Why Kamakura is a Perfect Day Trip from Tokyo, Japan!! 🇯🇵

@Mark Wiens Abroad

Mark Wiens Abroadyoutubethe post

Mark Wiens takes a day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura, exploring ancient temples, hiking a muddy trail, and trying the local delicacy, shirasu (whitebait).

1 plan · 10 places · 2 experiences

Plan · 10 places · Kamakura, Japan

Kamakura Day Trip: Hike, Temples, and Shirasu

“Today we’re taking a day trip to Kamakura from Tokyo, Japan! It's about an hour away from Tokyo, along the coast, and it’s a perfect place for a day trip when you have an extra day in Tokyo. We started by getting off at Kita-Kamakura to hike, then explored temples, and finished with the local shirasu delicacy before heading back from Kamakura Station.”

1
Tokyo Station
Transit station · Chiyoda City
4.3 (134,459)
Creator's voice
The main railway hub in Tokyo, where you can catch local trains for day trips. It can be a bit confusing to navigate, but the organization is generally good.
Tokyo Station, 1 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
2
Kita-Kamakura Station
Train station · Kamakura
3.9 (439)
Creator's voice
A station located just before the main Kamakura Station, ideal for starting a hike to explore temples and nature before reaching the city center.
Kita-Kamakura Station, Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan
3
Shintomi Ramen and Sushi
Ramen restaurant · Kamakura
4.2 (161)Open · until 4 PM
Shintomi Ramen and Sushi, 376 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan
- Simple Ramen Set with Bean Curd Sushi — A classic bowl of ramen with a simple, clean shoyu broth and chewy noodles, accompanied by two pieces of sweet and juicy bean curd (inari) sushi. The pork chashu is delicious and lean.
4
Engaku-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kamakura
4.4 (4,584)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
A beautiful Buddhist temple known for its impressive wooden torii and the surrounding nature, including lush trees and gardens. It's especially beautiful during hydrangea season.
Engaku-ji, 409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan
5
Verve Coffee Roasters Kita-Kamakura
Coffee shop · Kamakura
4.2Closed · opens tomorrow 7 AM
VERVE COFFEE ROASTERS YUKINOSHITA, 1 Chome-10-8 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0005, Japan
Experience · 3 places
Hiking the Daibutsu Trail
Start the hike at Jochi-ji Temple, which is off the beaten path and takes you through a thick, lush forest. The trail offers great views, including glimpses of the ocean in the distance. Be prepared for muddy and sloshy parts, especially during the summer rainy season, so your shoes will definitely get dirty. It's a really fun hike, but it can be a bit challenging with the mud. The trail is about 3.5 km and takes about an hour, leading you directly to the Great Buddha.
6
Jochi-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kamakura
4.2 (1,617)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Mountainside Buddhist temple precinct including a main hall & bell tower gate dating back to 1281.
Jōchi-ji, 1402 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan
7
Daibutsu Hiking Trail
Hiking area · Kamakura
4.5 (83)Closed
大仏切通入口 4 Chome-6-6 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
8
Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
Buddhist temple · Kamakura
4.4 (33,043)Open · until 4:45 PM
Creator's voice
Home to the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura, a seated Buddha statue that is a national treasure. Construction began in 1252 and continued for about 10 years. The statue is 24 meters high. Entry costs ¥300 per person.
Kotoku-in, 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
8
Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
Buddhist temple · Kamakura
4.4 (33,043)Open · until 4:45 PM
Creator's voice
Home to the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura, a seated Buddha statue that is a national treasure. Construction began in 1252 and continued for about 10 years. The statue is 24 meters high. Entry costs ¥300 per person.
Kotoku-in, 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Eating Shirasu (Whitebait) in Kamakura
You absolutely have to try shirasu, the local delicacy of Kamakura, which are tiny translucent whitebait fish. I tried the shirasu set, which comes with both raw and cooked versions. First, mix the yuzu pepper with the sauce, pour it over the shirasu and warm rice, and then scoop it up without mixing the fish too much. The fish melts in your mouth with the warm rice and citrusy soy-based sauce—it's incredible! Then, add a raw Japanese egg yolk (don't worry, they're fresh!) and mix it in for an extra rich, creamy texture that blends perfectly with the whitebait and yuzu sauce. The set also includes delicious miso soup and konjac jelly with mustard, which has a unique wobbly texture and a mustard kick that goes up your nose a little bit. It's a spectacular and unique dish you can't miss.
9
Shirasu Cafe Kamakura Jinbei
Restaurant · Kamakura
4.1 (303)Closed · opens tomorrow 11 AM
Shirasu Cafe Kamakura Jinbei, 1 Chome-15-7 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Shirasu Set (Raw & Cooked Whitebait) — A beautiful set featuring Kamakura's delicacy: tiny, translucent whitebait fish. The raw shirasu melts in your mouth with warm rice and a yuzu-pepper soy sauce. The cooked version is slightly salty. Enhance the experience by adding a fresh Japanese raw egg yolk for a rich, creamy texture.
Konjac Jelly with Mustard — A traditional Japanese simmered dish with a unique, wobbly jelly-like texture. Served with mustard, it offers a distinct flavor and a kick that goes up your nose.
10
Kamakura Station
Train station · Kamakura
4.2 (9,082)
Creator's voice
The main train station in Kamakura, from which you can take a direct train back to Tokyo Station. It's a convenient departure point after exploring the city.
Kamakura Station, 1 Chome-15 Onarimachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0012, Japan

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