Kamakura, a historic coastal city in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its historical landmarks, mouthwatering food scene, and easy access—just about an hour by train from central Tokyo.
It’s often featured in movies, anime, and manga, so you’ll spot plenty of visitors who seem to be fans of those works.
One of the most famous spots is the railway crossing in front of Kamakura-Koko-Mae Station, which is said to have been the model for the opening scene of the anime Slam Dunk.
The crossing in front of Kamakura-Koko-Mae Station, believed to have inspired the opening scene in Slam Dunk
This article introduces a recommended walking route that starts at the Kamakura-Koko-Mae Station crossing, and helps you fully enjoy everything Kamakura has to offer.
After soaking up the anime vibes at the crossing, immerse yourself in Kamakura’s historical atmosphere, indulge in local gourmet treats, and make the most of your visit!
Kamakura-Koko-Mae Station crossing: A retro station that draws Slam Dunk fans
Your journey begins at Kamakura-Koko-Mae Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway Line.
From the platform, you’ll see sweeping views of Sagami Bay, with clear skies that seem to stretch on forever on sunny days.
Even if you’re not a fan, the view is sure to take your breath away. The station’s nostalgic atmosphere has also made it a filming location for dramas and commercials.
Shichirigahama Beach stretches out right in front of the crossing
After checking out the area around the Kamakura-Koko-Mae Station crossing, it’s time to explore the nearby sights!
The best time to visit Kamakura-Koko-Mae Station is early in the morning, so you’ll still have plenty of time left in the day.
Kōtoku-in: The temple of the Great Buddha of Kamakura
It’s about a 15-minute train ride from Kamakura-Koko-Mae Station to Hase Station, followed by a 10-minute walk to Kotoku-in, home of the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
Officially known as the dōzō amida nyorai zazō, otherwise known as the Bronze Seated Amida-butsu (Amitabha Buddha), the Great Buddha stands about 11 meters tall. Built in the Kamakura period, it’s an enduring symbol of Kamakura and a testament to centuries of history.
The Bronze Seated Amida-butsu, known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura
The Great Buddha is one of Japan’s largest outdoor bronze statues, and you can even step inside to see its structure from within.
Inside the temple grounds, you’ll also find enormous straw sandals made to fit the feet of the Great Buddha. These giant sandals are a must-see for visitors.
They’re about 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) long and 0.9 meters (3 feet) wide—so big that even an adult looks tiny standing next to them.
The giant straw sandals displayed in the temple grounds
Don’t forget to pick up a goshuin (temple seal) as a memento of your visit. Kotoku-in even offers seasonal designs, making for a beautiful keepsake of your trip to Kamakura.
Seasonal goshuin seals cost 600 JPY each and are available at the temple’s reception desk.
Collecting goshuin is one of the unique joys of visiting Kamakura’s many temples
| Name | 高徳院 Kotoku-in Temple |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture |
| Phone | 0467-22-0703 |
| Hours | April–September: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM October–March: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Admission | Junior high school students and above (13 and above) 300 JPY Elementary school students (6 to 12) 150 JPY *entering inside the Great Buddha requires an additional fee of 50 JPY |
| Website | https://www.kotoku-in.jp/en/ |
Hokokuji Temple: A tranquil moment amidst bamboo
Hokokuji Temple offers a different vibe than Kotoku-in, with a peaceful bamboo grove that draws visitors in search of tranquility.
Passing through the moss-covered garden, you’ll be greeted by the quiet beauty of the bamboo grove—a sight that’s especially stunning after a rain shower, when the moss glows green in the sunlight.
The peaceful garden of Hokokuji Temple
To enter the bamboo grove, you’ll need to pay an admission fee: 400 JPY for high school students and above (ages 16 and above), 200 JPY for elementary and junior high school students (ages 6 to 15).
A separate fee is required to visit the bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple
You can also enjoy matcha tea while gazing at the bamboo, making for a soothing break during your walk through Kamakura’s temples.
This harmonious blend of history and nature makes Hokokuji Temple a perfect spot to refresh your mind and body.
The Kyūkōan tea house is open from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
| Name | 報国寺 Houkokuji Temple |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-7-4 Jōmyōji, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture |
| Phone | 0467-22-0762 |
| Hours | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Admission | 400 JPY for high school students and older / 200 JPY for elementary and junior high students |
| Website | https://houkokuji.or.jp/ https://www.instagram.com/houkokuji_official/ |
Kurumi: A hidden café for a sweet break on Komachi Street
Next on your route is Kamakura Kanmidokoro Kurumi (commonly known in English as Kurumi), tucked away on Komachi Street.
Despite being located on the lively Komachi Street, the inside of the café is a calm oasis where you can forget the bustle outside. They offer things like matcha and traditional Japanese sweets featuring their specially made sweet azuki red bean paste.
“Dorayaki – Mini Anmitsu (à la carte)” – 1,000 JPY (including tax)
The “Dorayaki – Mini Anmitsu” is a delightful, filling dessert combination. The mini anmitsu (a traditional Japanese dessert featuring agar jelly and red bean paste often with fruit) comes with chewy mochi freshly made in their kitchen, providing just the right amount of sweetness to refresh a tired traveler.
The mochi itself is both firm and satisfyingly soft.
This is paired with the shop’s signature “Dorayaki (pancake with red bean paste and walnut).” The red bean paste is made with 100% sugarcane from Tanegashima, giving it a deep, rich flavor.
The dorayaki is generously filled with fluffy dough and the shop’s special red bean paste, making it a hearty treat.
As a set with the mini anmitsu, it’s just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth without being too much.
Single dorayaki is 400 JPY (including tax) and available for takeout only
One of the café’s most popular menu items is the “Kurumi Special Anmitsu.”
With matcha and vanilla ice cream, it’s a refreshing treat—perfect for hot summer days.
“Kurumi Special Anmitsu (à la carte)” – 1,200 JPY (including tax)
The silky ice cream and pleasantly firm domestic kanten (agar jelly) create a wonderful contrast in texture.
Combined with the shop’s special red bean paste, each bite fills your mouth with blissful sweetness.
Homemade kanten jelly made from domestic tengusa seaweed
For souvenirs, the above-mentioned dorayaki and their “Kurumi Manjū” are perfect choices. The manjū (buns with a sweet filling) is filled with white bean paste mixed with crushed kurumi (walnuts), adding a toasty aroma to its mild sweetness.
“Kurumi Manju” – 280 JPY (including tax), available for takeout only, but can also be served in-store as part of set menus with matcha.
| Store name | 鎌倉甘味処くるみ Kamakura Kanmidokoro Kurumi |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-5-38 Yukinoshita, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
|
| Phone | 0467-23-1818 |
| Hours | 12:00 PM–5:00 PM (last order at 4:30 PM) |
| Closed | No fixed holidays (unscheduled holidays) |
| Website | https://kamakura-kurumi.jp/ |
Toshimaya: The original Hato Sable shop
Founded in 1894, Toshimaya is a beloved wagashi shop known for its Hato Sable (dove-shaped sablé butter cookies), a classic Kamakura souvenir.
The charming carry box with four Hato Sable costs 615 JPY (including tax).
The mild buttery sweetness is addictive, and the crispy sablé dough is simply delicious.
“Hato Sable 4-piece carry bag” – 615 JPY (including tax)
In addition to their signature dove-shaped cookies, the store also sells ningyōyaki (usually doll-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste), wagashi, and other treats that will tempt any visitor.
They also offer dove-shaped magnets and hand mirrors—perfect for souvenirs.
Toshimaya’s main store also sells limited-edition “Meisho Manju”
| Name | 豊島屋 本店 Toshimaya Honten |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-11-19 Komachi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
|
| Phone | 0467-25-0810 |
| Hours | 9:00 AM–7:00 PM |
| Closed | Wednesday (irregular holidays) |
| Website | https://www.hato.co.jp/ |
*Information in this article is current as of May 2025.
