A Relaxed Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo
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If you're staying in Tokyo and looking for a quick escape — or just want to see a different side of the city that blends nature, culture, and a sense of calm — Kamakura makes for an ideal day trip. This charming coastal town has grown in popularity (thanks in part to social media), and while it can get crowded, it’s still very possible to enjoy it at your own pace.
Since we were traveling with a little one, we always keep travel time in mind and avoid packed schedules or crowded spots. We headed out early, but Kamakura is clearly a popular spot—we didn’t quite anticipate just how busy it would be, even in the morning! To be honest, we didn’t explore Kamakura too extensively, but we did get a glimpse of this beautiful town. Here’s how we spent a slow, no-rush day in Kamakura.
We got to Komachi Street around 10 a.m., and it was already packed.
How to get there
From our hotel in Ginza, we hopped on the JR Yokosuka Line at Shimbashi Station and rode it straight to Kamakura Station. The ride was smooth, comfortable, and took just about an hour — super manageable.
TIP: Try leaving early on a weekday to avoid the crowds, especially if you want quiet moments at temples or photo spots.
Our Relaxed Kamakura Itinerary
We kept our day light, flexible, and toddler-friendly — here’s what we managed to enjoy without feeling rushed:
Once we arrived at JR Kamakura Station, we just casually followed the crowd and made our way to Komachi-dori, a shopping street that starts at the red torii gate just to the left of the station’s east exit. If you're heading to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, this is by far the most fun and engaging route to take. The street is lined with charming shops, cozy cafés, and little side alleys that invite you to slow down and explore.
2. Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine
It’s about a 10-minute walk from the east exit of JR Kamakura Station. The temple attracts a lot of visitors, and when we went, there was a winter festival taking place, which made the atmosphere lively and festive. We didn’t go up to the main hall because of the stairs — we had a stroller with us — but we enjoyed the view from below. However, there are some accessible paths around the area. There are also ponds nearby, adding to the peaceful surroundings, though we didn’t explore them in detail. Still, the temple looked beautiful from a distance.
San-no Torii, Kamakura - the entrance to the shrine
Easy walk from Taiko Bridge to the Maiden along a stone path, with gravel paths on both sides.
3. Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway)
JR Kamakura Station is the starting point of the Enoden line and a popular jumping-off spot for sightseeing! From here, you can hop on the Enoden and make your way toward Enoshima, stopping at tourist spots along the way — like the famous railroad crossing at Kamakurakokomae Station, where the Slam Dunk opening scene was filmed. As a huge fan of the series, I was especially excited about this!
Even though we got to the platform early, we ended up not riding the Enoden because it was just too crowded. With a stroller and our daughter in tow, it would’ve been a tight squeeze. Still, seeing the train up close was a great experience in itself. Inside the Enoden station area, there’s a souvenir shop called Koto-no-ichi Kamakura where you can find local Kamakura products and even grab a quick snack—perfect for fans and travelers.
TIP: Since the shop is located inside the station, you'll need a train ticket or an admission ticket to access it.
Bought these at Koto-no-ichi Kamakura
Since we still had plenty of time to spend in Kamakura, we decided to check out the Shonan suspended monorail — one of those uniquely Japanese experiences you really shouldn't miss. Seeing it in action for the first time was so cool, but actually riding it took the experience to another level. Even our daughter was thrilled — she absolutely loves train rides!
The Shonan Monorail is a suspended train line that runs from Ofuna to the coast, offering a fun and one-of-a-kind travel experience. The monorail station is conveniently located within Ofuna Station, making transfers quick and easy. The ride feels a bit like a roller coaster, with twists and turns and great views of the city from above. It’s a cool and scenic way to get around!
Since we were already at Kamakura Station, we decided to hop on a train to Ofuna and experience the monorail from there — and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
TIP: Use a Suica or Pasmo card to ride all trains and the monorail—just tap to enter, like at any station. At Ofuna Station, exit through the JR south ticket gates and follow the English signs to the Shonan Monorail. It’s clearly marked and easy to find.
Final Thoughts
Although we only explored a small part of Kamakura, we definitely enjoyed our time there. Even just catching a glimpse of the town — its charm, atmosphere, and unique character — made the visit worthwhile. One of the highlights was seeing the Shonan Monorail in action. It was a special moment for us, especially since it’s such a unique suspended design — something that Kanagawa Prefecture is proud of. I highly recommend making a stop at Ofuna Station :)
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