Kamakura

Japan's de facto cultural and political capital from 1192 until its bloody and violent razing of 1333, Kamakura is a treasure trove of eccentric temples and interesting shrines.

“My favorite activity in Kamakura is walking along the beach to visit the shrines and temples (my favourite being Egara Tenjin Shrine). I love nothing better than buying some good bread on the way (Kibiya is my favourite), stopping for lunch and getting stuck into a good book while I'm there.”

Rachel Grainger, Product Administrator

Located on the Pacific coast, Kamakura is a haven of peace and quiet. This is the perfect place to escape the stresses of Tokyo - where the only sea is one of people!

The most famous and revered sight at Kamakura is the giant seated Buddha who has meditated calmly here for over eight hundred years, framed by trees and (nowadays, at least) groups of camera-clicking tourists. He has survived fire, floods, tidal waves, typhoons and even the great earthquake of 1923, so it is no surprise that he is looking a little weather-beaten these days.

Famous the world over, the Buddha often overshadows some of Kamakura's more unusual temples and sights of interest, many of which are well worth your time. Thanks to its important position as one of Japan's former capitals (serving as the seat of shogun Minamoto Yoritomo's military government from 1192 to the mid-14th century), Kamakura boasts a number of interesting historical sites.

The Tokei-ji temple in Northern Kamakura, for example, is better known as the "divorce temple". In the days before women could apply to be separated from their husbands, they could seek refuge from domestic instability at this temple. After three years there, they were automatically granted a divorce.

At the Zeniara Benten Shrine, meanwhile, the Goddess of Fortune can help you double your money. If you wash your Japanese yen here and spend it quickly it will double its face value! Or so they say...

Another unusual little shrine is dedicated to the god of harvest, Inari, who manifests himself as a fox. Located deep in the forest, an avenue of torii gates wind their way up a hillside to the main shrine. All the time the lonely pilgrim is watched by tiny fox statues who peep out of the undergrowth.

With lots of hidden secrets, Kamakura is a charming town and makes for a fabulous day trip from Tokyo - or better still, an overnight stay.

Recommended Accommodation in Kamakura

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Kamakura.

Kamakura

Kamakura Prince

Superior
Kamakura

Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura

Moderate

Experiences in Kamakura

Kamakura offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

Yabusame horseback archery

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Weather in Kamakura

The Climate Guide for Kamakura, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	10	10	13	18	22	24	28	30	26	22	17	13
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	2	2	5	10	14	18	22	23	20	14	9	4
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	5	5	5	5	6	4	5	6	4	4	5	5
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	14	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	Low	Moderate	High	Low	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	11	13	18	17	16	19	18	15	19	17	14	11
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	65	81	153	154	136	196	154	138	238	197	121	53
UV Index (Maximum)	3	4	6	8	9	10	10	10	8	6	3	2

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Featured trips including Kamakura

Self-Guided Adventure

Hidden Zen (Superior)
- Fukui
- Kaga Onsen
- Kamakura
- Kanazawa
- Kyoto
- Tokyo
Start loud in Tokyo, then slow down, exploring lesser-known destinations as the Zen unfolds.

14 nights: from US$8019 pp (twin share) Read more >

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