Are you thinking about visiting Kamakura, Japan? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Kamakura worth visiting?
This coastal city is a good place to visit for one to two days. 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.
The Buddha at Kamakura, Japan
Reasons to Visit Kamakura
Museums
This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.
Food
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.
Nightlife
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.
Beaches
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.
Historical Sights
It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.
Hiking
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.
Shopping
While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.
Is Kamakura worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Kamakura is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The weather in Kamakura is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 25°C (77°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (83°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the hiking, and the famous sights and museums. Also, you can learn about the history of the town and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Kamakura
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| August | 27°C (81°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| September | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
Is Kamakura worth visiting in the Autumn?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 18°C (64°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Kamakura, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to admire the historic sights, browse the museums, and discover the nearby hiking trails.
Autumn Weather in Kamakura
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 18°C (64°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
| November | 13°C (56°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| December | 9°C (48°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Is Kamakura worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Kamakura. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Kamakura can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 6°C (43°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and browse around the old town. Also, you'll be able to dance the night away.
Winter Weather in Kamakura
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| February | 6°C (44°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| March | 9°C (48°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
Is Kamakura worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Kamakura. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 14°C (58°F).
During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the museums and landmarks, and the historic old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Kamakura
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 14°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| June | 22°C (71°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Kamakura
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Kamakura might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Kamakura here or see if Kamakura is expensive here.
Related
What is Kamakura most famous for?
Kamakura is most famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. The coastal city is very popular for its museums, food, and nightlife. It is also known for its great beaches, historical sights, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as ancient, quaint, charming, and laid back.
What is the most famous sight in Kamakura?
The most popular sight in Kamakura is the Great Buddha. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Kamakura on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Great Buddha and other attractions here.
How touristy is Kamakura? Is it a popular coastal city to visit?
Kamakura is a popular coastal city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Kamakura Historical Hiking Tour with the Great Buddha: $89
- Kamakura Walking Tour - The City of Shogun: $100
- Private Tour from North Kamakura Temples & Shrine: $41
- Kamakura Private Photoshoot Tour ( Optional Kimono wearing ): $66
- Kamakura Full-Day Private Tour: $165
- Homemade Sushi and Supermarket Tour in Kamakura: $58
- Kamakura Custom Half Day Tour: $132
- Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Great Buddha & Hase Temple: $192
How long should I spend in Kamakura?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Kamakura is one to two days. Since Kamakura has activities such as museums, dining, and nightlife, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Kamakura? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kamakura?.
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