enoshima kamakura things to do

Enoshima – Kamakura Things to do | BEST GUIDE in 2023

In this blog, I will list down Enoshima – Kamakura things to do list for you to enjoy and maximize your vacation. Traveling to Japan should not be as expensive as you might think, that is why I’ll be sharing some tips and discount passes that will help you budget your money and time.

 

 

I highly suggest you buy Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass offered by Odakyu Line. It provides a one-day round trip via train from Shinjuku station to Fujisawa station, unlimited ride on Enoden Line plus discounts from selected shops and restaurants.

 

Enoshima - Kamakura map for tourist
Enoshima - Kamakura map for tourist

1. Kamakurakoko-mae

One of the opening scenes from the hit anime “Slamdunk”  was inspired on this spot. You better visit this place if you are a Sakuragi and Shohoku team fan. It’s just a few steps away from Kamakurakoko-mae station via Enoden line.

Enoden Line connects Fujisawa station to Kamakura Station and it is unlimited ride if you purchase the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass.

2. Hasedera Temple

Entrance fee- 400 Yen

Location: 6 min walk from Hase Station

The temple, which is renowned for its historical significance and calm beauty, looks out over the city and the ocean and provides breath-taking panoramic view. 

hasedera temple view from top
Scenic ocean view from Hasedera Temple
The enormous wooden figure of Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion, which stands roughly 9.18 meters tall and is one of the biggest wooden sculptures in Japan, is one of its key attractions. Numerous people go to the temple complex’s magnificent gardens filled with seasonal flowers, such as hydrangeas that bloom in June. Hasedera Shrine, which has been around for more than 1,300 years, is a monument to the spiritual and cultural traditions of Japan.
inside hasedera temple

3. Kotoku-in Temple

Entrance fee- 200 Yen

Location: 6 min walk from Hase Station

Kotoku-in Temple featuring great budhha
Kamakura Iconic Great buddha

The famed “Daibutsu” statue of the Great Buddha is housed in the Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura, Japan. It is one of the most significant monuments of Japanese Buddhist art and history, standing 13.35 meters tall and dating back to the 13th century. 

Kotoku-in Temple buddha- slipper
Iconic Great Buddha and his gigantic slipper

The beautiful setting of the temple creates a tranquil ambiance that improves the spiritual experience of visitors. The Great Buddha was once kept in a sizable hall, but over the years, storms have destroyed that building, leaving the Great Buddha outside and vulnerable to the elements. Numerous tourists and pilgrims come to the temple complex to see the majestic Big Buddha, which draws many visitors. The complex also provides an insight into Japan’s ancient history.

4. Komachi Dori Street

Enoshima Electric Railway Kamakura station. kamakura things to do
Enoshima Electric Railway Kamakura station

Enoshima – Kamakura things to do won’t be perfect without visiting the last station of Enoshima Electric railway (Enoden-line). 

 

 

A pleasant and lively street called Komachi-Dori is just five minutes walk from Enoshima Electric Railway Kamakura Station and just a few steps from JR Kamakura Station. It was given the name Ono no Komachi after the well-known poet and is renowned for its funky vibe, distinct shops, and mouthwatering street cuisine. 

komachi dori street kamakura
Very lively komakochi dori

You may explore a range of Japanese handicrafts, and regional specialties by wandering down this pedestrian street. For both locals and visitors, Komachi-dori is a must-visit location because it provides a genuine look into Kamakura culture.

komachi street
Things you will find in komachi dori street

5. Tsurugaoka Hachiman-Gu Temple

Tsurugaoka Hachiman Gu Shrine
Entrance of Tsurugaoka Hachiman-Gu Temple

The significant Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is renowned for both its historical importance and its exquisite architectural details. The temple, which was established in the latter half of the 12th century, honors Hachiman, the deity of soldiers and samurai. 

tsurugaoka hachiman-gu temple
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-Gu Temple torii gate

Visitors are greeted at the entry by the shrine’s distinctive red torii gate, which takes them along a lovely path to the main hall. Visitors may get a taste of traditional Japanese culture by attending rituals and performances held year-round on the expansive grounds’ big wooden stage. The hilltop location of the temple provides sweeping views of Kamakura and the ocean, resulting in a peaceful and lovely environment for worship and reflection.

Tsurigaoka Hachiman-gu Temple. Kamakura things to do
Sir Jerson wrote his wishes and prayers on wooden ema.

6. Hokokuji Temple

Location: 16 minutes walk from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Temple

Entrance Fee: 200 yen

Entrance Fee with tea: 700 yen

Opening Hours: 9:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Hokokuji Temple, a gem located in the heart of Kamakura, Japan, is celebrated not only for its rich history but also for its captivating garden and mesmerizing bamboo forest. Dating back to the 14th century, the temple offers visitors a serene escape into Zen Buddhism and natural beauty. 

The meticulously maintained garden features lush foliage, serene ponds, and meticulously raked gravel patterns, embodying the principles of harmony and simplicity. 

Hokokuji Temple garden
Hokokuji Temple garden and pond
Hokokuji Temple bamboo forest
Hokokuji Temple bamboo forest shot by Erika

However, the highlight is undoubtedly the enchanting bamboo forest, where towering emerald stalks create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, allowing visitors to find peace and tranquility amidst the rustling leaves. 

Hokokuji Temple towering bamboo forest
Hokokuji Temple bamboo forest shot by April

Hokokuji Temple’s garden and bamboo forest stand as a testament to Japan’s profound connection between spirituality and nature.

 

If you miss visiting the bamboo forest in Kyoto, Hokokuji Temple’s Bamboo forest is the right place for you. 

selfie at Hokoku-temple-garden
Capturing Hokoku Temple garden's beauty

7. Enoshima Island

Location – 10 minutes walk from Enoshima Station (Enoden Line)

– 20 minutes walk from koshigoe Station (Enoden Line)

Escar – 1000 yen

Escar is an escalator ride going to Sea Candle and Samuel cocking Garden.

Sunset on Enoshima island
Capturing beautiful sunset at Enoshima Island

Starting from Kamakura station, we made a brief halt at Koshigoe station. Observing that it was already 5:00 PM, we opted to take a leisurely stroll towards Enoshima Island. The timing was impeccable, as it allowed us to bask in the enchanting sunset that graces Enoshima Island. 


Notably, this island has been prominently showcased in the popular anime series (Netflix) “SlamDunk,” specifically in Episode 7 of Season 2.

slamdunk scene featuring Enoshima Island
Enoshima Island shown In Slamdunk scene
enoshima escar
Escalator ride going to Sea Candle

The magnificent island of Enoshima, which is close to Kamakura, is well-known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and picturesque landscapes. This little island, which can be reached via a bridge, boasts a distinctive mix of Shinto temples, verdant gardens, and stunning night view. 

enoshima lantern festival

A prominent religious landmark that draws both pilgrims and visitors is Enoshima Shrine, which honors the goddess Benzaiten. 

enoshima sea candle

The Sea Candle is an iconic lighthouse and observation tower located on Enoshima Island, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the Pacific Ocean. This towering structure allows visitors to ascend and enjoy stunning vistas during the day or revel in the captivating illuminated scenery at night.

enoshima sea candle night view

Summary: Enoshima - Kamakura things to do

  1. Kamakurakoko-mae – Real-life SlamDunk opening scene.
  2. Hasedera Temple  – Wooden figure of Kannon- the Goddess of compassion.
  3. Kotoku-in Temple – Kamakura’s iconic Great Buddha.
  4. Komachi Dori Street – lively street of Kamakura just few minutes walk from JR Kamakura station.
  5. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu- Temple – renowned for its historical importance and architectural details.
  6. Hokokuji  Temple – A temple that is similar to the bamboo forest in Kyoto
  7. Enoshima – A little island, which can be reached via bridge. A must-visit when you go to Kamakura.
For more info about  Enoshima Kamakura Freepass, visit Odakyu’s official website

If you have any suggestions or concerns about my “Enoshima Kamakura things to do list”. You may comment down below.

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