Destination

Kamakura

Once the capital of the Kamakura Shogunate, which ruled Japan for almost 200 years, modern-day Kamakura is now a quiet, pleasant seaside town with a wealth of well-preserved historical attractions. Surrounded by wooded hills, ocean, and a beautiful beach, Kamakura is a thriving tourist destination.

Among Kamakura's top sights are the Five Zen Temples, the oldest of which dates back to 1188; the ancient Shinto shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, built in 1063; and the massive, imposing Great Buddha of Kamakura, housed within the grounds of Kotokuin Temple.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Five Zen Temples

Take a privately guided walking tour of the city’s renowned Five Zen Temples: Kencho-ji, Engaku-ji, Jufuku-ji, Jochi-ji, and Jomyo-ji; the latter, founded in 1188, was rebuilt in the 1990s, and now hosts a rock garden and tea room, where guests can partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Hasedera Temple

Ascend the hills to Hasedera Temple, famous for its massive, 11-headed, 30-foot (10 meter) tall statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Hasedera offers striking views over the city and Sagami Bay.

Kotokuin Temple

Visit Kotokuin Temple, home to one of the most memorable sights in Japan, the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Cast in 1252, the nearly 800-year-old statute sits exposed on the side of a hill, having survived a huge tidal wave in the 15th century that swept away the temple that once housed it. It weighs 121 tons (109 metric tons), is 44 feet (13 meters) tall, with each serene eye measuring 3 feet (1 meter) wide.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the city’s most important Shinto shrine, founded in 1063. In 2010, the shrine grounds lost a cherished part of its landscape when powerful winds felled the 1,000-year-old, 100-foot (30 meter) tall ginko tree that stood at the steps leading up to the main hall.

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Kamakura Itineraries

All Itineraries

Across 18 Centuries: Historic Japan

Discover Japan’s exciting history on this exciting 11-day luxury journey through Japan’s most fascinating age-old cities. Explore the colossal Todaiji Temple, visit ancient shrines, take an emotional tour of Hiroshima, and embrace Japan’s old world charm, while staying at some of Japan’s most luxurious hotels.

Interests Architecture, Heritage

Destination Japan

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Price Per Person: From $36,100

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Kamakura Park Hotel

Kamakura, Japan

Kamakura is a popular destination, known for its beautiful beaches and numerous shrines, temples and historical monuments. At this European-style hotel, guests can soak in the sunshine and fresh sea breeze whilst relaxing in their luxury abode. Rooms are modern and spacious, decked with Italian furniture and have large, adjoining, marble bathrooms. Guest rooms include a seating area with sofa, a wooden desk, and central heating. The hotel serves French and Japanese cuisines. The casual cafe lounge and bar offers a space for relaxation. Kamakura Park Hotel includes several shops and sells unique local items as souvenirs.

Kamukura Prince Hotel

Kamakura, Japan

This hotel is located right on the beautiful Shichirigahama beach shore, part of popular Shonan area of Sagami Bay. The hotel’s 98 rooms face towards the ocean and the iconic Japanese landscape, with stunning views of Mt. Fuji and Enoshima Island. Kamakura is known for being an ancient Japanese capital, where there are various shrines and temples, including Kotoku-in. The on-site restaurants plate up Japanese and French foods, while there is also a bar/lounge to enjoy relaxing drinks anytime of day. Hotel amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, spa services, and multilingual staff. Guestrooms have large balconies, air conditioning, complimentary newspapers, desks, safes, direct-dial phones, bathrobes, bidets, makeup/shaving mirrors, slippers, and coffee/tea makers. Wired high-speed Internet access is provided. Amenities available on request include in-room massages, hair dryers, and irons/ironing boards.

Kishi Ke Ryokan

Kamakura, Japan

Kishi Ke is a blend of old and new, built using materials from a 100-year-old samurai house, yet designed in a contemporary style by esteemed architect Ryohei Tanaka and landscape artist Akihiko Ono. This four-star bed and breakfast accommodation consists of two separate bedrooms, a washitsu (living room, which can also be used as an additional sleeping area), a full kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, and a bathroom with an Aomori Hiba hinoki (Japanese cypress) bathtub. Views are of the ocean and pine trees. Breakfast is a choice of traditional shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine typical of Buddhist temple cooking) or plant-based bagels. For lunch and dinner, a private chef is available or there are excellent restaurants nearby. Kishi-Ke is just 10 minutes by car from Kamakura Station.

Hayama Hotel Otowa no Mori

Kamakura, Japan

Hayama Hotel Otowa no Mori is a hideaway from the noise of the big city, just one hour away from Tokyo. The western-style hotel has an intimate atmosphere with only 20 rooms. In spite of its size, this hotel has everything — from an annex for wedding banquets to a French restaurant, bar, shops and sky Jacuzzi. The sophisticated hotel resembles a resort in the South of France. Each room has a sea view. Rooms are decorated with clean, white linen and are light and airy to match the oceanfront location. Guests may enjoy the luxury of eating a continental breakfast in their room with the window open, feeling the breeze from the Pacific. There are French and Japanese restaurants, which both use local fresh vegetables and seafood. Indulge in the jacuzzi under the beautiful sky, with stunning views of Izu-Oshima island, and Miura and Izu Peninsulas.

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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