Kamakura

The temple is ranked second among Kamakura's Five Zen Temples, founded in 1282 to commemorate soldiers who fell fighting the Mongol invasion the previous year. The Shariden on the temple grounds houses a holy relic, reputed to be a tooth of the Buddha. Atop a nearby hill is the bell tower and the tea house famous for its tokoroten (sweet cold noodles), an acquired taste to overseas visitors as many would find the dish salty and slimy.

(東慶寺). It was established as a nunnery, and was famous during the feudal era for sheltering abused women fleeing their families. It thus earned the nickname "Kakekomidera" (the fugitive temple). Those who remained at the temple for three years could then obtain a divorce. Tōkeiji's large atmospheric graveyard and blooming ume (Japanese plum) are also major attractions.

The temple is nicknamed the "Hydrangea Temple" with the surrounding grounds amply planted with the flowers. It is also renowned for the grave of Hojo Tokiyori, approached by a tunnel, the largest of its type in Japan.

Not visited often by foreign tourists. Sample tea ceremony in the gardens available with a cup of matcha tea, though tea hall hours are inconsistent.

Oldest temple in Kamakura, founded in 734. Contains an eleven-faced statue of Kannon. The summit is closed as of April 2025, limiting views to surrounding rooftops.

As Kamakura is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the ocean on the fourth, the town was easily defended in times of unrest, but the geography also left the town cut-off from neighbouring valleys. A network of narrow roads were cut through the mountains, providing the connections but keeping the site defensible. The Shakado Kiritoshi (pass) is one of the roads cut through solid rock. It remains impressive even by today's standards. It has been impassable since 2010 due to a large rockslide.

Notable for its lovely bamboo grove. Tour agencies have added this onto their itineraries, so if you're looking for tranquility, arrive in the first hour of opening or towards closing.

Reiwa-era home of interest to architecture lovers.

This is actually in Yokohama, but is closer to Kamakura both geographically and historically. From about the year 1200 to 1700, Shingon Buddhist monks gradually excavated this underground maze of tunnels as a site for spiritual training. You will be given a candle which you slip onto a wooden holder outside the entrance, and light at the candle inside the doorway. Damp, silent corridors lead to small, domed meditation chambers with walls and ceilings carved with fantastic creatures and Buddhist images, and on down to the spring room with a great turtle and birds carved on the walls. A small flashlight would be useful to see the images that candlelight doesn't reach.

A studio displaying beautiful and expensive handcrafted pottery and glassware that range from whimsical to Wabi-sabi.

A spa housed in a building with the large neon character for bath on the roof.

This park has a baseball field, 4 tennis courts and a large multipurpose field. Sports equipment is available for rental. A soccer ball, basketball, or tennis racket costs ¥100 for 2 hours. 4 gloves, 2 bats and 4 balls cost ¥3000 per 2 hours including the field charge. Also, many people enjoy walking, jogging or riding around the park seeing the nice scenery. As this park is located at the high spot, you can enjoy nice views of Mt.Fuji and the sea.

This is a representative beach in Kamakura, so many people visit in summer to enjoy the sea-bathing there. It is also a spot for a good view of the firework display held in summer. Kamakura is famous for aquatic fireworks. (Just remember when walking along this beach that it was not so long ago that a lot of severed heads buried in and near the sand were found. The heads were very old, from an era when Japan was not such a friendly place). On the far right side, you can see small wooden boats that fishermen carry to top of the beach. You can rent windsurfs and stand up paddle boards at the very right end of the beach. There are several surf rental shops, and one full-day rental with board and wetsuit included usually starts from ¥5000, half-days are available but not much cheaper.

This is also a famous beach. The Inamuragasaki Park (稲村ガ崎公園 Inamuragasaki Kōen) is there and is well known for its sunsets. The film "Inamura Jane" (稲村ジェーン), directed by Keisuke Kuwata, was set there. The remains of the Hojo, Kamakura's government, was destroyed there in 1333. It follows along National Road 134.

This is also a famous beach in Kamakura. Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited. But it's still a good beach to relax and have an enjoyable time. Many surfers enjoy surfing there.