BENCH hostel & 3rd place

The best times to visit Kamakura are in November and December, when temperatures are mild (10-18°C) and rain is least frequent, with only 5-6 rainy days per month. Spring (March to May) is also pleasant, with cherry blossoms and moderate weather, though rain increases. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30-31°C and frequent rain, making it less comfortable for sightseeing. October offers mild weather but more rain than late autumn.

Stay near Yuigahama for the beach and relaxed vibe, close to the station and WeBase Kamakura. Komachi and Yukinoshita put you by the main shopping street and Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, with Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura there. Hase suits temple lovers, near Kotoku-in and Hase-dera, with Guesthouse Shibafu. For a quieter stay, Sakanoshita offers a residential feel, with Villa Kamakura and Kamakura Park Hotel.

Start at Kotoku-in for the Great Buddha, Kamakura's iconic bronze statue. Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu is the city's grand Shinto shrine, central to its history. Hase-dera offers temple halls, gardens, and sea views. Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a unique cave shrine where you wash money for good fortune. Meigetsu-in is known for its hydrangeas and round window.

Full-day tours from Kamakura go to Enoshima, a small island with shrines, caves, and ocean views, often combined with Kamakura's highlights like the Great Buddha and bamboo forest. These tours cover the city and Enoshima together. For a classic day trip, Yokohama's Minato Mirai waterfront and Chinatown are a short train ride away, and Tokyo's Asakusa and Shibuya are also easy to reach by rail.

Two days in Kamakura lets you see the main sights: Kotoku-in's Great Buddha, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, Hase-dera, and the bamboo grove at Hokokuji. Add a third day for a day trip to Enoshima, which is a separate excursion. With one day, you can cover the top two or three sights but will feel rushed.