Major city · Japan
Kamakura鎌倉市
Go as a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama, not as a base: one full day covers the Great Buddha, Hase Kannon and Hachimangū; sleep over only if you want the hiking trails.
Kamakura was Japan's political capital from 1185 to 1333 and keeps the country's densest cluster of Zen temples and Shinto shrines within a few square kilometres. It sits on the Shōnan coast, 1 hour from Tokyo Station on the JR Yokosuka line, and most visitors do it in a single day. The sights are split between the central shrine district, the western Hase area with the Great Buddha, and the quieter northern and eastern temple valleys.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jun (hydrangea crowds at Meigetsuin), Golden Week, New Year (a million visitors at Hachimangū on 1 Jan)
- Airports
- HND · NRT
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kamakura110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kamakura, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyOne of Japan's safer destinations; the real risks are crowded trains and pavements, summer heat on the hiking trails, and slips on wet stone steps.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHND Haneda (Keikyū express to Yokohama, then JR Yokosuka line; about 1 h, ¥800 (≈ US$6)).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable, but the Great Buddha and Hasedera are 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) west: take the Enoden line three stops to Hase, or a bus from the station.The centre is walkable, but the Great Buddha and Hasedera are 1.2–1.9 mi (2–3 km) west: take the Enoden line three stops to Hase, or a bus from the station.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle soup or a set lunch¥900–1,500 (≈ US$7–11)
- Beerdraught / can at a konbini¥500–750 (≈ US$4–6)¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiLate-night surcharge after 22:00.Late-night surcharge after 10:00 PM.¥2,000–2,500 (≈ US$14–17)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketTemple entry¥100–600 (≈ US$1–5)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person¥3,000 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥14,000 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥30,000 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥5,000 (≈ US$35) · Mid ¥10,000 (≈ US$70) · High ¥20,000 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HND Haneda (Keikyū express to Yokohama, then JR Yokosuka line; about 1 h, ¥800) · NRT Narita (Narita Express to Yokohama or Ōfuna, then JR Yokosuka line; about 2 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jun. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jun (13 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kamakura: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
5 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
13 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable, but the Great Buddha and Hasedera are 2–3 km west: take the Enoden line three stops to Hase, or a bus from the station. Buses radiate from Kamakura station to the eastern temples. Bicycle rental is available near the station east exit (about ¥800 for the first hour, ¥250 each extra hour).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
- Tokyo full guide45 km (28 mi)28 mi (45 km) north-east of Kamakura
From Tokyo: JR Yokosuka line, about 1 h · Full day
- Kyoto full guide350 km (217 mi)217 mi (350 km) west of Kamakura
- Osaka full guide380 km (236 mi)236 mi (380 km) west of Kamakura
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Enoshima
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Enoden from Kamakura to Enoshima, about 25 min
Island shrine, sea caves and views back along the coast.
Door to door: About 40 min
JR Yokosuka line from Kamakura, about 25 min, ¥330 (≈ US$3)
Harbour, Chinatown and the Cup Noodles museum; easy half day.
Door to door: About 1 h 10 min
JR Yokosuka line from Kamakura to Tokyo Station, about 1 h, ¥920 (≈ US$7)
Direct train; no need to change.
Hakone
overnightDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
JR to Odawara, then the Hakone Tozan line or bus
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep one night.
Odawara
goDoor to door: About 1 h
JR Tōkaidō line from Kamakura, about 50 min
Castle and a stop on the way to Hakone.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Kamakura Station area
Trains, buses and the Komachi-dōri shopping street on the doorstep; best for one night with bags.
Hase
Walk to the Great Buddha and Hasedera; Enoden line to the centre in about 5 min.
Kita-Kamakura
Quiet, temple-side; one JR stop north of Kamakura station.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥5,000–9,000 (≈ US$35–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥9,000–16,000 (≈ US$65–110) excl. bed
- High
- ¥16,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Business-hotel double room1 × 1 night × ¥14,000 | ¥14,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ¥10,000 | ¥20,000 |
| JR Yokosuka line, Tokyo to Kamakura, one way2 × ¥920 | ¥1,840 |
| Enoden, Kamakura to Hase, one way2 × ¥190 | ¥380 |
| Temple entries (Great Buddha, Hasedera, Meigetsuin)2 × ¥900 | ¥1,800 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥4,300 |
| Trip total≈ ¥23,660 per person per day, bed included | ¥47,320≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in yen; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle soup or a set lunch | ¥900–1,500 (≈ US$7–11) |
| Beer: draught / can at a konbini | ¥500–750 (≈ US$4–6) / ¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3) |
| 5 km taxiLate-night surcharge after 22:00.Late-night surcharge after 10:00 PM. | ¥2,000–2,500 (≈ US$14–17) |
| Enoden ride | ¥150–310 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Temple entry | ¥100–600 (≈ US$1–5) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Great Buddha and Hasedera are packed on weekends and holidays: arrive before 09:00.The Great Buddha and Hasedera are packed on weekends and holidays: arrive before 9:00 AM.
- Meigetsuin's hydrangea season (roughly June) draws long queues; go at opening.
- The Daibutsu hiking course is slippery after rain: wear shoes with grip.
- Some ryokan and budget lodgings have a curfew and charge for dinner you miss: confirm before booking.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
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Kamakura鎌倉市
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
No embassies in Kamakura; most are in Tokyo, with consulates in Yokohama.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tokyo Station → Kamakura, JR Yokosuka line: about ¥920 (≈ US$7), about 1 h
- Kamakura → Hase, Enoden: about ¥190 (≈ US$2), about 5 min
- Haneda → Kamakura, Keikyū plus JR: about ¥800 (≈ US$6), about 1 h
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigatō gozaimasu)
- これをください — This one, please (kore o kudasai)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- カードで払えますか？ — Can I pay by card? (kādo de haraemasu ka)
- トイレはどこですか？ — Where is the toilet? (toire wa doko desu ka)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kamakura. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jun (hydrangea crowds at Meigetsuin), Golden Week, New Year (a million visitors at Hachimangū on 1 Jan) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HND and NRT: last-train cutoffs, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Kamakura station and Hachimangū, Hase, Kita-Kamakura, the eastern temple valleys.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Kōtokuin, Hasedera, Hachimangū, Kenchōji, Meigetsuin) and eat pages with last orders.
- Hydrangea-season and New Year fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialKamakura City official site
- officialKamakura official travel guide
- officialJR East
- officialEnoden (Enoshima Electric Railway)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kamakura, revision 5277597 (CC BY-SA 4.0)