Kamakura, located along Sagami Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a beloved city renowned for its cultural heritage and beachside attractions, making it a popular summer destination.
The trendy, yet historical area is abundant in beautifully preserved shrines and temples, chic boutiques, bustling beaches, and so much more. Along the shore, temporary summer restaurants, such as Kaito and Seaside Lounge, open their doors to celebrate the season. These diverse offerings in tandem with its easy access—only about an hour from central Tokyo via public transportation—further solidify Kamakura as a cherished summer retreat.
If you are looking to craft a memorable Kamakura adventure with the perfect balance of cultural exploration, relaxation, and party vibes, check out our recommended destinations!
Kamakura: The Kyoto of Eastern Japan
Once the political capital of Japan, Kamakura has no shortage of immaculate shrines and temples. Listed below are some of the city’s top cultural sights.
Temples
Daibutsu, also known as the Great Buddha, stands at 11.4 meters tall and serves as an icon of Kamakura. The impressive statue is located at Kotoku-in and is Japan’s second tallest bronze Buddha statue.
Hasedera, a nearby temple, houses one of Japan’s largest wooden Buddhist statues—a 9.18-meter tall statue of the eleven-headed Kannon (the goddess of mercy). The temple itself is built on a mountain where you can enjoy elevated views of Sagami Bay, as well as seasonal flowers and foliage. For more nature views, visit Hokoku-ji and wander through its tranquil bamboo grove of over 2,000 bamboo plants.
Kencho-ji, designated as Kamakura’s greatest and oldest Zen temple, is filled with mesmerizing buildings and extends deep into the forested hills behind it. Within these woods there is a protective shrine for the temple, as well as a small observation deck where you can see Mount Fuji on clear days.
Shrines
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is often regarded as Kamakura’s most important shrine. The pathway leading to the over 800-year shrine is marked by numerous torii (gates) and travels through the city to the grand vermillion-colored main hall.
If you are looking for some financial prosperity, Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a must-visit. This shrine is home to a natural spring where, according to legend, you can wash your money to multiply your wealth.
Sasuke Inari Shrine, located near Zeniarai Benten Shrine, is characterized by its torii-covered path and numerous inari (white fox) statues. The nature-secluded shrine gives off mysterious and sometimes borderline eerie vibes.
Summer fun at the beach
Kamakura’s two most popular beaches are Yuigahama and Zaimokuza. During summer, the adjacent shorelines become hotspots for sunbathing, swimming, watersports, and seasonal facilities.
Whether you are looking for daytime barbecuing, evening relaxation, or nighttime partying, Voyager Stand & Lounge’s temporary summer restaurants Kaito and Seaside Lounge are the perfect additions to your trip. Both restaurants are located directly on Yuigahama beach and are a roughly 20-minute walk from Kamakura Station or about a seven-minute walk from Yuigahama Station on the Enoden Line.
Kaito and Seaside Lounge are open until August 31, 2024 and do not require reservations. The venues play catchy pop and hip hop to match the upbeat summer atmosphere, serve a plethora of food and drinks with English support, and accept card payment.
Kaito: Casual seaside dining
Constructed on a wooden boardwalk with exceptional ocean vistas, Kaito is a temporary restaurant that epitomizes summer fun by the beach. The open-air, rustic dining space has cozy groupings of white wicker furniture and is blessed with a refreshing ocean breeze that offers a reprieve from summer’s heat. Kaito offers standard and VIP seating. The VIP areas are covered by roofs and come equipped with air conditioned shower rooms.
Kaito’s menu itself consists mainly of Japanese street food and authentic Okinawan and Thai dishes that match the summer environment—all of which are also offered at Seaside Lounge. The barbecue menu offers fresh, quality meat that you grill yourself. You can even order delectable Omi beef, which is rated as one of Japan’s best types of Wagyu beef! The bar is stocked with numerous alcoholic and nonalcoholic options for you to pair with your summer meal.
For people with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians, vegans, and/or Muslims, Kaito offers an assortment of vegetables to grill, including corn, eggplant, onions, and green bell peppers. At Kaito, everyone can enjoy a memorable meal.
In the evening, as the sun meets the horizon and pinkish hues color the sky, Kaito becomes a magical place to watch the sunset.
Party at Seaside Lounge
Seaside Lounge, also built directly on the beach, is similar to Kaito—offering comfortable seating, barbecuing, and an array of drinks. While Kaito aims to be a family-friendly establishment, Seaside Lounge brings the energy of a bar or nightclub to the beach. Together, the excited chatter of friends, intoxicating aromas of barbecue, chilled beverages, and lively setting are guaranteed to put you in a celebratory mood.
Kamakura awaits
Kamakura is more than just a cultural hotspot or a beach city or a stylish retreat—it is the sum of its parts, offering an engaging mix of destinations and activities. So, when planning your next summer excursion, remember Kamakura!
