神奈川Kanagawa
鎌倉・江の島Kamakura and Enoshima
Temples and the Great Buddha in the morning, then the coast road to Enoshima. The day ends with the sun going down over Sagami Bay.
- From Tokyo
- About 1 h 10 by car
- Give it
- A day
- Best in
- Spring to autumn
Kamakura was the seat of Japan's government eight hundred years ago, and it still has the temples to show for it. The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, Hasedera above the sea and the long approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu are all within a few kilometres of one another.
The old town's lanes are narrow, so the easy way is to park once and walk. Then take the car along Route 134, the coast road, past the surf beaches to Enoshima, a small island joined to the shore by a bridge.
On a clear evening Fuji stands across the bay behind Enoshima as the sun sets. It is the best view of the day, and Tokyo is only an hour away when it is over.
One day is enough. Start early to find parking, and keep the afternoon for the coast.
季節Seasons
Kamakura and Enoshima through the year
- Spring 春Best
Cherry blossom at the shrine and along Dankazura in early April.
- Summer 夏Best
Hydrangeas at the temples in June, then beach season on the coast.
- Autumn 秋BestNow
Maple in the temple gardens from late November, and fewer crowds.
- Winter 冬
Clear, cold days and the most reliable sunset views of Fuji.
Know when Kamakura and Enoshima is at its best
A short note from our family before the best weeks in Kamakura and Enoshima and the rest of the Drives near Tokyo, with any offers. A few times a year, by email.
祭り・行事Festivals
Festivals and events in Kamakura and Enoshima
Dates come from each organiser’s own site and are added as they are announced. Big events bring crowds and road closures, so plan your Drive around them.
Enoshima winter illumination
Enoshima, next to Kamakura · 湘南の宝石
Evening illuminations across Enoshima, centred on the Sea Candle lighthouse.
Official siteThe second to the third Sunday of April · Date not announced yet
Kamakura Festival
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Wakamiya-oji · 鎌倉まつり
A week-long city festival that opens with a parade up Wakamiya-oji and the Shizuka dance at the shrine, and ends with horseback archery.
Wakamiya-oji is closed to traffic for the opening parade.
Official siteOne evening in July · Date not announced yet
Kamakura Fireworks Festival
Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches · 鎌倉花火大会
About 2,500 shells over the bay, including fireworks that open on the water. It can be called off on the day for high waves.
Roads to the beaches close on the day, and the organisers ask visitors not to come by car.
Official siteTsurugaoka Hachimangu Grand Festival
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu · 鶴岡八幡宮 例大祭
The shrine’s main festival, held for over 800 years. Portable shrines go down Wakamiya-oji on 15 September, and mounted archers shoot at full gallop on 16 September.
Central Kamakura has very little parking, and less on festival days.
Official siteOne evening in October · Date not announced yet
Fujisawa Enoshima Fireworks
Katase beach, facing Enoshima · ふじさわ江の島花火大会
About 1,000 shells from a barge, 18:00 to 18:30. Whether it goes ahead is posted at noon on the day.
Roads by Katase-Enoshima Station are restricted from 17:00 to 20:00, and the organisers recommend the train.
Official site
旅の相談Plan this Drive
Drive to Kamakura and Enoshima
Tell us your dates and who is coming.
他の行き先More Drives
