1. What are the most popular modes of transportation to get to Kamakura from Tokyo?
The most popular modes of transportation to get to Kamakura from Tokyo are:
1. Train: The most convenient and efficient way to travel from Tokyo to Kamakura is by train. Several trains run between the two cities, including the JR Yokosuka Line, JR Shonan Shinjuku Line, and Enoden Line. The journey takes approximately 60-90 minutes depending on the type of train and the starting point in Tokyo.
2. Bus: Another popular option is taking a bus from Tokyo to Kamakura. There are direct buses that operate between major stations in Tokyo, such as Tokyo Station and Shibuya Station, and Kamakura Station. The journey takes around 90-120 minutes.
3. Car: Driving from Tokyo to Kamakura is also possible, but may take longer than other modes of transportation due to traffic conditions. It is recommended to use highway buses or expressways for a quicker journey.
4. Taxi: Taxis can be expensive but offer a more convenient and flexible option for traveling directly from your location in Tokyo to your destination in Kamakura.
5. Bicycle: For those looking for a more adventurous way of getting to Kamakura, renting a bicycle is a great option. The route from central Tokyo to Kamakura offers beautiful scenery along the coast and through quaint suburban neighborhoods.
6. Walking: If you have plenty of time and want to explore on foot, you can walk from nearby cities such as Yokohama or Fujisawa to Kamakura along the coast or through rural areas.
2. How long does it take to travel by train from Tokyo to Kamakura?
It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel by train from Tokyo to Kamakura.
3. Is there a direct bus route from Narita Airport to Kamakura?
No, there is not a direct bus route from Narita Airport to Kamakura. The fastest way to reach Kamakura from Narita Airport is by taking the Narita Express train to Shinagawa Station, and then transferring to the Shonan-Shinjuku Line for Kamakura. This journey takes approximately 2-3 hours in total. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station and then continue on to Kamakura by train.
4. What is the most convenient way to navigate around Kamakura once you arrive?
The most convenient way to navigate around Kamakura is by using public transportation such as the Enoden train, which stops at major tourist sites, and the local bus system. You can also rent bicycles or join a guided walking tour to explore the city.
5. Are there any bike rental services available in Kamakura?
Yes, there are several bike rental services available in Kamakura.One option is to rent a bike from the Kamakura Bicycle Rental, located near Kamakura Station. They offer various types of bikes for rent, including electric bikes. Prices start at around 500 yen per hour or 1,500 yen for a full day.
Another option is to rent a bike from Enoden Cycle and Ride, located near Enoshima Station. They offer standard and electric bikes for rent, with prices starting at around 200-300 yen per hour or 1,000-1,500 yen for a full day.
Additionally, some guesthouses and hostels in Kamakura may offer bike rentals for their guests. It’s always best to check with your accommodation beforehand.
6. Can you walk between the major attractions in Kamakura, or is it necessary to use public transportation?
It is possible to walk between some of the major attractions in Kamakura, such as the Great Buddha, Hase-dera Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. However, some attractions may be too far apart to cover on foot, so it may be necessary to use public transportation. There are also buses and taxis available for getting around Kamakura.
7. Are there any guided tours available for exploring Kamakura’s historical sites and temples?
Yes, there are several guided tours available for exploring Kamakura’s historical sites and temples. Some popular options include:
1. Kamakura Full-Day Walking Tour: This tour takes visitors on a guided walking tour of Kamakura’s most famous temples and shrines, including Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kotokuin Temple (home of the Great Buddha), and Hokokuji Temple (known for its beautiful bamboo forest).
2. Kamakura Bamboo Temple & Zen Garden Tour: This tour focuses on Kamakura’s Zen culture and takes visitors to Hokokuji Temple, Meigetsuin Temple (known for its hydrangea garden), and the Engakuji Temple Zen garden.
3. Hidden Gems of Kamakura Walking Tour: This off-the-beaten-path tour takes visitors to lesser-known temples and shrines in Kamakura, including Myohonji Temple (known for its stunning autumn foliage) and Jochi-ji Zen temple.
4. Samurai Town Exploration Tour: For those interested in samurai history, this tour offers a unique look at how samurai culture influenced Kamakura through visits to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Komachi Street (a bustling shopping street), and the Kanto region’s oldest schoolhouse.
5. Customized Private Tours: Some tour companies offer customizable private tours in Kamakura, allowing visitors to tailor their itinerary based on their interests and preferences.
It is recommended to book these tours in advance as they can be popular during peak tourist seasons.
8. How do I get to the Great Buddha statue in Kamakura from the main train station?
The Great Buddha statue, also known as Daibutsu, is located at the Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura. To get there from the main train station, follow these steps:
1. Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Kamakura Station.
2. From Kamakura Station, take the Enoden Line (also known as Enoshima Electric Railway) towards Fujisawa and get off at Hase Station.
3. From Hase Station, it is about a 5-minute walk to the Kotoku-in Temple where the Great Buddha statue is located.
4. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Kamakura Station directly to the Kotoku-in Temple. Bus numbers 1 and 6 stop near the temple entrance.
Note: If you are coming from Hakone or Enoshima Island, you can also take a direct train or bus to Hase Station and walk to the temple from there.
Overall, it takes about an hour from central Tokyo to reach Kamakura and another 10-15 minutes to reach the Great Buddha statue on foot from Hase Station or by bus from Kamakura Station.
9. Is it possible to take a boat ride around Kamakura’s coastline and see the city from the water?
Yes, it is possible to take a boat ride around Kamakura’s coastline and see the city from the water. There are various boat tour companies that offer sightseeing cruises along Kamakura’s coastline, including views of famous landmarks such as Enoshima Island and Hasedera Temple. Some tours also allow visitors to get off at certain spots for further exploration before boarding the boat again.
10. Are taxis readily available in Kamakura, or is it better to use public transportation?
Taxis are readily available in Kamakura. However, depending on your destination, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to use public transportation as the city has an extensive bus and train network. Many of the main tourist sites are also within walking distance. If you do choose to take a taxi, it is recommended to have your destination written in Japanese or to have a map handy for the driver.
11. Can I rent a car and drive myself around Kamakura?
Yes, you can rent a car and drive yourself around Kamakura. However, keep in mind that the narrow roads in Kamakura can be challenging to navigate for inexperienced drivers, and parking can be limited and expensive. It may be more convenient to use public transportation or hire a taxi instead.
12. Which areas of Kamakura are best explored on foot, and which are better accessed by transportation?
Some recommended areas to explore on foot in Kamakura include:
1. Komachi-dori Street: This pedestrian-friendly street is lined with shops and restaurants, and is a great place to explore on foot.
2. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Located at the heart of Kamakura, this shrine can be easily explored on foot, as it contains several important buildings and structures within its premises.
3. Hase Area: This area is home to many famous temples and shrines such as Hasedera Temple and Kotokuin Temple (also known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura), which are all within walking distance from each other.
4. Zeniarai Benten Shrine: This unique shrine, famous for its money-washing ritual, is located in a beautiful natural setting that can be reached by foot.
5. Enoshima Island: While the island itself is relatively small, it offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding areas that are best explored on foot.
Areas that may be better accessed by transportation include:
1. Yuigahama Beach: While it is possible to walk to this popular beach from central Kamakura, taking a short bus ride may be more convenient during peak tourist season.
2. The Daibutsu hiking trail: This hiking trail starts near the Great Buddha of Kamakura and leads up through the hills towards Kita-Kamakura, making it ideal for avid hikers who do not mind a bit of steep terrain.
3. Hokokuji Temple: This peaceful temple complex, famous for its bamboo grove garden, is slightly further away from central Kamakura and may require taking a train or bus.
Overall, much of Kamakura’s main attractions can be easily explored on foot, but using public transportation or renting bicycles may also provide efficient and enjoyable ways of getting around the city.
13. Is there an English audio guide available for tourists at popular tourist spots in Kamakura?
Yes, many popular tourist spots in Kamakura offer English audio guides for tourists. These include Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple), and Hase-dera Temple. Some shrines and temples may also offer guided tours in English. It is best to check the official website of the specific attraction you plan to visit for more information on English audio guides or tours.
14. Are there any unique forms of transportation, such as rickshaws or horse-drawn carriages, in Kamakura?
Yes, traditional rickshaws can be found in Kamakura, offering visitors a unique and eco-friendly mode of transportation around the city. Horse-drawn carriages are also available for rental for special events or private tours.
15. How can I reach Enoshima Island from central Kamakura?
There are several ways to reach Enoshima Island from central Kamakura:1. Train: The most convenient way to reach Enoshima Island is by train. From central Kamakura, take the Enoden Line (also known as Enoshima Electric Railway) from Kamakura Station or Hase Station. Get off at Enoshima Station and walk 10 minutes to the entrance of the island.
2. Bus: You can also take a bus from Kamakura Station or Hase Station to Enoshima Island. The bus numbers are 21, 23, 24, and 26, and the ride takes about 20 minutes.
3. Bicycle: You can rent a bicycle from Kamakura Station and ride along Yuigahama Beach to reach Enoshima Island in about 30 minutes.
4. Walking: If you are feeling adventurous, you can also walk to Enoshima Island from either Kamakura station or Hase station. The walk takes about an hour and offers scenic views of the coast.
5. Taxi/Car: Taxis are available at both Kamakura and Hase stations, but they can be expensive. If you are driving, there is paid parking available near Enoshima Island’s entrance. However, note that traffic can be heavy during peak tourist seasons.
6. Boat: During summer months (July-September), there is a boat service that runs between Kamakura Port and Enoshima Island’s southern beach area every 15 minutes.
16. Are there any scenic hiking trails that connect different parts of Kamakura?
Yes, there are several scenic hiking trails that connect different parts of Kamakura. Some popular options include the Daibutsu Hiking Course, which leads from the Great Buddha statue to Hasedera temple; the Tenen Hiking Course, which offers views of Mt. Fuji and passes through various temples and shrines; and the Genjiyama Park Hiking Course, which takes you through a forested area with views of both the ocean and Mt. Fuji. These trails are marked with signs and maps, making it easy to navigate your way through Kamakura’s beautiful nature.
17. Can I purchase a one-day pass for all forms of public transportation in and around Kamakura?
Yes, you can purchase a one-day pass for all forms of public transportation (bus, train and tram) in and around Kamakura. The pass is called the “Kamakura-Enoshima Pass” and it costs 980 yen for adults and 490 yen for children. It can be purchased at ticket vending machines or ticket counters at major train stations in Kamakura, as well as at some bus stops and tourist information centers. The pass allows unlimited rides on Enoden (the local tram), buses operated by Kamakura city and Odakyu group, as well as trains between Fujisawa Station and Ofuna Station. However, the pass does not cover private railway companies such as JR or Keikyu lines. The pass is valid for one day from the starting time registered on the card when it is first used.
18. How easy is it to find parking near popular tourist sites in Kamakura?
It can be difficult to find parking near popular tourist sites in Kamakura, especially during peak tourist seasons. Many areas have limited street parking and private lots may be expensive. It is recommended to use public transportation or take a taxi to avoid the hassle of finding parking.
19. Can I take a day trip by ferry from Kamakura to other nearby towns or islands?
Yes, you can take day trips by ferry from Kamakura to other nearby towns and islands such as Enoshima, Miura Peninsula, Oshima Island, and Izu Peninsula.The Enoshima-Kamakura Harbor Festival Cruise is a popular day trip option that operates between April and November. This 50-minute cruise takes you along the coast of Kamakura and Enoshima, offering beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, the neighboring islands, and Enoshima’s famous sea caves.
You can also take a ferry from Kamakura to the Miurakaigan area on the Miura Peninsula. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the peninsula’s rugged coastline.
For a longer day trip, you can take a ferry from Kamakura to Oshima Island in the Izu Peninsula. The journey takes approximately two hours each way and allows you to explore the volcanic island’s natural beauty and hot springs.
Another popular day trip option is taking a ferry from Kamakura to Atami in the Izu Peninsula. The journey takes about one hour each way, and Atami is known for its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and onsen (hot spring) resorts.
Overall, taking a ferry from Kamakura to neighboring towns or islands is a great way to explore more of Kanagawa Prefecture’s coastal areas and experience different landscapes and attractions.
20 . Are there any special transportation services for disabled visitors in Kamakura?
Yes, there are special transportation services available for disabled visitors in Kamakura. Some of these include:
1. Barrier-free taxis: These are specially equipped taxi cars that can accommodate wheelchair users and have ramps for easy access. They can be booked in advance through the Kamakura Taxi Association or hailed on the street.
2. Barrier-free buses: The Enoden bus company operates barrier-free buses with low floors and ramps for wheelchair access. These buses run along popular tourist routes in Kamakura.
3. Electric Wheelchair Rental: Electric wheelchairs are available for rent at some major attractions in Kamakura such as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Kotokuin Temple (home of the Great Buddha).
4. Wheelchair-friendly tourist sites: Many popular tourist sites in Kamakura have wheelchair-friendly facilities, including ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets.
5. Volunteer guides: The Kamakura Tourist Association offers volunteer guide services for disabled visitors. These guides can assist with transport and provide information about accessibility at different locations.
Additionally, many hotels and restaurants in Kamakura are also equipped to accommodate disabled guests, so it is recommended to inquire about accessibility when making reservations.