddha of Kamakura, also known as the Kamakura Daibutsu. It’s a massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha that stands 13 meters tall. It is located at Kotoku-in Temple, which is one of Kamakura's most popular tourist attractions. The massive statue is over 700 years old and has survived quite a few natural disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis.

The Great Buddha is a National Treasure of Japan and is considered one of the country's most important cultural assets. Visitors to Kotoku-in Temple can enter the base of the statue and get a close-up view of the enormous bronze figure. Its size and beauty are truly awe-inspiring. Should you feel inspired, you can buy bundles of incense to light for prayer at the temple stalls surrounding the Buddha. 

Getting to The Great Buddha is easy. You can walk from Kamakura station or you can jump on the Enoden Line to Hase station. 

Cost: Entry to Kotoku-in Temple cost ¥200 ($1.52). The Enoden line "Noriorikun" 1 Day Pass costs ¥600 for adults ($4.55) or ¥300 for children ($2.28).

Hasedera Temple 

In addition to the Great Buddha, the Hase area ( the are surrounding Hase Station) is also home to several smaller temples and shrines, including the Hondo Hall at Hasedera Temple, which houses a golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. There is also Kosoku Temple and the Jizo Bodhisattva (pictured above left).

The grounds surrounding these temples are beautiful and serene. It’s no surprise they are popular spots for meditation and contemplation. If you’re lucky enough to visit during spring, the Hase area is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.

 Cost: Entry to Hasedera Temple costs ¥400 ($1.52) for adults and ¥200 for children under 12 ($1.52).

Beaches 

One of the most popular beaches in Kamakura is Yuigahama Beach, which is located just a short walk from the town center. This sandy beach is a great spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

It also has a number of food stalls and shops nearby for snacks and souvenirs. Zaimokuza Beach is just south of Yuigahama Beach with similar offerings.

If you're looking for something a bit more secluded, hop back on the Enoden line to Enoshima station, there you’ll find the island of Enoshima. This area is known for its crystal clear water and is a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and on clear days, views of Mount Fuji.

The island is home to the Enoshima Sea Candle, an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Enoshima Island also has several smaller coves and bays to explore, perfect for a more peaceful experience. 

Some other beaches to check out in the area include Shichirigahama Beach, Katase Nishihama Beach and Koshigoe Beach. No matter which beach you choose, you're sure to find plenty of opportunities for relaxation.

Keep in mind that summertime crowds flock to the beach during peak hours (around 10am to 6pm) so plan accordingly!

Cost: Beach entry is free. The Enoden line "Noriorikun" 1 Day Pass costs ¥600 for adults ($4.55) or ¥300 for children ($2.28). Entry to the Enoshima Sea Candle is ¥500 ($3.79) or ¥250 yen for children ($1.90).

Food in Kamakura

Hopefully you like seafood because when it comes to dining in Kamakura, it’s a definite must. The town is known for its fresh and delicious Shirasu (tiny white fish), Shirasu Don, a rice bowl dish topped with the tiny fish, and Guri soba, a buckwheat noodle dish served with a soy broth. Check out Hase Shokudo on the way to Yuigahama Beach to try out these specialties with a local vibe. Another local specialty to try is squid, which is often grilled and served as a street food. You can also find a variety of other seafood dishes, such as sushi, sashimi and tuna jerky, at the local markets and restaurants in the area.

If you’re not into seafood or you’re looking for something different, Kamakura is home to several great confectionary shops. At Kamakura Surugaya right outside Hase Station you’ll find a type of sweet pancake called Dorayaki. There are also a variety of other cafes and shops in the area selling sweets and baked goods, like Mame-Mame. 

Cost: Prices vary but expect to pay around ¥1500 ($11.37) for lunch/dinner sets and ¥200 to ¥500 ($1.52 to $3.79).

Kamakura is an awesome destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty and history of Japan without those pesky big city crowds. It’s like a breath of fresh air after navigating the fast paced, busy streets of Tokyo. The fact that it is a cheap and easy day or weekend trip combined with the rich history and great food makes this seaside town a must-visit. Don’t hesitate to add Kamakura to your upcoming Japan itinerary!