Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kamakura?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kamakura?
Most visitors spend one to two days in Kamakura when visiting. The charming coastal city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, the food, the nightlife, and the beaches.
Kamakura is a historic coastal town that's not far from Tokyo. It's a popular summer escape for Tokyo residents who head here to cool off by the sea. There are sandy beaches that are popular for sunbathing and surfing. The city is also very historic with many temples and important Shinto shrines.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Kamakura? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Kamakura?
Three days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Kamakura, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, take advantage of the local nightlife, and lounge on the beach on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Kamakura as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 3 days in Kamakura
Don't miss the Great Buddha during your trip to Kamakura, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.
The public transit in Kamakura is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the coastal city quite easily and affordably. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Kamakura, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.
The beautiful beaches await you in Kamakura, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kamakura.
Is 4 days enough time in Kamakura?
Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Kamakura has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the food, the nightlife, and the beaches at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
The Buddha at Kamakura, Japan
How to spend 4 days in Kamakura
If you have more than 4 days in Kamakura, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the coastal city has to offer.
Known for it's hiking, Kamakura sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Kamakura?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Kamakura. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Kamakura as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 5 days in Kamakura
Having 5 days in Kamakura will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the coastal city.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Kamakura Half Day Walking Tour with Kotokuin Great Buddha ($120)
- 3-Hours Walking Tour in Kamakura ($97)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kamakura.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Kamakura, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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