Location: Kamakura
Top Things to do in Kamakura
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Things to do in Kamakura, Kanto: The Best Sights & Landmarks
A village dating back to Yoritomo's shogunate government in 1192, Kamakura lies amid wooded hills filled with Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Local university students offer free guided tours leaving from Kamakura station. Visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of war, patron deity of the shogun's family, and walk inside the Great Buddha.
Restaurants in Kamakura
1. Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,033 reviews
This nearly 47-foot bronze statue of Amida Buddha is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan.
Reviewed By jeanettekz - Munich, Germany
After reading about some guided tours from northern Kamakura down through the hiking trails to the Buddha, we decided to just try and do it on our own. We were very happy we did because the peace and quiet of doing it as a couple was wonderful. Finishing our hike with the Buddha felt slightly triumphant. We didn't go inside of the Buddha, but it felt like a nice way to finish the day. We went in July and probably got there about mid-day but it wasn't ridiculously crowded, although busy. Very beautiful and impressive up-close. Kamakura was a very fun day trip for us outside of visiting Tokyo--I highly recommend it.
2. Hase-dera Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,716 reviews
This temple is most notable for its wooden statue of Kannon, the 11-headed goddess of mercy, but it also has a lovely garden and pond, and a viewing platform with a great city view.
Reviewed By Suzu1996
Japanese follows English. Located just a short distance from Hase Station, this is a famous temple with a very beautiful garden and an observation deck spot with a view of Kamakura. It was a very hot day in August, but the precinct was very cool and didn't make us feel the heat of summer. This temple has a lot of Jizo, and a thousand Jizo statues are a sight to behold. Signs have been installed to counter COVID-19, and 'Nagomi Jizo' is also wearing a mask. As the name suggests, this is a very soothing point. I recommend this temple to visit during this season when you want to feel the coolness. 以下、日本語です。 長谷駅からすぐのところにあり、非常に綺麗な庭園と鎌倉を一望できる展望台スポットなどがある有名なお寺です。 ８月で気温も非常に高い日でしたが、夏の暑さを感じさせない非常に涼しさを感じるお寺でした。 このお寺には非常に多くのお地蔵様がおり、千体地蔵は圧巻です。 COVID-19対策として看板を設置しているほか、和み地蔵もマスクをしています。名前の通り非常に和ませてくれるポイントになっていました。 涼しさを感じたいこの時期に安心して参拝できるおすすめのお寺です。
3. Kencho-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
Founded in 1253 by a Chinese priest, this temple, notable for its bell (a national treasure) and Zen garden, was the first Zen temple in the city and is ranked number one of the city's five most powerful temples.
Reviewed By yshargal - Haifa, Israel
One of the main temples of Kamakura. Set in beautiful gardens with the backdrop of the mountains. Recommend. I visited it together with the nearby Tsuruagoka Hachiman-gu. The Kencho-Ji is the farthest from the Kamakura train station. I took bus no2 to the Kencho-Ji. Then I walked a few minutes to the Hachiman-gu. From there I walked about 10 minutes to the train station.
4. Engaku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
A large temple bell, a teahouse and a shrine that preserves a tooth of Buddha are highlights of this Zen temple, which has been designated a national treasure and is ranked number two of the city's five most powerful temples.
Reviewed By AndrewK831 - Zushi, Japan
My wife and I live locally so we can visit this temple in all seasons. It always has a tranquil beauty to it that puts your soul to rest. Extensive grounds include many religious buildings, a lovely tea house and at the top of the nearby small mountain extensive views over Kanagawa with a view of Mt Fuji on a clear day.
5. Kaizoji Temple
6. Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 701 reviews
Reviewed By scotthumphries - Canberra, Australia
Although it can be somewhat busy with many visitors, this centrally located temple is worth a visit. The lovely bamboo forest and the beautiful gardens are highlights, as is the peaceful tea house.
7. Ichijyo Ekan Sanso
8. Jochiji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 140 reviews
Ranked number four of the city's most powerful temples, this temple houses a wooden seated Buddha with sleeves and skirts and one of Kamakura's ten famous wells.
Reviewed By Adampilot22 - Bangkok, Thailand
Really beautiful place. No crowds and the scenery and gardens are stunning. This is a must see in Kamakura and a very short walk (about 10 minutes) from Kita Kamakura station.
9. Tokeiji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 206 reviews
This temple once served as a shelter for abused wives, who were able to divorce their husbands by staying here for three years.
Reviewed By 922blankb
This nunnery is a quiet break from the rest of Kamakura. It some of the most peaceful walking on moss covered cobblestone I've ever done. There's also a cave that you should definitely take the time to yell fun things into - like baka C:
