Although going to the beach is not easy if you’re living in the central of big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Kamakura is a seaside Japanese city just 31 miles from the south-west of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture; therefore it has become one of the most popular places in Japan for beach lovers. It used to be the political center of medieval Japan, however, today Kamakura is a prominent resort town with dozens of Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. Its most remarkable landscape is the Great Buddha of Kotokuin pagoda, a  42.6 feet-high bronze statue still standing after a tsunami in the 15th century. Coming to Kamakura can fill in your list of activities and meet everyone’s interests: Yuigahama Beach in Sagami Bay for surfing, Buying famous  Hatosabure biscuit(鳩サブレー) which are shaped like pigeons, or purple potato soft ice cream (Murasaki-imo sofuto); and yet not to mention some hiking trails for mountain climbers, and many many things more. Let’s check the list of the best 22 things to do and places to go next time you visit the beautiful Kamakura.

Hasedera Temple

This temple is home to Japan’s largest wooden statue of the Kannon Bosatsu (Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) and popular amongst visitors for its beautiful garden.
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Great Buddha(Kotoku-in)

The Great Buddha; the best sightseeing spot in Kamakura
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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is filled with nature and its tunnel of cherry blossoms is incredible
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Zeniarai Benten Shrine

A popular power spot in Kamakura. Double your money by washing it!
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Komachi-dori

Along Komachi-dori Street, you’ll find high-class restaurants and places for shopping. Stop by some of these interesting shops while heading to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine.
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Tokei-ji Temple

A temple built in feudal times by a woman for women.
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Jochi-ji Temple

An out-of-the-way spot for hydrangeas and the starting point for The Pilgrimage for the Seven Lucky Gods in Kamakura and Enoshima
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Hokoku-ji Temple

A bamboo grove, a moss garden and matcha tea. Spend a day of tranquility surrounded by vivid greenery.
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Kencho-ji Temple

Kencho-ji Temple is Japan’s first Zen temple. Here you can quietly view the garden and experience meditation.
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Meigetsu-in Temple

Nicknamed the Hydrangea Temple, 2500 hydrangeas bloom at once in June
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Sasuke-Inari Shrine

A shrine that helps in boosting good fortune at work and career promotion
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Kamakura Beach

A beach with plenty of attractions that has been selected as one of the top 50 picturesque sceneries in Kanagawa Prefecture.
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Enoshima

A small island, 4km in circumference, projecting from the shore as one of Japan’s 100 Best Sceneries.
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Kamakura Hiking Trails

One hour away from Tokyo, hiking at the ancient capital of Kamakura
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Jufuku-ji Temple

Ranked third among Kamakura’s Five Mountains. The path leading up to the shrine is said to be the most beautiful of its kind
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Zuisen-ji Temple

The rock garden is atypical for the Kamakura Era and is the sole example of its type surviving in Kamakura.
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Myohon-ji Temple

A temple which relates the tragedy involving prominent figures in the Kamakura Era through conflict
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Ankokuron-ji Temple

A place where the intensity of Nichiren and the beauty of the temple splendidly blend into each other
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Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway)

The popular local train line that runs along the coast connecting famous tourist areas
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Inamuragasaki

The superb scenery of the sun setting into the unchanging ocean and Mt. Fuji at the ancient capital of Kamakura
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Jomyoji Temple

Not only is it a dignified historic landmark but also a place to enjoy matcha tea and a meal while viewing the garden
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