Discover Kamakura & Enoshima
The Great Buddha, 11 historic temples & shrines, and the island of Enoshima — explore 21 unforgettable spots in Kamakura & Enoshima.
Kamakura was once the political center of Japan and remains one of the country’s richest historical destinations, home to the Great Buddha, dozens of ancient temples, and the scenic coastal island of Enoshima. Just an hour from Tokyo, it’s one of the most rewarding day trips in the Kanto region. Below, Memory Travel has gathered all 21 of our recommended Kamakura and Enoshima attractions to help you plan your visit.
- 9. Komachi Street
- 10. Wakamiya Oji & Dankazura
- 11. Kamakurabori
- 12. Kamakura Kokuhoukan Museum
- 13. Enoshima
- 14. Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street
- 15. Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden)
- 16. Enoshima Sea Candle (Lighthouse Observation Tower)
- 17. Enoshima Iwaya Cave
- 18. Enoshima Aquarium
- 19. ① Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- 20. ② Houkokuji Temple
- 21. ③ Hasedera Temple
- 22. ④ Kotoku-in Temple (Daibutsu)
- 23. ⑤ Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
- 24. ⑥ Sasuke Inari Shrine
- 25. ⑦ Engakuji Temple
- 26. ⑧ Kenchoji Temple
- 27. ⑨ Meigetsu-in Temple
- 28. ⑩ Jochiji Temple
- 29. ⑪ Enoshima Shrine
9Komachi Street
The street extends about 600 meters, connecting the East exit of Kamakura station and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Many popular shops and gourmet restaurants gathered along the street and alleys. A classic Kamakura walking course.
10Wakamiya Oji & Dankazura
Kamakura’s symbolic street with three torii gates (Ichinotorii, Ninotorii & Sannotorii). Along the road, there are hotels, long-established gourmet restaurants, and flagship locations of Kamakura’s local specialty stores.
11Kamakurabori
Kamakura’s traditional handicraft of wood-carving and lacquering with 800 years of history. These beautiful wood carvings, with shading and deep lacquer tones, have their origins in the altar fittings of Zen temples made using Buddhist statue carving techniques from the Kamakura era. The Kamakurabori Museum exhibits about 50 masterpieces along with historical commentary of each era.
12Kamakura Kokuhoukan Museum
A Kamakura city museum located on the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu grounds. It has been entrusted with many national treasures and important cultural properties, which are stored and exhibited. Special exhibitions are also held from time to time.
13Enoshima
A land-tied island with easy access from Fujisawa Station or Kamakura city. It has a wide variety of sightseeing spots and shops. If the visibility is good, you can see Mt. Fuji. Enoshima’s specialties are octopus rice crackers and seafood bowls.
14Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street
This historical shopping street leads from the Enoshima island entrance to Enoshima Shrine. It is lined with ryokan, restaurants, souvenir shops, and more.
15Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden)
This railway, which is loved by the locals, runs between Fujisawa and Kamakura stations. The scenery from the train windows is magnificent, and often appears in movies, animation, and novels.
16Enoshima Sea Candle (Lighthouse Observation Tower)
Shonan’s symbolic lighthouse with a height of 59.9 meters (119.6 meters above sea level) is located in Samuel Cocking Garden on Enoshima Island. The 360-degree panorama with a view of Mt. Fuji is stunning.
17Enoshima Iwaya Cave
A sea cave located in the innermost part of Enoshima that has been eroded by waves over the centuries. Stone statues and rock walls lit up by candle flame will lure you into a mysterious world.
18Enoshima Aquarium
There’s plenty to see, including a dolphin show with an enjoyable view of Enoshima and Mt. Fuji in the background, and an enormous aquarium where a school of 8,000 sardines swim lively!
19① Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
It is one of the symbols of Kamakura, built by Minamoto no Yoritomo, and the guardian deity of Genji and the Kamakura samurai. Wakamiya Oji and Dankazura are the two approaches to the shrine. The O-ichou Ema (¥1,000) are ginkgo-leaf-shaped wooden plaques inspired by a former giant sacred ginkgo tree — write your wish on one!
20② Houkokuji Temple
The bamboo garden with soft sunlight filtering through the trees is beautiful. You can enjoy matcha while admiring the bamboo grove at \”Kyukoan\”, a tea room in the garden (Matcha ¥600, 9:00-15:30 last order).
21③ Hasedera Temple
There are many sights at this temple, such as the principal image of the eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque scenery, and seasonal flowers. The hydrangea are particularly stunning.
22④ Kotoku-in Temple (Daibutsu)
The main object of veneration is the \”Kamakura Daibutsu\” (National Treasure, bronze seated statue of Amida Nyorai / interior visitable), standing an impressive 37.3 feet tall. Akiko Yosano kahi (a monument inscribed with poems) is behind the corridor.
23⑤ Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
It is said that if you purify your money with the miraculous water from the spring, you will be blessed with prosperity in family and business affairs, along with increased financial fortune.
24⑥ Sasuke Inari Shrine
A shrine associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo, worshiped as a power spot for good luck in life. The path lined with torii is impressive.
25⑦ Engakuji Temple
Founded in 1282, many valuable cultural properties remain here, including the national treasures \”Engakuji Shariden\” and \”Bonsho\” (bell); their seasonal flowers are also beautiful. A variety of zazen sessions are also available.
26⑧ Kenchoji Temple
Established in 1253, this is Japan’s first true zen temple. They have many national treasures and important cultural properties, and their vast grounds and garden, where you can enjoy seasonal beautiful scenery, are designated as national historic sites.
27⑨ Meigetsu-in Temple
Famously known as \”Ajisai-dera\” (\”Hydrangea Temple\”), where approximately 2,500 hydrangeas bloom. The autumn foliage, plum blossoms, and cherry blossoms are also beautiful. You can gaze upon the seasonal garden scenery through the marumado (round window).
28⑩ Jochiji Temple
An enchanting ancient temple with a long stone stairway, shoromon (gate with bell tower), Buddhist temple, and study. There is a yagura (cave grave) in which statues of Hotei and Kannon of the Kamakura-Enoshima Seven Gods of Fortune are enshrined.
29⑪ Enoshima Shrine
This is one of the Three Great Shrines of Benzaiten. The shrine is dedicated to the three goddess sisters, and is said to bring happiness and treasure, improvement in the performing arts, and fulfillment in love. Visit the three shrines while traveling around Enoshima.
Plan Your Trip
Memory Travel can help you plan the perfect route, book transport, and answer any questions about visiting these attractions.
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