KANAGAWA

Kamakura

Kamakura was the seat of Japan’s first military government (Shogunate) from the late 12th century. Together with Nara and Kyoto, it ranks as one of the most important political centers in ancient and medieval Japanese history. There are countless historical sites, including the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine and many more. Kamakura is surrounded by mountains on three sides, but it also faces the sea. This makes it a great place for hiking and water sports in addition to its historical attractions. Fresh vegetables and seafood are also produced in this area.

Spots in this area(10)

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Sasuke Inari Shrine

Kamakura

Sasuke Inari Shrine

Red torii tunnel into woods where a fox once crowned a shogun.

Beautiful SceneryCulture ExperienceHistory+1
Kamakura Daibutsu Hiking Course

Kamakura

Kamakura Daibutsu Hiking Course

Ancient shrines dot the wooded trail ending at a 13-m bronze giant.

Beautiful SceneryCulture ExperienceHistory+2
Meigetsuin Temple

Kamakura

Meigetsuin Temple

In June, blue hydrangeas flood the grounds of Kamakura's Zen gem.

HistoryInsta-worthy
Inamuragasaki Cape

Kamakura

Inamuragasaki Cape

A surf-worn cape where medieval armies once stalled at the tide.

Beautiful SceneryHistoryOutdoor Activities
Yuigahama Beach

Kamakura

Yuigahama Beach

Samurai capital by day, golden surf and sunsets by night.

Outdoor ActivitiesBeautiful Scenery
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Jinja Shrine

Kamakura

Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Jinja Shrine

Wash your coins in spring water — legend says your money doubles.

History
Great Buddha Kotokuin Temple

Kamakura

Great Buddha Kotokuin Temple

An 800-year-old bronze giant who lost his roof to a tsunami.

Art & ArchitectureHistory
Hasedera Temple (Kamakura)

Kamakura

Hasedera Temple (Kamakura)

Hydrangeas swallow the stone paths whole every rainy June.

Art & ArchitectureBeautiful SceneryHistory
Hokokuji Temple

Kamakura

Hokokuji Temple

Matcha in hand, 2,000 bamboo stalks rustling overhead.

Art & ArchitectureBeautiful SceneryCulture Experience
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Kamakura

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Where samurai power was born — horseback archers still ride here.

Art & ArchitectureHistory

Home Visits in KANAGAWA

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Locals in KANAGAWA

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Yoko Nagashima
Japanese / English

KANAGAWA

Yoko Nagashima

CultureNatureGourmet+1
Tanizoe Toshihiko
Licensed Guide
Japanese / English

KANAGAWA

Tanizoe Toshihiko

HistoryCultureSports
Aiko Sato
Licensed Guide
Japanese / English

KANAGAWA

Aiko Sato

MusicMoviesHistory+9

Frequently asked questions

What is Kamakura known for?
Kamakura was the seat of Japan’s first military government (Shogunate) from the late 12th century. Together with Nara and Kyoto, it ranks as one of the most important political centers in ancient and medieval Japanese history. There are countless historical sites, including the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine and many more. Kamakura is surrounded by mountains on three sides, but it also faces the sea. This makes it a great place for hiking and water sports in addition to…
Where is Kamakura?
Kamakura is an area in KANAGAWA, Japan.
What are the best places to visit in Kamakura?
WOW U lists 10 spots in Kamakura. Popular spots include Sasuke Inari Shrine, Kamakura Daibutsu Hiking Course, Meigetsuin Temple, Inamuragasaki Cape, Yuigahama Beach.
Can I visit a Japanese family's home near Kamakura?
Yes. WOW U lists home visits in KANAGAWA, where a local host welcomes you into their own home.
What is WOW U?
WOW U is a booking platform that connects travellers directly with local guides in Japan, called Locals. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U, and every experience can be reviewed afterwards. More than 6,100 Locals are registered on WOW U. Reviews left by travellers average 4.7 out of 5.