Looking for a day trip from Tokyo? Maybe something a little more traditional and a little less modern? Want to see what Japanese towns are really like? You want to put Kamakura on your itinerary. You might even want to make it more than a day trip. In fact, I would have loved to stay there a whole weekend, or even more! If you only have one day to spend here, however, you’ll want to make it a well-organized day. Here is how to spend a day trip to Kamakura, Japan!
Get the Pancakes at Iwata Coffee
First stop: Breakfast! Kamakura is just about an hour by train from Tokyo, and the train Station is just steps from the main shopping street in Kamakura. Iwata Coffee is right at the start of the street, and they are famous for their tall pancakes. These are different than the jiggly, soufflé pancakes that are also popular in Japan; they are firmer and more like cake! Definitely plan to try them out, but you’ll want to arrive early to make sure you get them—they take a bit of time to cook. The restaurant opens at 9:00am!
More here: Tips for Your First Trip to Japan
Head to Hokokuji Temple and the Bamboo Forest
Dreaming of a photoshoot in a Japanese bamboo forest? You’re in luck. There’s one in Kamakura. It’s at the Hokokuji Temple, and you can easily get there by bus or on foot. It’s beautifully serene, not overcrowded like so many temples and shrines in and around Tokyo. Spring for the matcha experience while you’re here, too. It’s very picturesque, but be aware, that matcha is strong! The bamboo forest, though? That’s the real star here.
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Go Over to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine
You can’t miss this one! If you only have time for one shrine in Kamakura, make it this one. It’s right in the middle of downtown, with a walkway leading down the main road directly to the Shrine. It’s absolutely beautiful, and it made me think of a far less overwhelming version of the Senso-ji temple in Tokyo. There were tents set up with little shops and snacks along the path leading up to the Shrine, and the Shrine itself was far less crowded, making for a better experience, in my opinion. This shrine dates back to the 11th century (wow!), and it was the center of Japan’s Samurai heritage.
Read more: What to Know Before Your First Trip to Tokyo
Walk Down the Komachi-dori (Komachi Street)
You might be getting hungry by the time you finish at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine. Head back toward the train station, and walk down Komachi Street. Grab lunch anywhere that looks good to you. We ate at Kamakura Yatai Mura, where we were able to choose from a variety of Japanese dishes. I got the eel donburi, and my friend got a type of chirashi, and I got my daughter a mango-banana smoothie–we were all happy with our choices! Be sure to save room, though. You’ll also find plenty of ice cream, mochi, taiyaki, and more uniquely Japanese sweets to try!
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See the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple
This is the first temple of the day, and it’s a grand one! Famous for its large, bronze Buddha, it’s considered a national treasure in Japan. The statue dates to 1248, and it’s the second-tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. You can get here via the Hase Train station on the Enoden Railway line, or by bus from Kamakura Station.
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Visit Hase-dera Temple
This lovely temple, located up on a hill with views of the city below, is home to the largest wooden statue in Japan. Inside the Temple, you’ll find a carving of a Buddhist deity called Kannon, which stands at over 9 meters (29 feet) tall, and has 11 heads. It also boasts beautiful gardens, koi ponds, and a changing table in the bathroom. It’s the little things when you’re a single parent, y’all! Be sure to grab something delicious from the stand nearby and enjoy the views down below as you eat your snack.
Read next: The Top 3 Things Single Parents Need to Know about International Travel
Get Sushi for Dinner
There is no shortage of sushi restaurants in Kamakura! We stumbled upon one back on Komachi Street, but just put “sushi” into your preferred mapping app, and a variety of restaurants will pop up. Even if you don’t like sushi, you should absolutely get some authentic Japanese food while in Kamakura. Try the ramen, tempura, traditional sweets, or just look around and see what looks good to you!
Want more? Check out my dedicated Japan Page!
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