Kamakura with kids
Kamakura is a historic seaside town in Kanagawa, the seat of Japan's first shogunate, packed with temples and shrines within easy reach of Tokyo.
Why families come here
Compact and walkable with a fun old-fashioned tram, a giant bronze Buddha kids can walk inside, sandy beaches, and a hands-on aquarium a short ride away at Enoshima.
Where to base yourself
Central Kamakura
The single-track Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) line links Kamakura, Hase and Enoshima along the coast; the central sights around Kamakura Station are easily walkable.
Things to do with kids
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura / Daibutsu)
1h · 5/5Hase · near Hase (Enoden line)
A Buddhist temple famous for its 13th-century bronze Great Buddha (Amida), a national treasure over 11 metres tall that visitors can also enter for a small extra fee.
Hasedera Temple
1.5h · 4/5Hase · near Hase (Enoden line)
A hillside temple with a large gilded Kannon statue, sea-view terrace, gardens and a hydrangea path of 2,500+ plants that peaks in June.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
1h · 4/5Central Kamakura · near Kamakura (JR / Enoden)
Kamakura's most important shrine, founded in 1063 and moved to its current site in 1180, set at the head of a wide approach with ponds, seasonal flowers and a treasure hall.
Komachi-dori Street
1h · 4/5Central Kamakura · near Kamakura (JR / Enoden)
A lively pedestrian shopping street running from near Kamakura Station toward Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, lined with souvenir shops, snack stalls and casual eateries.
Enoden Line Ride (Enoshima Electric Railway)
0.5h · 5/5Coastal Kamakura to Fujisawa · near Kamakura (Enoden line)
A retro single-track tram-train running roughly 10 km between Kamakura and Fujisawa via Hase and Enoshima, threading between houses and along the coast with sea views.
Enoshima Aquarium (Enosui)
2.5h · 5/5Katase / Enoshima · near Enoshima (Enoden) / Katase-Enoshima (Odakyu)
A seafront aquarium overlooking Sagami Bay with jellyfish displays, a large local-fish tank, dolphin shows and touch pools popular with families.
Enoshima Sea Candle & Samuel Cocking Garden
1.5h · 4/5Enoshima Island · near Enoshima (Enoden) / Katase-Enoshima (Odakyu)
A botanical garden atop Enoshima island with the 60-metre Sea Candle observation tower giving 360-degree views over Sagami Bay toward Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Know before you go
- Getting there
- About an hour from Tokyo Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, or from Shinjuku via the Odakyu line to Fujisawa.
- Getting around
- The single-track Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) line links Kamakura, Hase and Enoshima along the coast; the central sights around Kamakura Station are easily walkable.
- Best time to visit
- Spring cherry blossoms and June hydrangeas (notably at Hasedera) are highlights; summer adds beaches, and autumn brings colourful foliage.
- With babies & toddlers
- Distances are short and many temple grounds have gardens and steps that toddlers enjoy, but bring a carrier as some paths and the Hasedera hillside are stroller-unfriendly.
- Eating with kids
- Graze the snack stalls and shops along Komachi-dori near Kamakura Station for senbei crackers, soft-serve and other easy hand-held treats.
- The mistake to avoid
- Trying to cram every temple into one rushed day and hitting Hase mid-morning crowds; pick a few sights and start early.
Practical family notes
- Distances are short and many temple grounds have gardens and steps that toddlers enjoy, but bring a carrier as some paths and the Hasedera hillside are stroller-unfriendly.
- Graze the snack stalls and shops along Komachi-dori near Kamakura Station for senbei crackers, soft-serve and other easy hand-held treats.
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