Suggested Itineraries
A Sample Itinerary Filled
with Japanese History and Culture
Kamakura is a town filled with history where a rich culture has developed through hundreds of years. Keep reading to learn more about where you can go to best experience what this town has to offer!
9:00 AM Start at Kamakura Station
OR
9:30 AM Houkokuji Temple
Houkokuji Temple is famous for the bamboo forest found behind the main temple building. We recommend experiencing this esteemed bamboo garden with approximately 2,000 trees in the early morning. Then, be sure to take a break at Kyukoan, a peaceful tea house where you can escape the everyday and gaze out at the bamboo garden as you enjoy a cup of matcha.
Take a taxi or bus back to Kamakura Station when you're done.
11:00 AM Kamakurabori museum and Cafe&Shop GURI
Kamakurabori is a type of traditional Japanese carving that has been passed down for 800 years.
The typical motifs of plants and animals are brought to life by the skillful balance of the natural warmth
of the wood,
the deep color of lacquer, and the shadows created by the carving. At the Kamakurabori Museum, you can see
examples
of each time period’s beautiful pieces on display.
After you’ve admired all of the wonderful handicrafts, why not have lunch at Cafe&Shop GURI, where all of
the dishes and
utensils used are Kamakurabori. Stop by to enjoy Buddhist vegetarian cuisine made with local Kamakura
vegetables.
If you happen to take a liking to the Kamakurabori plates and chopsticks, then buy some for yourself at
the souvenir shop!
Go back to Kamakura Station then head to Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine.
1:00 PM Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is Kamakura’s number one spot for luck with finances. It’s said that if you wash your money at this shrine, then it will come back to you many times over! So go ahead and wash your money with the miraculous water that springs from a cave on shrine grounds, and your luck with money and in business will hopefully increase!
2:00 PM Sasuke Inari Shrine
Sasuke Inari Shrine is a famous spot to wish for luck in your career. The red nobori flags and the tens of torii gates give the shrine a mysterious atmosphere. Wish for luck in your career to the Inari Gods at this shrine also known as the “Promotion Inari Shrine."
2:45 PM Moyai Kogei
Woven baskets and sieves, glassware, and other household items handcrafted by craftspeople from across the country can be found here including area specific ceramics like Okinawa’s “Yachimun” and Oita prefecture’s “Onta ware”. Each handmade piece is unique, so have fun selecting one that best suits your tastes.
3:30 PM Hasedera Temple (Kannon Museum)
One of Japan’s largest wooden Kannon Statues can be found at Hasedera Temple, along with the Kannon
Museum. The museum's central theme is the bodhisattva Kannon (also known as Guanyin), and many important
treasures of the temple and Buddhist artwork are on display. This is an excellent space to experience the
serenity of Kannon in addition to the artistry of this amazing statue.
*Visitors can enter until 4:00 PM
4:45 PM Yuigahama Beach
If the weather is nice, why not take a stroll on the beach? The beauty of Kamakura’s mountains and sea are on full display here.
5:15 PM Matsubara-an
Matsubara-an is an atmospheric restaurant that was previously a traditional folk house. Delicacies from soba to locally caught fish and Kamakura vegetables are on the menu, along with locally brewed sake. Relax and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal here!
