After a few busy days in Tokyo, I felt the need to slow down, just a little. Tokyo is incredible, but it’s intense, and I was ready to see a different side of Japan. Additionally, we were very fortunate as this was organised by our travel agency. That’s how I ended up taking a day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura, and it turned out to be one of the calmest and most memorable days of my trip.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and wondering whether Kamakura is worth it, the short answer is yes. This is what my day there looked like.
How to Get from Tokyo to Kamakura
Getting from Tokyo to Kamakura by train is very easy and perfect for a day trip.
- 🚆 Train: JR Yokosuka Line
- ⏱ Travel time: Around 55–60 minutes
- 🚉 Direct train: No transfers needed
Once you arrive, everything feels immediately different. The pace is slower, the streets are quieter, and the air feels lighter, especially compared to Tokyo.
First Impressions of Kamakura
Kamakura felt peaceful, calm, and almost like a seaside town rather than a city. It was such a nice contrast after Tokyo’s crowds and neon lights. Even with visitors around, it never felt overwhelming.
Something is grounding about being surrounded by temples, greenery, and the sea all in one place.
Kotoku-in Temple & the Great Buddha of Kamakura
One of the main reasons people visit Kamakura is Kotoku-in Temple, home to the famous Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu).
Seeing the Buddha statue in real life was quietly powerful. It’s massive, yet peaceful, and standing in front of it made everything feel still for a moment.
Starting My Goshuin Collection
This is also where I started collecting goshuin stamps, and I completely fell in love with the idea.
- You need a goshuin book, which you can buy at temples
- You pay a small fee for the handwritten calligraphy stamp
- Each one is unique and done by hand
You can also find free stamps at some temples and train stations. My advice: always carry a notebook or stamp book with you, because you’ll often find them when you least expect them. It’s such a meaningful and beautiful souvenir to bring home from Japan.
Hasedera Temple & Small Buddha Statues
Another temple we visited was Hasedera Temple, and it was one of my favourites.
The rows of small Buddha statues were incredibly moving, and the atmosphere felt gentle and spiritual. I also loved seeing the wooden wish plaques, something you’ll find at many temples in Japan.
What stood out most to me was the architecture. The shape of the roofs, the details in the wood, and the harmony with nature were completely new to me. Seeing this style for the first time made me fall in love with Japanese temple design.
Lunch Near Kamakura Station
We had lunch at a small local restaurant near Kamakura Station. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name, but that almost made it better; it felt very local.
I ordered a lunch set with different types of fresh seafood, and it was absolutely delicious. Simple, fresh, and clearly not made for tourists. Those unplanned meals often become the most memorable ones.
Yuigahama Beach & Coastal Air
After visiting the temples, we went to Yuigahama Beach. Kamakura really feels like a town by the sea, and the fresh ocean breeze was such a relief, especially after the heat.
It’s not a dramatic beach, but it’s peaceful, open, and grounding, the kind of place where you naturally slow down without trying.
Hiking Trails (If the Weather Allows)
Kamakura is also known for its hiking trails, which connect temples and viewpoints. Normally, I would have loved to try one, but I visited in mid-September, and the heat and humidity were intense.
Temperatures were still reaching around 40°C, so hiking wasn’t realistic for me that day.
Best Time to Visit Kamakura
From my experience, I’d recommend:
- 🍂 Late September to October (early autumn)
- Cooler temperatures
- More comfortable for walking and hiking
Is Kamakura Worth a Day Trip from Tokyo?
Absolutely.
Kamakura offered me:
- A break from Tokyo’s intensity
- Beautiful temples and architecture
- A slower pace and coastal air
- Space to reflect, walk, and breathe
It felt like one of those days where nothing dramatic happens, but you leave feeling lighter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re travelling to Japan and spending time in Tokyo, I really recommend adding Kamakura as a day trip. It’s easy to reach, peaceful, and shows a softer, quieter side of Japan.
This day stayed with me in a very calm way, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need while travelling.
My next blog posts will continue this journey through Japan and South Korea, but Kamakura will always stand out as one of the most grounding days of the trip.
✨ Planning Your Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Japan (or already counting down the days), here are a few things I personally used and genuinely recommend to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable:
- 📱 Stay connected from the moment you land. I always top up my eSIM in advance so I can use maps, translations, and transport apps straight away. I use Airalo for all my trips, and it’s been reliable every time. (You can find my discount here: DANIEL22410.)
- 🏨 Where I stayed. I’ve linked the hotels I stayed at in this post for their great locations and comfort after long walking days.
- 🎟️ Experiences worth booking ahead. Some tours, cultural experiences, and attractions sell out quickly, especially in Japan, so I always book a few key ones in advance.
I’ll keep updating my Japan travel guides in the Japan Travel Hub, so feel free to explore the other posts on Japan, and what’s coming next ✨
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little planning to turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little planning to turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
With love 🤍
