# Kamakura and Enoshima: a day trip from Tokyo

Kamakura is the easiest day trip from Tokyo for temples and the sea: about an hour on the JR Yokosuka Line, with a bronze Buddha sitting in the open air, a great shrine at the end of a long avenue and a small seaside train running on to [Enoshima island](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B1%9F%E3%81%AE%E5%B3%B6%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E8%97%A4%E6%B2%A2%E5%B8%82%E6%B1%9F%E3%81%AE%E5%B3%B6). It was the seat of Japan's first samurai government in the late 12th century. The list below is updated daily with festivals and events in Kamakura and Enoshima.

## What Kamakura is

In the late 12th century Minamoto no Yoritomo made Kamakura the seat of his military government, and for more than a century it was the political centre of Japan. That era left the town full of temples and shrines, which is why it is sometimes called the Kyoto of eastern Japan. It is a small city with hills on three sides and the sea on the fourth.

Enoshima, a small island along the coast in neighbouring Fujisawa, is joined to Kamakura by the Enoden, a little train that squeezes past houses and runs along the shore. Most visitors see Hase, the main shrine and the island in one long day.

- → [Festival day trips from Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/day-trips.md)
- → [Yokohama as a day trip: concerts, Chinatown, harbour](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/yokohama.md)

## What to see

[Tsurugaoka Hachimangu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%B6%B4%E5%B2%A1%E5%85%AB%E5%B9%A1%E5%AE%AE%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E9%9B%AA%E3%83%8E%E4%B8%8B2-1-31) is Kamakura's most important shrine, founded in 1063 and moved to its present site by Yoritomo in 1180. Its main hall stands at the top of a wide stairway at the end of [Wakamiya-oji avenue](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%8B%A5%E5%AE%AE%E5%A4%A7%E8%B7%AF%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E5%B0%8F%E7%94%BA2%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), whose raised central path, the Dankazura, is lined with cherry trees. [Komachi-dori](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B0%8F%E7%94%BA%E9%80%9A%E3%82%8A%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E5%B0%8F%E7%94%BA1%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), the shopping street that runs parallel to it from the east exit of Kamakura Station, is packed with snack shops, sweets and souvenirs.

In Hase, three stops along the Enoden, the [Great Buddha of Kotoku-in](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%AB%98%E5%BE%B3%E9%99%A2%20%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%A4%A7%E4%BB%8F%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E9%95%B7%E8%B0%B74-2-28) is a bronze Amida Buddha about 11 m tall, begun in 1252 and now a national treasure. The hall that once covered it was destroyed by storms and a tsunami, and it has sat in the open air since the late 15th century; for a small extra fee you can step inside the hollow statue. A few minutes away, [Hasedera](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%95%B7%E8%B0%B7%E5%AF%BA%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E9%95%B7%E8%B0%B73-11-2) climbs a hillside, with a gilded wooden eleven-headed Kannon over 9 m tall, a cave carved with figures of the goddess Benten and a terrace looking over the bay.

Enoshima is reached on foot over a long bridge from Katase-Enoshima or Enoshima Station. Shops and restaurants line the way up to [Enoshima Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B1%9F%E5%B3%B6%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E8%97%A4%E6%B2%A2%E5%B8%82%E6%B1%9F%E3%81%AE%E5%B3%B62-3-8), outdoor escalators help with the climb, and at the top the [Sea Candle observation tower](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B1%9F%E3%81%AE%E5%B3%B6%E3%82%B7%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AD%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%AB%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E8%97%A4%E6%B2%A2%E5%B8%82%E6%B1%9F%E3%81%AE%E5%B3%B62-3-28) looks over Sagami Bay, with Fuji and the sunset behind it on clear evenings. On the far side of the island, the [Iwaya caves](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B1%9F%E3%81%AE%E5%B3%B6%E5%B2%A9%E5%B1%8B%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E8%97%A4%E6%B2%A2%E5%B8%82%E6%B1%9F%E3%81%AE%E5%B3%B62%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), hollowed out by the waves, have been a place of worship for centuries.

- Kotoku-in bans food and drink in its grounds, apart from water, so eat before or after.
- Kamakura's [manners ordinance](https://www.city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/kankou/mannerruleshead.html) asks you not to eat while walking in narrow or crowded streets such as Komachi-dori.
- Try shirasu, tiny whitebait from Sagami Bay, on a bowl of rice. It is the local dish around Kamakura and Enoshima.

- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [What to eat in Tokyo and how to order it](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/what-to-eat.md)

## The year in Kamakura

Hachimangu is one of the busiest shrines in the Kanto region at New Year, with more than two million visitors over the holidays. In spring the Dankazura turns pink, and the Kamakura Matsuri, from the second to the third Sunday of April, brings a costumed procession, the Shizuka dance on the shrine's stage and horseback archery (yabusame).

June is hydrangea season and the town's busiest month. [Meigetsuin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%9C%88%E9%99%A2%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E5%B1%B1%E3%83%8E%E5%86%85189) near Kita-Kamakura, the hydrangea temple, fills with mostly blue flowers, and Hasedera's hillside hydrangea path has needed a ticket booked online in recent years. July and August are beach season at [Yuigahama](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%94%B1%E6%AF%94%E3%82%AC%E6%B5%9C%E6%B5%B7%E6%B0%B4%E6%B5%B4%E5%A0%B4%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E7%94%B1%E6%AF%94%E3%82%AC%E6%B5%9C) and [Zaimokuza](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%90%E6%9C%A8%E5%BA%A7%E6%B5%B7%E5%B2%B8%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E6%9D%90%E6%9C%A8%E5%BA%A7). The Kamakura fireworks, usually in July, are known for underwater fireworks that open in fans on the sea; high waves can cancel them, and there is no backup day.

In early August the Bonbori Matsuri hangs about 400 paper lanterns painted by artists and writers along the shrine's paths, lit each evening. The shrine's grand festival in mid-September ends with yabusame on the 16th. Autumn leaves come late here, usually from late November into early December, when Hasedera opens in the evenings with its maples lit up.

- → [New Year in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/new-year.md)
- → [Cherry blossom season in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sakura.md)
- → [Matsuri in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/matsuri.md)
- → [Flower festivals in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flowers.md)
- → [Fireworks festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/fireworks.md)
- → [Autumn leaves in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/autumn-leaves.md)
- → [Matsuri & Festivals events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/matsuri.md)
- → [Fireworks (Hanabi) events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/fireworks.md)

## Crowds, timing and manners

Weekends in June, Golden Week and late autumn are the hardest days: long queues for the Enoden at Kamakura Station and full restaurants at lunch. Come on a weekday if you can, and see the temples first: Kotoku-in opens at 8am, earlier than most shops. The city runs a [live crowd map](https://www.konzatsu-kamakura.jp/) (konzatsu-kamakura.jp) that is worth a look on the day.

The level crossing by [Kamakura-Kokomae Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B1%9F%E3%83%8E%E9%9B%BB%20%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E9%AB%98%E6%A0%A1%E5%89%8D%E9%A7%85%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E8%85%B0%E8%B6%8A1-1-25), where the Enoden runs between the road and the sea, appears in the opening of the basketball anime Slam Dunk and draws crowds of fans taking photos. The city's manners ordinance asks people not to take photos standing in the road or near the tracks, so stay on the pavement, keep it clear for others and give the people who live there room.

Kamakura is a town where people live, not a theme park. Keep your voice down in temples and shrines, do not walk several abreast on narrow pavements, take your rubbish home and do not feed the squirrels. On the beaches and in parks, kites (the birds of prey circling overhead) swoop on food, so eat under cover.

- Hasedera, Enoshima and the hiking trails all mean steps and slopes. Wear comfortable shoes.
- A [one-day Enoden pass](https://www.enoden.co.jp/en/tourism/ticket/noriorikun/) saves time at the ticket machines if you hop on and off.
- Beach season is July and August, when huts with showers and changing rooms open.

- → [Tokyo etiquette for visitors: the rules that matter](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/etiquette.md)
- → [Anime, manga and game events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/anime.md)
- → [How to spend a weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/weekend.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)

## Getting there and nearby

The JR Yokosuka Line runs from Tokyo Station and Shinagawa to Kamakura in about an hour, stopping at [Kita-Kamakura](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=JR%20%E5%8C%97%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E9%A7%85%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E5%B1%B1%E3%83%8E%E5%86%85501&query_place_id=ChIJ2_2O8J5FGGARgqne1YiHu2o) on the way, and the Shonan-Shinjuku Line comes from Shinjuku and Shibuya. For Enoshima, the Odakyu Enoshima Line from Shinjuku ends at [Katase-Enoshima](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B0%8F%E7%94%B0%E6%80%A5%20%E7%89%87%E7%80%AC%E6%B1%9F%E3%83%8E%E5%B3%B6%E9%A7%85%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E8%97%A4%E6%B2%A2%E5%B8%82%E7%89%87%E7%80%AC%E6%B5%B7%E5%B2%B82-15-3), a short walk from the bridge. The Enoden links the two: from Kamakura it is about seven minutes to Hase, then on past Kamakura-Kokomae to Enoshima and Fujisawa.

A good one-day route starts with the Zen temples of Kita-Kamakura, walks on to Hachimangu and Komachi-dori, takes the Enoden to Hase for the Buddha and Hasedera, and ends on Enoshima for the sunset. Kotoku-in is about seven minutes on foot from [Hase Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B1%9F%E3%83%8E%E9%9B%BB%20%E9%95%B7%E8%B0%B7%E9%A7%85%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E9%95%B7%E8%B0%B72-14-10) and Hasedera about five; Hachimangu is a 10 to 15 minute walk from [Kamakura Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=JR%20%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E9%A7%85%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E5%B0%8F%E7%94%BA1-1-1).

Yokohama lies on the way back on the same JR lines, and Kamakura pairs well with Hakone for a two-day trip out of Tokyo.

- → [Getting around Tokyo: trains, Suica and taxis](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/getting-around.md)
- → [Yokohama as a day trip: concerts, Chinatown, harbour](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/yokohama.md)
- → [Hakone day trip from Tokyo: the loop, onsen and views](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/hakone.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Lisa Ono](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/lisa-ono)** — Mon, Nov 23, 2026 15:00 (JST) · Kamakura Arts Center Main Hall (Kamakura) · price on the official site
- **[Hiromi Iwasaki & Yoshimi Iwasaki Fantastic Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/fantastic-concert)** — Sun, Dec 6, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Kamakura Arts Center Main Hall (Kamakura) · ¥8,800
- **[U-zhaan × Tamaki Roy × Chinza DOPENESS SR_BLUE Presents New Year's Live Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/u-zhaan-roy-dopeness-sr-blue-presents-new-years-live)** — Sun, Jan 3, 2027 16:00 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[Kankuro Nakamura and Shichinosuke Nakamura Special Spring Kabuki Performance 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kankuro-nakamura-and-shichinosuke-nakamura-special-spring-kabuki-2)** — Fri, Mar 5, 2027 11:00 (JST) · Kamakura Arts Center · ¥3,800–¥8,800
- **[NakamuraEmi [Duo Concert]](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/nakamuraemi-duo)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 16:00 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · ¥6,500
- **[Kamakura Reading Rave: Ambient Silent Disco and Book Reading on a Noh Stage](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/reading-ravekamakura-reading-rave-an-ambient-silent-disco-on-a-noh-stage)** — Sat, Nov 7, 2026 13:30 (JST) · Former Murakami Residence - Kamakura Mirai Lab · ¥2,000
- **[Yusuke Oya (Polaris) × Tsuyoshi Naruyama (sleepy.ab) SR_BLUE presents Enoshima Sunset Live](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/polaris-sleepyab-sr-blue-presents-enoshima-sunset-live)** — Sun, Nov 8, 2026 16:00 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[Sara Wakui “Entrance” 2026 Live Series SR_BLUE Presents - Enoshima Sunset -](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sara-wakui-entrance-2026-live-series-sr-blue-presents-enoshima-sunset)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 16:00 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[Mitaka Takizawa Enoshima Sunset Live - Autumn Edition, presented by SR_BLUE](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sr-blue-presents)** — Sun, Nov 15, 2026 15:45 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[Rakugo Double Feature: Kyotaro Yanagiya & Hakushu Tōgetsuan – Yokohama Rakugo Night](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/rakugo-double-feature-kyotaro-yanagiya-hakushu-togetsuan-yokohama)** — Tue, Nov 17, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Kamakura Arts Center Small Hall (Kamakura) · price on the official site
- **[Around 40 Memory Concert - Forever -](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/around-40-memory-concert-forever)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 16:00 (JST) · Kamakura Arts Center Main Hall (Kamakura) · ¥8,000
- **[<DAY1> Kazuha Izawa - SUNSET SESSION - BLUE Enoshima 1st Anniversary: Kazuha Izawa & Appa 2-Day Event](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/day1-sunset-session-blue-enoshima-1st-anniversary-2days)** — Sun, Nov 22, 2026 16:00 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[Resonant Poetry and Music Festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/resonant-poetry-and-music-festival)** — Mon, Nov 23, 2026 14:00 (JST) · Kayac Conference Building · ¥4,800
- **[Ann Sally - Enoshima Sunset Live - BLUE Enoshima 1st Anniversary](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ann-sally-enoshima-sunset-live-blue-enoshima-1st-anniversary)** — Sat, Nov 28, 2026 15:45 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · ¥5,500
- **[Jiromiwa Band Special Concert: Celebrating the Release of the New Album 'Mariade Baby' (Additional Performance) — Featuring Jiromiwa, Yuko Kitayama, Wataru Iga, with Guest Shinya Sato (Piano & Keyboard)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/pfkey)** — Sun, Dec 6, 2026 15:45 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[Kentaro Sasaki (Analogfish) - Enoshima Unplugged Live](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/analogfish-enoshima-unplugged-live)** — Sun, Dec 13, 2026 12:30 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[Fuyumi Abe - Enoshima After Sunset - BLUE Enoshima First Anniversary](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/enoshima-after-sunset-blue-enoshima-1st-anniversary-2)** — Sat, Dec 19, 2026 16:45 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · ¥6,600
- **[Tsagaan Sar × Yujiro Kudo - Enoshima Sunset Live - BLUE Enoshima 1st Anniversary](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tsagaan-sar-enoshima-sunset-live-blue-enoshima-1st-anniversary)** — Sun, Dec 20, 2026 15:00 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · ¥4,500
- **[Kazuhiro Momo and the 69ers TOUR 2026 'ATSUKAN BOYS' - Enoshima Sunset - Presented by SR_BLUE](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/69ers-tour-2026-atsukan-boys-sr-blue-presents)** — Sat, Dec 26, 2026 15:15 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · ¥4,500
- **[Hiroshi Takano - Enoshima Sunset Live -](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/enoshima-sunset-live)** — Sat, Jan 9, 2027 15:45 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[<DAY2> Appa - SUNSET SESSION - BLUE Enoshima 1st Anniversary: Kazuha Izawa & Appa Two-Day Event](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/day2-sunset-session-blue-enoshima-1st-anniversary-2days)** — Mon, Nov 23, 2026 16:00 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[Piano Recital by Miki Yamagata](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/piano-recital-by-miki-yamagata)** — Sun, Jan 10, 2027 14:00 (JST) · Kamakura Arts Center Small Hall (Kamakura) · price on the official site

## Questions people ask

**Is Kamakura worth a day trip from Tokyo?**
Yes. It is about an hour by train, and in one day you can see the Great Buddha, Hasedera, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Enoshima.

**How do you get from Tokyo to Kamakura?**
Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa, about an hour, or the Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku or Shibuya. For Enoshima, the Odakyu line from Shinjuku runs to Katase-Enoshima.

**Can you go inside the Great Buddha of Kamakura?**
Yes, for a small extra fee on top of the entry ticket. No reservation is needed for Kotoku-in.

**When is hydrangea season in Kamakura?**
Usually June. Meigetsuin and Hasedera are the most famous spots and have long queues at weekends; Hasedera's hydrangea path has needed an online ticket in recent years.

**Where is the Slam Dunk crossing?**
It is the level crossing next to Kamakura-Kokomae Station on the Enoden. Take photos from the pavement, never from the road or near the tracks.

**Can you swim at Kamakura's beaches?**
Yes, in the official season in July and August, when Yuigahama and Zaimokuza open their beach huts. The rest of the year the beaches are for walks and surfing.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kamakura