Kamakura is for shrines, surfing, and ultimate relaxation—and it’s easy to reach from Tokyo.
On the southern coast of Japan , not far fromTokyo , travelers leave the city behind in favor of a laid - back surfboarder vibe , complete with peck of beach . The city of Kamakura is one of Japan ’s ancient capitals , but also the birthplace of New surfing in Japan . Ideal for a relaxed getaway , it blends beachy appealingness with lots of tabernacle and shrines . With festival honoring everything from Samurai hogback archery to Nipponese folk dancing , the city has something for everyone — but especially surfers , beachgoers , andJapanese cultureenthusiasts taking a break from the chaos of Tokyo .
Where Tokyo is a beautiful fever pipe dream of golem hold off on tables and real - life MarioKart game , Kamakura is a breath of ocean tune , the perfect respite after time expend in Japan ’s most exciting major urban center . It ’s the last thing people mean about when they picture Japan : A sleepy-eyed seaside town surrounded by mountains where you could slow down and hit the waves . And it might be minor , but there ’s flock to do in Kamakura if you know where to await .
Travel time
1 hour by train from Tokyo
If you only do one thing: Relax and recharge at the beach
With more than four miles of coastline , Kamakura has mountain of beaches for whichever seaboard activity float your boat . The best time for swimming is July and August , which also brings the most tourists , but there ’s plenty to do during the rest of the class as well .
Yuigahama Beach is the faithful to the city heart and soul , run along with coffeehouse , restaurants , breaker shops , and bars . It ’s the most democratic beach in the region , so if you want to be around a lot of people , this is the one for you . Yuigahama is also one of the good surf spots , especially for beginners . Spring and autumn propose the good waves , but you’re able to surf all year around with a wetsuit . Dylan Patrick Croke , owner of the urban center ’s popular Home Taco Bar , is an avid surfboarder who go to Kamakura from California and recommendsPowder Companyfor breaker lesson . “ The surf workshop has a aspect of the ocean and the good instructor in Shonan , ” he says . For more experienced surfers , Inamuragasaki Beach has a reef break and gets angry during typhoon season ( May through October ) . But be warn : have a bun in the oven some contest for waves , since many locals go here .
For activities beyond surfriding , Zaimokuza Beach has calmer water and is a expectant place to try stand - up paddleboarding , kayaking , or water biking . Adrenaline partizan can also try on flyboarding ; JSP Kamakura gives lessons and rents the equipment .
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The whole coastline of Kamakura is gorgeous , with spic-and-span cushy George Sand for walks along the beach . you’re able to reach the beach of your alternative on the Enoden train , which conform to the coast . Whatever you decide to do , do n’t lack the dreamy views of snowfall - capped Mt. Fuji while you listen to the undulation crash .
A quick notation to the ink : tattoos are not allowed on the beach . The city of Kamakura asks that you cover your tattoo with clothing — or if that does n’t function , a patch .
Fill the weekend with
The Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)
If a nearly 50 - foot - tall bronze statue of theKamakura Daibutsusounds magnificent , love that it ’s even more telling in person . smother by nature , it exudes peace and repose . The statue ’s history is almost as awful as its appearing ; construction began in 1252 , and it was in the beginning enshrined in halls that were destroyed by typhoons and earthquake . Throughout it all , the great Buddha remained standing .
Take a beneficial longsighted spirit at the statue during your visit , but do n’t put out give out inside the temple ; it ’s raging and a stack less impressive than the exterior .
Shrines
It seems that there are eternal shrines around Kamakura , each with its merits , and you wo n’t go wrong with any of them . Erin Nigl , a Kamakura topical anaesthetic , has a favorite shrine for every season . “ Kenchojiis such an architectural marvel and beautiful during cherry tree blossoms . Tsurugaoka Hachiman - guis also a deluxe place but gets crowded . There is a nice view of the chief drag from atop the steps . Ugafukuis unique , pocket-sized , and fun , though a pain to walk up the usurious slope . ” Her all - around favored though , isHasedera . “ It ’s amazing during hydrangea time of year ( June ) , but good to total early on in the twenty-four hour period . Fall is also cozy . It has a grand view of the coastline , a tea sign — and on New Year ’s Eve , it ’s candlelit with gong chiming at midnight . ”
Shopping on Komichidori Street
Starting at the red torii gate , this avenue of alone workshop and yummy street intellectual nourishment is a fun way of life to while away an good afternoon . Do not skip shrimp shumai ( dumplings fill up with prawn and traverse in ponzu sauce ) , or ichigo dango ( strawberry mochi balls on a stick ) . The perfect spot to get your souvenirs and giving to take base , there are plenty of stores with traditional ceramics , knife , kimonos , and chopsticks . Studio Ghibli fans should ensure to block off into the Donguri shop ( the prescribed Ghibli store ) for things you wo n’t see anywhere else .
Where to eat and drink in Kamakura
For lunch : Nigl recommends Yoshimoto for traditional Nipponese eats . “ It ’s a longsighted - clip local favorite tally by an older couple , ” she says . “ There ’s no menu so it ’s soft to order . Just household - style , seasonal stunner at a secure terms . ”
For dinner : Maybe you experience like you ’ll never tire of Japanese food , but if you find yourself in the humour for dead spice up Mexican food and a well-disposed , set - back air , stop intoHome Taco Barfor a burrito and you may finish up staying for hours . After you ’ve had your greaser and while you ’re sip your margarita , make indisputable to call for the owner about the time he went viral for accidentally photobombing a once - every - five - years train picture and the ensuing commotion .
For kaiseki ( a full course meal):Kitakamakura En , at the entrance to Engakuji Temple , serves traditional Nipponese course . Each course is prepared using a unlike preparation style , and it looks almost as serious as it tastes . There ’s sashimi , something grill , a simmered course , rice , miso soup , and sweets .
For drinks : Antique store by day , cocktail lounge by night , Milk Hallis the kind of seat that feels like a secret . Off the beaten itinerary , they play malarkey medicine all evening and serve low-priced drinkable . Honorable mention rifle toPilgrim So San , the best vino bar in town with a homey and pollyannaish communal tabular array , scrumptious collation , and a selection of house - made wines , rice beer , and cyder .
Where to stay
For traditional Omotenashi ( Japanese hospitality):Converted from a 160 - yr - old Japanese guesthouse , the Kamakura Coconmakes you find like you ’ve been ship to theShogunseries , but with concierge services . There are just two suite with tatami - style ( but extremely well-off ) layer , micro - bubble tub ( little house of cards , big bathing tub ) , and comfortable keep rooms . The hotel ’s 10 - seat eatery has an open kitchen process up Italian meal from local ingredients at night and Nipponese breakfast , include grill fish and miso soup , in the morning .
Walking space to everything : A great affordable pick with modern rooms , theHotel Metropolitanis located properly next to the torii - gate to Hachimanguis : a two - minute walk of life from the train station , 10 proceedings to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine , and less than a mile to the beach . Loaded with American - style amenities , the hotel ’s thoughtful stave and broad suite make it sense more expensive than it is .
If you want to stay on the beach : TheCasablanca Pool Househas a gorgeous heated up pool you’re able to use all year round , a tranquil garden , and beautiful ocean view . The very secret and upscale haven is a bit off of the main pull , but if you ’re looking to unwind , sitting in the hanging chairs gazing at the ocean is hard to beat .
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