A day trip from Tokyo - KAMAKURA 10 Things to Do
INDEX
1. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
2. Komachi-dori
3. Local Kamakura Beer
4. Bike Rental
5. Hokokuji Bamboo Garden and Temple¥
6. Seafood and Kamakura Veggies
7. Kimono Rental
8. Onari Dori
9. Marushichi Shotengai
10. Yuigahama Beach
1. TSURUGAOKA HACHIMANGU
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the center of the old capital of Kamakura. It is definitely one of the most popular shrines in Kamakura since it enshrines the first shogun of Kamakura Bakufu, Minamotono Yoritomo, now the god of success and winning.
If you look closely to the first letter in Hachimangu (八幡宮）, you will find doves, the messenger of god.
On the side of inner shrine, there is a Inari Shrine with beautiful guard frames.
Location Info
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588
Tel. 0467-22-0315
http://www.tsurugaoka-hachimangu.jp/
2. Komachi-dori
You can find Komachi-dori when you get out of East exit of Kamakura station. Komachi-dori is known for its street food and restaurants. It runs along the main approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, so many people pick up a little snack on th way to the shrine.
One thing you might want to remember here is that Komachi-dori is one of the busiest street in… maybe all of Kamakura! It is filled with not only foreign tourists but also local tourist as well. Be prepared to be pushed around a little.
3. Local Kamakura Beer
Kamakura has a local craft beer called ‘Kamakura beer’. (Yeah, I’m sure you could guessed that.) There are 6 kinds but these 3 in the picture above are the ones I see often in stores. Kamakura beer is known to be unique and fruity beer. You will taste less bitterness and strong beer taste so female tends to like it.
You can easily find it at any alcohol shops and restaurants in Kamakura area. Try it if you are int o drinking.
4. Bike Rental
When visiting Kamakura, checking out one or two temples and shrines is the way to go. I recommend renting a bike because temples and shrines are far apart to each other.
There are several bike rental shops in Kamakura area but I recommend Kurarin rent-a-cycle because it is right in front of the station and convenient. They offer regular bikes and electric assist bikes. Electric assist bike is a bit more expensive but it is so worth it because there are hills here and there.
This shop has a price list in English.
Store Info
Rent-a-cycle Kurarin
1-1 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588
Business Hour: 8:30～17:30,
http://www.jrbustech.co.jp/kamakura/
5. Hokokuji Bamboo Garden and Temple
You might have seen a picture of beautiful bamboo forest at Sagano in Kyoto but you don’t have to go that far, you can enjoy bamboo forest in Kamakura too. This breath-taking bamboo forest is the back of Hokokuji Temple, a zen temple established by Tengan Eko in 1334.
You need to pay to get in the back side to see the bamboo garden. You can choose between entrance fee only for ¥200 or entrance fee with Matcha for ¥500. I recommend having a matcha in the garden. It is quite an experience!
Location Info
2-7-4 Jomyoji, Kamakura, Japan
0467-22-0762
Business Hour: 9:00-16:00
http://www.houkokuji.or.jp/
6. Seafood and Kamakura Veggies
Kamakura is known to have a good environment to grow vegetables and recently ‘Kamakura vegetable’ is trendy vegetable brands that many restaurants use these days. Also, since Kamakura sits right next to the water, you can get fresh seafood as well.
The neighbour city Shona is known for Shirasu fish so you will see Shirasu Donburi everywhere when you walk around.
7. Kimono Rental
Just like Asakusa, there are many Kimono rental shops in Kamakura. You will see many girls (and some boys) wearing kimono.
Many places often booked fully especially on weekends so I recommend to make reservation in advance. There are a few kimono rental shops.
WARGO - https://kyotokimono-rental.com/en/access/kamakura-area/kamakura
Kamakura Kimono Rental - http://www.kamakura-komachi.jp/english/
Koto - https://kamakura.kimono-koto.com/english.html
8. Onari Dori
Onari dori is a shopping street on the west side of Kamakura station. I actually like the atmosphere of this street better than Komachi dori because it is more relaxing.
It’s very interesting because trendy cafe and shops are mixed with old women shops.
9. Marushichi Shotengai
Marushichi Shotengai is the oldest shopping isle in Kamakura and you will see interesting izakaya and shops here.
This place is EXTREMELY LOCAL as far as we know. The staff at the yakitori shop we visited even told us that the shop usually only have local regulars.
10. Yuigahama Beach
Yuigahama is Paolo’s favorite beach. In summer there are beach houses and shops lining up along the beach. However, it’s always nice to see the sky turning pink after a long day of walking in Kamakura.
