Day 1 in Kamakura

Welcome to Kamakura! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city, stroll through the narrow maze of streets and alleys through the main town decorated with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The cuisine in Kamakura is Shojin consisting of Kamakura vegetables and grains cultivated in the area. The city is well known for its ham and seafood including `shirasu` fresh young sardines.

After a nice relaxing lunch in the city head to Komachi-Dori Street the main shopping destination in the city lined by souvenir shops and unique fun places to eat and drink. Stop into the stores and pick up some of the city`s iconic souvenirs including Hatosabure, a dove-shaped shortbread cookie or some giant Buddha shaped pastries stuffed with red bean paste. Carvings, lacquerware and other traditional crafts including Japanese blades and Konnyaku jelly soaps are other popular items to purchase in Kamakura.

There are walking tours available in the city with multilingual audio guides available to purchase. The device is automatically activated when you are near the sightseeing locations and allow you the opportunity to explore the rich history and traditions in Kamakura. These are available from the Tourism Information Center at the JR Kamakura Station.

Head off to check out some of the magnificent temples in Kamakura. Hokokuji Temple also known as `the bamboo temple` with a stunning forest filled with over 2,000 bamboo stalks lies in wait. The temple dates back to 1334 and features a statue of Gautama Buddha. Visitors can spend time walking through the forest which creates a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere that enchants the senses. Stop into the Japanese teahouse on-site for a refreshing cup of tea and some sweet Japanese snacks while taking in the surrounding gardens filled with jasmine and cherry trees along with moss-covered stones creating the Zen air.

The city of Kamakura features plenty of greenery in the form of parks and forests, there are some popular hiking trails that connect walkers from one site to the next. Hiking through the lovely forests along the Gionyama Trail with the Karakuri Yagura, a cave tomb situated at the northern end and the Yagumo Shrine at the southern end. Enjoy some spectacular views along the way from different viewpoints, this trail is the shortest of three in the city taking around 30 minutes.

Make your way to Kotoku-In Temple home to the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a large monumental outdoor bronze statue. The Great Buddha statue sits high at 37 feet and weighs in around 121 tons! This is the famous icon in Japan and a National Treasure, it is one of the most popular sites in the city. The Great Buddha statue is a great location to be around sunset providing some breathtaking views over the city and the bay lit up by vibrant colors.

For dinner tonight make your way down to the beach where many charming waterfront restaurants are serving up delicious cuisine accompanied by live music and a laid back atmosphere. `Shirasu` are the local delicacy in Kamakura, freshly caught young sardines are a staple on most menus in the city. Try some shirasu in a rice bowl, on top of pizza or mixed with a delectable bowl of pasta. Locally grown Kamakura vegetables are another of the chef`s favorite items and served with many dishes.

There are many interesting places to check out after dark in Kamakura which boasts a surprisingly fantastic nightlife. Wander down some of the narrow alleyways of the city center where you can find some hidden gems such as Higurashi Bunko a quaint, cozy bar with bookshelves found by Kamakura Stations. Bar Sharman is a live music bar located down another alleyway on Komachi Street, a great location to enjoy drinks while listening to jazz in a laid back authentic atmosphere. In the summertime, there are bars found lining the beach many with live bands playing and sunset drink specials flowing.

Day 2 in Kamakura

Take an awakening stroll along the beach in Kamakura. Yuigahama Beach is a beautiful 2 mile stretch of sand located on the south coast, you can easily access the beach via the Kamakura station. Walking along the soft white sands and watching the waves topple onshore is a great way to start your day.

There are a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops that line the beach, find a cute cafe to enjoy some breakfast and coffee then begin your adventures for the day.

Time for some more temple-hopping! Hase-Dera Temple is a very interesting Buddhist temple dating back to the 8th century. The temple is built on a wooded slope famous for housing a massive wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy with eleven heads. The wooden statue is the largest in Japan and stands 30 feet tall in the Kannon Do Hall, it is quite the sight to see! There is an observation platform at the temple, soak in some of the spectacular views over the coastal city. Also, be sure to check out the temples beautiful colorful gardens.

The Kannon Museum stands adjacent to the temple building. Take a look inside the museum which exhibits some of the temple`s treasures such as temple bells, statues, and scrolls.

Gokuraku-Ji is another Buddhist temple located in the tranquil hillside town of Gokurakuji set amongst greenery and flowers, a famed sightseeing spot in Kamakura for cherry blossom and hydrangea viewing. The temple building is the only surviving structure of 49 buildings, it can be distinguished by its thatched roof.

Time for some lunch after a morning of exploring! The city center of Kamakura is packed with restaurants. You can visit the bustling Komachi Dori Shopping Street which is lined with hundreds of shops and eateries. Or check out some of the delicious local cuisine found in the heart of the city where you can dine on yummy snacks such as crepes, sweet potato purple soft serve, bean snacks and more. Also, an option is the Cafe Guri found on-site at the Kamakurabori Museum offering an interesting vegetarian lunch menu with tableware made from modern wooden pieces.

After some lunch check out one of the fascinating museums in the city. The Kamakurabori Museum is dedicated to the traditional Japanese engraving technique `Kamakura Bori`. Carved wooden lacquerware has been made in the city for many centuries and the museum features over 50 of these masterpieces and materials made by using the traditional carving method. Visitors can even take a 2-hour workshop with an informative instructor who provides lessons on making your own pieces.

The Kamakura Museum of Literature is another interesting museum containing material about writers who originated from Kamakura. The museum is housed in a stylish old villa which once belonged to the Maeda family, the building is rich in history and features beautiful traditional architecture and is surrounded by stunning rose gardens. Check out some of the priceless works from over 100 Japanese literature writers including famed author Yukio Mishima who wrote about the gardens in his work `Spring Snow`.

Visit Engaku-Ji, Kamakura`s second on the list of `Five Great Zen Temples`. The most significant in the city was founded in 1282 and stretches up the slope of a hillside surrounded by impressive cedar tree forest, which is especially enchanting in autumn when the leaves change. There are several spectacular structures leading up to the dramatic main wooden gate and the main hall where the wooden Shaka Buddha is housed. There are 18 individual temples on the grounds which create a sense of peace as you enter. There is a tea house by the large bell selling matcha tea and sweets where tea ceremonies are held. The temple also offers early morning Zen meditation sessions from 5:30 am until 6:30 am.

Tsuruoka Hachimangu is the largest, most important and famous shrine in the entire city with its vast red torii gates that stretch all the way to the city center. Take the impressive walk up to the shrine, cherry blossom-lined path which weaves along the waterfront, passing through the magnificent red torii gates towards the shrine. A small shrine museum here displays various treasures such as swords, masks, and other important documents. The grounds of the temple are simply mesmerizing with beautiful gardens filled with peonies, lotus ponds with arched Taiko-Bashi bridges that lead to the Mai-den Dance Hall and the main shrine building.

Alternatively, you can head out for a day trip to Enoshima Island, located a short train ride from Kamakura station. This popular island just off the coast is filled with many exciting sights and attractions that will keep you busy for the entire day. The island boasts a park, an observation tower, several shrines, an aquarium, and caves. The island is dotted with hiking trails that lead to hidden shrines, the beaches here are simply beautiful and perfect for a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming. At night ascend the observation tower for breathtaking views over the bay and dine in one of the fantastic restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine including freshly caught fish and seafood.

On your last evening in the city, head off to Koibito no Oka, or the Love Bell with your partner for a romantic viewing spot overlooking Sagami Bay. Here there are hundreds of padlocks found on the cliffside hanging with couples` names on them to symbolize eternal love.

Enjoy dinner in one of the beachfront restaurants at Yuigahama Beach where you can sit back and capture another spectacular sunset in Kamakura.

Additional Days in Kamakura

If you are able to spend additional days in Kamakura, visit the Meigetsuin Temple also known as the `Hydrangea Temple` featuring a spectacular display of hydrangea blooms throughout the temple grounds. The main temple features a circular window known as the `windows of enlightenment` which frame the inner gardens.

The iconic Kamakura Koko Mae Station is a small scenic seaside train station on the Enoshima Electric Railway line. This picturesque location is a popular sightseeing spot in the city frequently appearing in anime, manga, and movies. It was selected as one of the `100 Top Stations in the Kanto Region` in 1997.

An hour-long summer fireworks display is held annually on August 10th at Yuigahama Beach.

Your Last Day in Kamakura

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.