Welcome to our epic Kamakura day trip guide! If you’re based in Tokyo and craving a charming escape, Kamakura is your perfect destination. Located just an hour south of Tokyo by JR train and a quick 10-minute bus ride, Kamakura offers a blend of historical wonders, mouth-watering eats, and picturesque scenery. Here’s how we spent our unforgettable day in this delightful town, and why it should be on your must-visit list!
Our adventure began with a hearty breakfast at Family Mart, where we grabbed an egg sandwich, a ham and cucumber sandwich, and a hash brown. The convenience stores in Japan are perfect for quick, tasty meals before you start your day.
Explore Kamakura’s Charming Streets
Despite the rain, Kamakura welcomed us with its quaint streets and vibrant local shops. The rain actually worked in our favor, making the town less crowded and more intimate. As we made our way to see the Great Buddha, or **Kōtoku-in**, we noticed a number of charming shops and street food stalls—perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The Great Buddha Experience
Our primary destination was the Great Buddha, a magnificent bronze statue and Japan’s second-largest Buddha. Finding our way was easy with clear signs leading us to the statue. The misty, rainy weather added a mystical quality to the visit, and the reduced crowds made it feel like a private tour.
For a unique experience, we paid 50 yen to enter the Buddha statue itself. Inside, it was like a cool, serene cave with an English explanation—a rarity in Japan! The feeling of being inside such an iconic structure was surreal and memorable.
Culinary Delights in Kamakura
After our visit to the Great Buddha, we stumbled upon a quaint spot for lunch. We were drawn to a place serving Italian paninis in Japan—definitely not your usual Japanese fare, but an exciting twist. We enjoyed homemade chips, a prosciutto sandwich, and an espresso. The sandwich was filled with cheese, prosciutto, arugula, and sun-dried tomatoes, all encased in freshly baked focaccia. It was a delightful fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, and we loved every bite!
Discovering Hasadera Temple
Next, we ventured to Hasadera Temple, known for its beautiful grounds and underground cave filled with tiny Buddha statues. The temple grounds were stunning, especially with the blooming plum blossoms. Even though we arrived later in the afternoon, we made the most of our visit and marveled at the serene temple views.
Kamakura Beach and Local Delicacies
Kamakura is also home to a beautiful beach where we saw surfers braving the chilly February weather. The beach was a refreshing contrast to the temples and added a unique touch to our trip.
For a local treat, we stopped by Kamakura Station to try sweet potato croquettes—one with minced meat and onion, and another with just sweet potato. The crispy, flavorful croquettes were a perfect snack as we explored the shopping street outside the station.
Soba and Local Beer
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