JapanTravel Tips

Hotel and Lodging Options around Kamakura’s Great Buddha

1. What types of accommodations can I find near Kamakura’s Great Buddha?


There are various types of accommodations near Kamakura’s Great Buddha, including traditional Japanese ryokans, guesthouses, hotels, and vacation rentals. Some popular options include the Hotel Monterey Kamakura, Kamakura Prince Hotel, Yuigahama Beach House, and traditional ryokans such as Masamune Kanko Hotel. Many of these accommodations offer views of the Great Buddha or are within walking distance from the statue. Additionally, there are also camping grounds and budget options available for those on a tight budget.

2. Is there a budget-friendly hotel or hostel option near the Great Buddha?


Yes, there are several budget-friendly hotel and hostel options near the Great Buddha in Kamakura. Some recommended options include:
1. K’s House Hostel Kamakura – Just a 7-minute walk from the Great Buddha, this hostel offers dormitory-style rooms at an affordable price.
2. Iza Kamakura Guesthouse & Bar – Situated within a 10-minute walk from the Great Buddha, this cozy guesthouse offers private and dormitory rooms at reasonable rates.
3. Ryokan Matsumoto – This traditional Japanese inn is located about a 15-minute walk away from the Great Buddha, offering private rooms with shared bathrooms at budget-friendly prices.
4. WeBase Kamakura – Located just a 5-minute walk from the Great Buddha, this modern hostel offers both private and dormitory rooms at affordable prices.
5. Lebain Residence Miya – Set within a traditional Japanese house, this guesthouse is about a 10-minute walk from the Great Buddha and offers private rooms with shared bathrooms at budget-friendly rates.

3. How far is the closest hotel from the Great Buddha?


The closest hotel to the Great Buddha is the Hasekura Hotel, which is located approximately 0.6 kilometers away.

4. Are there any traditional ryokans or guesthouses within walking distance of the Great Buddha?

There are several traditional ryokans and guesthouses within walking distance of the Great Buddha, such as Kominato Ryokan, which is located about a 15-minute walk away. Other options include Mihoen Guesthouse and Chigaya Ryokan, both of which are also within 20 minutes walking distance from the Great Buddha. These places offer a more authentic and cultural experience compared to modern hotels in the area.

5. Are there any luxury resorts or hotels nearby with views of the Great Buddha?


Yes, there are several luxury resorts and hotels near the Great Buddha with views of this iconic monument. Some options include:

1. Koyasan Onsen Fukuchi-in: This traditional Japanese inn offers stunning views of the Great Buddha and nearby mountains. Guests can relax in hot springs and enjoy traditional Kyo-ryori meals during their stay.
2. Hoshino Resorts KAI Kinugawa: Located in Nikko National Park, this luxurious ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) offers spacious rooms with private hot spring baths and breathtaking views of the Great Buddha.
3. Kinugawa Grand Hotel Yume no Toki: This grand hotel features a variety of room types, including those with views of the Great Buddha. The on-site hot spring baths offer panoramic views of the surrounding nature.
4. ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa: This upscale resort boasts modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Great Buddha, as well as two outdoor hot springs with panoramic views.
5. Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen: Situated at the foot of Mt. Fuji, this luxury hotel offers beautiful views of both the mountain and the Great Buddha. Guests can also enjoy a dip in the on-site hot spring baths while taking in the scenery.

6. Can I book a room with a view of the Great Buddha at any of the hotels in the area?

It is possible to book a room with a view of the Great Buddha at some hotels in the area, but it may not be available at all hotels. It is best to check with individual hotels and make a specific request for a room with a view when booking your reservation. Some popular hotels near the Great Buddha that offer rooms with views include Temple Terrace Hotel and Stay Lotus Garden Nara Kasugano.

7. Are there any family-friendly accommodation options near the Great Buddha?


Yes, there are several family-friendly accommodation options near the Great Buddha including:

1. Hotel Taisei Kyoto Station Hachijo: This hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms that can accommodate families. It is located just 3 kilometers from the Great Buddha.

2. Kyoto Brighton Hotel: This luxury hotel offers family rooms and suites, as well as a children’s playroom and childcare services. It is located less than 2 kilometers from the Great Buddha.

3. Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano Tofukuji: This traditional Japanese inn offers family rooms with tatami flooring and futon beds. It is located 4 kilometers from the Great Buddha.

4. Court Hotel Kyoto Shijo: This budget-friendly hotel offers family rooms with bunk beds for children and is located about 6 kilometers from the Great Buddha.

5. Ryokan Sawaya Matsumoto Inn: This traditional Japanese inn offers family rooms with tatami flooring and futon beds. It is located about 7 kilometers from the Great Buddha.

6. Guesthouse Higashiyama Jaoan Kakiya: This guesthouse offers private rooms for families as well as a shared kitchen for self-catering. It is located about 8 kilometers from the Great Buddha.

7. Airbnb rentals: There are also various Airbnb rentals available in the area that can cater to families, offering amenities such as kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Prices may vary depending on location and availability.

8. Are there any eco-friendly or sustainable lodging options in Kamakura?

Yes, there are a few eco-friendly and sustainable lodging options in Kamakura.

1. Iza Kamakura
Iza Kamakura is a traditional Japanese inn that focuses on sustainability. They use solar panels to power their facilities, recycle water for irrigation, and serve locally-sourced organic meals.

2. Guesthouse One More Heart
Guesthouse One More Heart is a cozy guesthouse located in the heart of Kamakura. They aim to be an environmentally-friendly accommodation by using LED lights, natural cleaning products, and promoting recycling and waste reduction among guests.

3. Pension Green Grass
Pension Green Grass is a small bed and breakfast that prioritizes sustainability in their operations. They use energy-efficient appliances, serve organic and locally-sourced meals, and have a green roof for insulation.

4. Jindaiji Benibana no Yuu
Jindaiji Benibana no Yuu is a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that offers hot springs baths powered by geothermal energy, reducing their carbon footprint.

5. Higashiyama Kaihotsu Ryokan
Higashiyama Kaihotsu Ryokan is another traditional Japanese inn that strives to be eco-friendly. They have installed solar panels to generate electricity and recycle rainwater for their gardens.

6. WeBase Hostel Kamakura
WeBase Hostel Kamakura is a popular hostel with both private rooms and dormitory-style accommodations. They promote sustainability through waste reduction practices, energy-efficient lighting, and sourcing products from local businesses.

7. Kita-Kamakura Niselect Stay “Leaf”
Kita-Kamakura Niselect Stay “Leaf” is a vacation rental property that utilizes environmentally-friendly materials in its construction and uses renewable energy sources such as solar power.

8. Guest House Taku-AN
Guest House Taku-AN is an eco-friendly guesthouse that uses natural and eco-friendly materials in its construction, such as wood and mud walls. They also have a vegetable garden where guests can enjoy freshly picked produce.

9. Is it possible to stay overnight at one of the temples near the Great Buddha?


No, it is not possible to stay overnight at any of the temples near the Great Buddha. These temples are places of worship and do not offer accommodations for visitors. Tourists can stay at hotels or guesthouses in the nearby cities such as Kamakura or Tokyo.

10. Are there any unique lodging options, such as glamping, in Kamakura?

Yes, there are a few unique lodging options in Kamakura, including:

1. Glamping at Kamakura Guesthouse – This guesthouse offers glamping tents with comfortable amenities such as air conditioning, beds, and an outdoor terrace. Guests can also enjoy the shared facilities of a traditional Japanese house, including a kitchen and lounge area.

2. Yamakiya Ryokan – This ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) offers guests the opportunity to stay in a traditional thatched-roof farmhouse that dates back over 400 years. The rooms are furnished with tatami mats and futon bedding, and guests can also enjoy traditional Japanese meals during their stay.

3. Jyukusha Kamakurayama Campground – This campground offers tent rental options for travelers who want to experience camping in Kamakura without having to bring their own equipment. It also has cabins available for rent for those looking for a more comfortable camping experience.

4. Villa Sacra at Shichirigahama – This unique accommodation option is a cliffside villa that offers stunning views of the ocean. Guests can choose to stay in either the modern Western-style rooms or the more traditional Japanese-style rooms.

5. The Stables at Sacred Valley Inn – This rustic guesthouse is located on an organic farm and offers guests the opportunity to stay in converted horse stables that have been transformed into cozy accommodations. Guests can also participate in farm activities such as harvesting vegetables and making pizza in a wood-fired oven.

11. Can I book a room with traditional Japanese-style tatami mats near the Great Buddha?


Yes, there are a few hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) near the Great Buddha that offer rooms with traditional tatami mats. Some options include Ryoso Kawaguchi, Kaisekiyado Suiroku, and Ryoken Kyoraku. It is best to check with each individual accommodation for availability and specific room options.

12. Is breakfast included at most hotels in Kamakura?


Many hotels in Kamakura do include breakfast in their accommodations. However, it ultimately depends on the specific hotel and room package you choose. It is always best to check with the hotel directly or ask your travel agent for confirmation of what is included in your booking. Some smaller hotels or traditional ryokans may not offer breakfast as part of their accommodations, so it is important to research your options beforehand.

13.Do any hotels offer shuttle services to and from Kamakura’s main train station?


Yes, many hotels in Kamakura offer shuttle services to and from the city’s main train station. Some of these hotels include Kamakura Prince Hotel, Jyoukamachi Guesthouse, and Enoshima Guest House 134. It is recommended to check with your specific hotel for availability and schedule of their shuttle service.

14.What type of amenities can I expect at hotels near Kamakura’s Great Buddha?


Hotels near Kamakura’s Great Buddha typically offer a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for their guests, including:

1. Free Wi-Fi: Most hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi access for guests to stay connected during their stay.

2. On-site dining options: Some hotels have restaurants or cafés on site where guests can enjoy meals.

3. 24-hour front desk: Guests can check in and seek assistance from the hotel staff at any time of the day.

4. Concierge services: Many hotels offer concierge services to help guests with arranging activities, transportation, and recommendations for local attractions.

5. Air conditioning/heating: As Kamakura experiences hot summers and cold winters, most hotels have air conditioning and heating systems in place for comfort.

6. Room service: Some hotels offer room service for those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their room.

7. Complimentary breakfast: Many hotels provide a complimentary breakfast buffet for guests to start their day off right.

8. Spa/fitness facilities: Some hotels may have on-site spa or fitness facilities for guests to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of exploring.

9. Parking: A few hotels may offer parking facilities for guests who are driving to Kamakura.

10. Laundry service: Some hotels may provide laundry services for travelers who need their clothes washed during their stay.

11. Business center facilities: For those traveling on business, some hotels may offer business center facilities such as computers, printers, and fax machines.

12. Non-smoking rooms/floors: Many hotels have designated non-smoking areas or floors available upon request.

13. Accessible accommodations: Some hotels cater to travelers with disabilities by offering accessible rooms and facilities.

14. Tour/ticket assistance: The hotel staff can assist with booking tours or purchasing tickets to local attractions or events.

15. Gift shop/souvenir store: Some hotels may have a gift shop or souvenir store on site for guests to purchase mementos of their stay in Kamakura.

15.Are there options for private villas or vacation rentals near the Great Buddha?

Yes, there are several options for private villas or vacation rentals near the Great Buddha. Some popular options include:

1. Villa Mauritius: This luxurious villa is located just 1.5km from the Great Buddha and offers a private pool and terrace with stunning views of the Buddha and surrounding landscape.

2. Villa Margo: Located only 400m from the Great Buddha, Villa Margo features a spacious private garden, outdoor pool, and modern amenities.

3. Golden House Private Pool Villa: Situated just 2km from the Great Buddha, this villa offers elegant accommodation with a private pool, hot tub, and BBQ facilities.

4. Panom Valley Pool Villa: This secluded villa is nestled in lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape just 1.5km from the Great Buddha. Guests can enjoy their own private pool, terrace, and fully-equipped kitchen.

5. Baan Ketch Guest House & Pool Villa: With its close proximity to the Great Buddha (only 300m), this guest house offers comfortable rooms as well as a spacious private villa with its own pool and garden area.

It is recommended to book these villas or vacation rentals in advance to ensure availability during your desired travel dates.

16.Can I walk to other popular tourist attractions from hotels near the Great Buddha?

It depends on the specific location of the hotels and the attraction you want to visit. Some popular tourist attractions within walking distance of the Great Buddha are Hase-dera Temple and Kotoku-in Temple. However, other attractions like Enoshima Island or Kamakura City Museum are not within walking distance and may require a short train or bus ride. It is best to check the specific distances and transportation options before booking your hotel.

17.Are there any onsen (hot spring) accommodations near Kamakura’s Great Buddha?


Yes, there are several onsen accommodations near Kamakura’s Great Buddha. Some popular options include:

1. Kamakura Park Hotel: This hotel is located just a 10-minute walk from the Great Buddha and offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

2. Yuya Kamakura: A traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) with private open-air hot spring baths, located about a 15-minute walk from the Great Buddha.

3. Jinya Ryokan: Another ryokan with hot spring baths, located less than a 5-minute walk from the Great Buddha.

4. Inn By The Sea Kamakura: This modern hotel offers luxurious rooms with private open-air hot spring baths and is about a 10-minute drive from the Great Buddha.

5. ZaimokuzaRiviera Okinawazaka: A budget-friendly option with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, located about a 20-minute walk from the Great Buddha.

18.Can I book a room with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the Great Buddha?


Yes, you can book a room with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the Great Buddha at certain hotels near the attraction. It is recommended to do some research and inquire with the hotel directly to ensure that your desired room type is available for your desired dates.

19.Do I need to make reservations in advance for lodging options around Kamakura’s Great Buddha?


It is recommended to make reservations in advance for lodging options around Kamakura’s Great Buddha, especially during peak travel seasons or weekends. This will ensure that you have a place to stay and can avoid the risk of fully booked accommodations. Some popular options may require advance reservations months in advance.

20.Which hotel do you recommend for its convenient location to both the beach and sightseeing spots like the Great Buddha?


I would highly recommend the Hotel Ocean View Kamakura. It is located just a short walk from the beach and also has easy access to popular sightseeing spots like the Great Buddha. The hotel also offers beautiful ocean views and comfortable accommodations.