JP · Kanagawa Prefecture · 35.32°N 139.55°E

kamakura

Big outdoor Buddha, hillside temples, beach vibes and that Slam Dunk railway crossing.

Best time
June for hydrangeas, and late November to early December for autumn leaves. Both get crowded, so go on a weekday. Summer brings the beach crowds.
How long
1 day
Getting there
Fly from KL to Tokyo (about 7 hours). From Tokyo Station, the JR Yokosuka Line takes about an hour to Kamakura.
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JP · Kanagawa Prefecturekamakura35.32°N 139.55°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Big outdoor Buddha, hillside temples, beach vibes and that Slam Dunk railway crossing.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKamakuraJP, Kanagawa Prefecture
KLkamakura
≈ 5,288 km from KL, as the crow flies
Kamakura Daibutsu in Kamakura, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan.

Photo: 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A seaside town south of Tokyo that was Japan's de facto capital from the late 12th century. Today it's a classic day trip, with a giant outdoor Buddha, hillside temples, a snack street and beaches along the little Enoden line.

Makan

  1. Shirasu-donRice topped with tiny whitebait, the local catch.Map ↗
  2. Komachi-dori snacksThe busy street from the station is lined with snacks and sweets to graze on.Map ↗
  3. Hato SabléDove-shaped butter biscuits, Kamakura's classic souvenir.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Great Buddha of KamakuraA giant bronze Buddha sitting in the open air at Kotoku-in temple.Map ↗
  2. Tsurugaoka HachimanguThe town's main shrine, at the end of a long approach from the station.Map ↗
  3. Hase-deraA hillside temple with gardens, a small cave and views over the bay.Map ↗
  4. Enoden and KamakurakokomaeRide the little seaside train. The crossing by Kamakurakokomae station is the one from Slam Dunk.Map ↗
  5. EnoshimaA small island at the end of the Enoden line, with shrines, caves and sea views.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The Slam Dunk crossing is a residential street with real traffic. Don't stand in the road for photos, and keep the noise down.
  • Weekdays are much calmer than weekends.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.