Visitors to Japan who also have Tokyo on their travel plans often ask me where they can go to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. For travelers staying in Tokyo for more than three days, I have the perfect answer! Tokyo itself offers so many sights that you will need at least three full days to see most of it. But for those looking for a quiet day of Japanese highlights just outside Tokyo, I have a great suggestion. Read on for that adventurous day trip to Kamakura.
Little Kyoto near Tokyo
Just an hour’s ride by local train from Tokyo is charming Kamakura. Also known as ‘little Kyoto’, this beautiful coastal village is a must-visit destination during your trip to Japan. Kamakura offers a perfect blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Read on and discover how you can spend an unforgettable and sporty day in beautiful Kamakura.
Kita-Kamakura
Find out which station is closest to you and find the train that will take you to Kita-Kamakura, the starting point of your Kamakura day trip. For example, from Ebisu station you can take the direct Shonan-Shinjuku Line, which will take you to the charming Kita-Kamakura station. Once you get off, you can immediately start exploring the temples. Highly recommended is Meigetsu-in, where you can see the beautiful blue hydrangeas blooming in June, admire the autumn colors in October and see the beautiful sakura in the spring.
Hike the Daibutsu Hiking Trail
Although the signage is not always clear, look for the signs for the Daibutsu Hiking Trail. This hiking trail is suitable for hikers of all levels and occasionally includes a small climb or descent. The path you walk was also used by the samurai of Kamakura 650 years ago. This route leads you through a beautiful forest, past numerous beautiful temples and offers a beautiful view of Kamakura at the highest point.
Follow the path through the forest until you reach a street again. Continue towards the Great Buddha of Kamakura, an impressive bronze statue at Kotokuin Temple. After your visit, you can walk down the street until you reach the beach, where you can take a break from your walking adventure.
Kamakura Beach
Once on the beach you are close to the center of Kamakura. Here you can spend the rest of your day in one of the many charming streets with nice shops. Don’t forget to visit the famous Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Temple. If at some point you get tired of all the temples (which is understandable) and the weather is nice, you can also spend July or August at one of the beach clubs on the beach. I haven’t been here myself yet, but the Blue Moon Hayama beach club is high on my list of places to visit.
The higher the quieter
Although Kamakura itself can be quite busy, this crowd is mainly concentrated in the center. There are countless temples and hiking trails where you can enjoy without the crowds of tourists. Kamakura is hilly, and the higher you climb, the fewer people you encounter.
A bamboo forest near Tokyo
Although you can easily travel by local bus, we opted for a nice walk. This took us through charming Japanese streets and neighborhoods. Finally we arrived at the Hokokuji Bamboo Forest, a beautiful Japanese garden with a small bamboo forest. Because this garden is located a little further from the center, it was wonderfully quiet.
There is plenty to see and do in Kamakura, making it absolutely worth skipping a day in Tokyo for this.
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