Kamakura City ☆ Japan

Kamakura is a city South West of Tokyo with many temples and shrines, and a beach vibe. This lovely coastal city has become my children’s favorite destination during our trip back to Japan in the summer. In Kamakura you see traditional Japanese architecture coexist with modern stylish buildings. The city lies on the coast facing the Pacific Ocean and many of its beaches are surfers’ hangouts. It is a great place for a short get away from Tokyo since it only takes about an hour from the central Tokyo by train, Shonan Shinjuku Line. You will find Kamakura much more relaxing, lush, and traditional than it is in Tokyo.

The photos I have taken and posted on this post were all taken and edited with a VSCO Cam on my iPhone. I left my big DSLR in the U.S. and I do wish I brought it with me, but I picked convenience over the quality of photos. I think that my iPhone did a pretty good job, though.

Listed here below are places of our choice for this visit in Kamakura. My husband and I have already been to these sites several times, but they do not get old and we felt nostalgic about going down our memory lane. Kamakura has more to offer than I list here. There are many more temples, shrines, restaurants and shops that would please any visitors, but because my family and I only had a few days to spend there, these are our ultimate picks that fit our schedule and the attention span of our children. I hope you will find this post helpful when deciding where to visit in Kamakura.

My Favorite Places in Kamakura

DAIBUTSU / GREAT BUDDHA OF KOTOKUIN TEMPLE

The Great Buddha (daibutsu) of Kotokuin Temple might be one of the most well-known sites in Kamakura. The statue made of bronze was said to be built around 1252 during the Kamakura Period. The height is 13.35 metres (43.8 ft). You can view the interior of the statue shown in the photo below.

HASE-DERA ☆ HASE KANNON TEMPLE

Hase-dera Temple is a temple located about a 5-minute walk from the Kotokuin Temple towards the ocean. There is a station called “Hase” on the Enoshima Electric Railway Line.

In the premises of Hase-dera Temple hundreds of small statues made of stone called “Jizo” are found. Jizo statues are known as protectors of children and unborn babies. The temple sits on Mount Kamakura and boasts a stunning view of Yuigahama Beach. Since there are many steps to climb to get to Hase-dera Temple, going there with a stroller will be challenging, but doable.

STREET NEAR BUDDHA & HASE-DERA (HASE KANNON TEMPLE)

It is fun to walk around and check out pretty shops and restaurants on this one street between the Kotokuin Temple and Hase-dera/Hase Kannon Temple. You might find little treasures to take home with you.

BERGFELD CAFE NEAR HASE-DERA TEMPLE

Bergfeld Cafe is a cafe near Hase-dera Temple. I know that many tourists from overseas want to try Japanese food, but if you would like some sandwiches for lunch near Hase-dera Temple and Kotokuin Daibutsu Buddha, Bergfeld Cafe is great because it’s conveniently located from both temples (closest to Hase-dera) and offers good lunch. If you would like to learn some good restaurants in Kamakura, this article seems to have some good recommendations.

KAMAKURA SEASIDE PARK IN YUIGAHAMA

Architecture & Designs in Kamakura

KAMAKURA STATION

I hope you enjoyed seeing the photos of my favorite places in one of my favorite cities in Japan, Kamakura. I hope many more people will go visit this beautiful and traditional city located in South West of Tokyo in the future!