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Kamakura

Ancient capital filled with picturesque heritage

Intro
Highlights
Recommended
Map
Trips

Welcome to Kamakura

The ancient capital of Japan, Kamakura is a stunning seaside town relatively near Yokohama. A popular tourist destination, its beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an unmissable location. With a long and fascinating history, Kamakura is one of the most beautiful cultural hubs in Kanagawa and is packed with temples, shrines and seasonal festivals.

Traditional Japanese culture is very much alive in Kamakura and there are ample places to try meditation, tea ceremonies as well as sampling the delicious local cuisine which includes fresh seafood (caught in the local seaside). There are a plethora of cafes, restaurants, shops and stalls to discover and meeting the locals is a great way of encountering the culture and feeling of Kamakura.

The Kamakura experience

Take a closer look at this area of Kanagawa with this interactive, multi-path video experience

Kamakura

Attractions

Explore some of Kanagawa's best things to do and places to go.

Top Attractions

Explore some of Kanagawa's best things to do and places to go.

Shonan Monorail

Shonan Monorail

The Shonan Monorail is a suspension type monorail, which is very unique because it is not seen very often in the world. This is the innovative ride that...

Kamakura Central Park

Kamakura Central Park

A 24.6 hectares park known for its natural landscapes and scenic beauty. Every year, the sakura (Somei Yoshino) blooming in late March is a sight not...

Koshigoe Fishing Port

Koshigoe Fishing Port

Koshigoe Fishing Port is located in the south-western part of Kamakura City, a place famous for seafood from Sagami Bay. Many of the restaurants here...

Myohon-ji temple

Myohon-ji temple

This is the oldest temple opened by Nichiren Shonin who started Nichiren sect. The dragon sculpture at Nitenmon gate is famous for the legend that roars...

Hongaku-ji temple

Hongaku-ji temple

Ichijo Nisshutsu founded the Hongakuji in 1436 (Eikyo 8). Ashikaga Mochiuji built the temple where there was Ebisudo and donated to Nisshutsu. The second...

Ankokuron-ji Temple

Ankokuron-ji Temple

This temple was established in 1253 (Kencho 5) by the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, Nichiren Shonin. The name of this temple originates from the fact...

Anyo-in Temple

Anyo-in Temple

This temple is associated with Hojo Masako. Masako built a temple in Sasame (in the area of the Kamakura Literature Museum) to mourn the loss of Minamoto...

Shonan Monorail

Shonan Monorail

The Shonan Monorail is a suspension type monorail, which is very unique because it is not seen very often in the world. This is the innovative ride that...

Kamakura Central Park

Kamakura Central Park

A 24.6 hectares park known for its natural landscapes and scenic beauty. Every year, the sakura (Somei Yoshino) blooming in late March is a sight not...

Koshigoe Fishing Port

Koshigoe Fishing Port

Koshigoe Fishing Port is located in the south-western part of Kamakura City, a place famous for seafood from Sagami Bay. Many of the restaurants here...

Myohon-ji temple

Myohon-ji temple

This is the oldest temple opened by Nichiren Shonin who started Nichiren sect. The dragon sculpture at Nitenmon gate is famous for the legend that roars...

Hongaku-ji temple

Hongaku-ji temple

Ichijo Nisshutsu founded the Hongakuji in 1436 (Eikyo 8). Ashikaga Mochiuji built the temple where there was Ebisudo and donated to Nisshutsu. The second...

Ankokuron-ji Temple

Ankokuron-ji Temple

This temple was established in 1253 (Kencho 5) by the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, Nichiren Shonin. The name of this temple originates from the fact...

Anyo-in Temple

Anyo-in Temple

This temple is associated with Hojo Masako. Masako built a temple in Sasame (in the area of the Kamakura Literature Museum) to mourn the loss of Minamoto...

Experiences

Immerse yourself in some of Kanagawa's experiences, from outdoor adventures to hands-on traditional activities

Shonan Monorail

Shonan Monorail

The Shonan Monorail is a suspension type monorail, which is very unique because it is not seen very often in the world. This is the innovative ride that...

Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle Shop

Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle Shop

Given Kamakura’s beauty, tranquil atmosphere and relative size, getting around by bicycle is a recommended way to see the best of Japan’s ancient...

Kenchoji Temple (Main temple of Kenchoji school of Rinzai sect)

Kenchoji Temple (Main temple of Kenchoji school of Rinzai sect)

This ancient temple is ranked first among the Kamakura Gozan. It features many old buildings, with a temple bell designated the national treasure. Our...

Kita-kamakura Takaranoniwa

Kita-kamakura Takaranoniwa

We are located about a 10-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura station. In an 80-year-old traditional house surrounded by a large garden and greenery, various...

Kamakura Samurai Experience Center

Kamakura Samurai Experience Center

At the Kamakura Samurai Experience Center, we offer a samurai experience service in Kamakura, the ancient capital of the samurai class. ・Experience...

Ebisuya Rickshaw (Kamakura branch)

Ebisuya Rickshaw (Kamakura branch)

In Kamakura, the birthplace of the samurai government, you can experience the city's ancient history along with its changing colours from season to season....

Kamakura Hanko

Kamakura Hanko

Kamakura Hanko is a Japanese seal that lasts a lifetime, made in the former capital of Kamakura. We recommend the 'Tsuki No Kisou In', or the lucky moon...

Shonan Monorail

Shonan Monorail

The Shonan Monorail is a suspension type monorail, which is very unique because it is not seen very often in the world. This is the innovative ride that...

Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle Shop

Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle Shop

Given Kamakura’s beauty, tranquil atmosphere and relative size, getting around by bicycle is a recommended way to see the best of Japan’s ancient...

Kenchoji Temple (Main temple of Kenchoji school of Rinzai sect)

Kenchoji Temple (Main temple of Kenchoji school of Rinzai sect)

This ancient temple is ranked first among the Kamakura Gozan. It features many old buildings, with a temple bell designated the national treasure. Our...

Kita-kamakura Takaranoniwa

Kita-kamakura Takaranoniwa

We are located about a 10-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura station. In an 80-year-old traditional house surrounded by a large garden and greenery, various...

Kamakura Samurai Experience Center

Kamakura Samurai Experience Center

At the Kamakura Samurai Experience Center, we offer a samurai experience service in Kamakura, the ancient capital of the samurai class. ・Experience...

Ebisuya Rickshaw (Kamakura branch)

Ebisuya Rickshaw (Kamakura branch)

In Kamakura, the birthplace of the samurai government, you can experience the city's ancient history along with its changing colours from season to season....

Kamakura Hanko

Kamakura Hanko

Kamakura Hanko is a Japanese seal that lasts a lifetime, made in the former capital of Kamakura. We recommend the 'Tsuki No Kisou In', or the lucky moon...

Explore the Kamakura area

Explore the charms of Kamakura with our map to find sightseeing spots, accommodation options or local restaurants.

Trip Reports

Discover Kanagawa Prefecture’s hidden gems and cultural marvels through a curated collection of articles by talented local writers.