1. What are some recommended local restaurants near Hasedera Temple in Kamakura?
Some recommended local restaurants near Hasedera Temple in Kamakura include:
1. Kebaya: This restaurant serves delicious Japanese fusion dishes with a beautiful view of the ocean and Mount Fuji. It is located just a 2-minute walk from Hasedera Temple.
2. Shirasu Ryori Satochan: Known for its fresh seafood dishes, this restaurant specializes in shirasu, or whitebait, which is a local delicacy in Kamakura. It is about a 5-minute walk from Hasedera Temple.
3. Azarashi-tei: A cozy and traditional restaurant serving yoshoku (Western-style Japanese food) dishes such as omurice (omelette rice) and curry rice. It is located about a 10-minute walk from Hasedera Temple.
4. Hanamaru Udon: This popular chain restaurant offers delicious udon bowls with various toppings at affordable prices. It is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal after visiting Hasedera Temple.
5. Omoide Yokocho: This narrow street lined with small food stalls offers an authentic atmosphere for trying local street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and more. It is about a 15-minute walk from Hasedera Temple.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available at the dining establishments near Hasedera Temple?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan options available at the dining establishments near Hasedera Temple. Some popular options include:1. Kosen Cafe – This cozy cafe serves vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
2. Kamikamayaki – A restaurant specializing in traditional Japanese grilled dishes called okonomiyaki, where vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
3. Le Parc de la Colline – A French-style cafe with a separate vegetarian menu featuring salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
4. Kokkaku Vegetarian Cuisine – This restaurant offers a wide range of Buddhist vegetarian dishes inspired by Japanese temple cuisine.
5. Nata de Coco Kobe – A casual cafe that serves a variety of vegan and vegetarian options including sandwiches, burgers, and wraps.
6. Macrobiotic-ya Seiran – Specializes in macrobiotic meals using organic vegetables sourced from their own farm.
7. Bistro Natsume – A French-inspired bistro offering vegetarian/vegan set menus for lunch and dinner.
Please note that some of these restaurants may have limited seating or may require advance reservations due to their popularity among locals and tourists alike.
3. Is there a designated area for outdoor dining or al fresco dining near Hasedera Temple?
Yes, there is a designated area for outdoor dining or al fresco dining near Hasedera Temple. The nearby Enoshima Island has numerous restaurants with outdoor seating options overlooking the ocean or the temple. Some popular spots include Enoshima Island Spa’s outdoor terrace restaurant, Sea Candle Cafe, and Enoshima Saryo cafe. There are also several food stands around Hasedera Temple where you can enjoy snacks or drinks while taking in the temple’s surroundings.
4. Can you find traditional Japanese cuisine, such as sushi and ramen, near Hasedera Temple?
Yes, there are several traditional Japanese restaurants near Hasedera Temple that serve sushi and ramen. Some popular ones include Fukuzushi, Hanamizuki, and Ichibanya Ramen. These restaurants may vary in terms of style and price, so it’s recommended to check their menus beforehand if you have any specific preferences or restrictions. Additionally, many souvenir shops around the temple also sell pre-packaged sushi and other Japanese snacks.
5. How far is it to walk from the main entrance of Hasedera Temple to nearby restaurants?
It takes about 5-10 minutes to walk from the main entrance of Hasedera Temple to nearby restaurants.
6. Are there any café or bakery options within walking distance of Hasedera Temple for a quick snack?
Yes, there are several café and bakery options within walking distance of Hasedera Temple. Some popular options include Kissa Tsunagi, a quaint café with traditional Japanese desserts and tea; Patisserie Hana, a French-inspired bakery known for its delicious pastries and cakes; and Matcha Cafe Suzuka, which offers various matcha-flavored treats such as soft serve ice cream and lattes. These options are all located within a 10-minute walk from Hasedera Temple.
7. Do any of the restaurants near Hasedera Temple offer a view of the temple or its surroundings?
Yes, there are a few restaurants near Hasedera Temple that offer a view of the temple or its surroundings. Some examples include:
1) Hase Matsuri-Tei: This traditional restaurant serves seasonal and local dishes with a view of Hasedera Temple.
2) Kairin: Located just below Hasedera Temple, this restaurant has an open-air terrace with views of the temple and ocean.
3) Restaurant Hanarikyu: This French-inspired restaurant offers picturesque views of Hasedera Temple and its gardens.
4) Café & Dining Kaze no Oto: This café has a terrace overlooking the temple and surrounding hills.
5) Fujiya: A Japanese-style inn with a restaurant that offers views of Hasedera Temple and Enoshima Island from their outdoor seating area.
8. Is there a specific dress code required for dining at the restaurants near Hasedera Temple?
There is no specific dress code required for dining at the restaurants near Hasedera Temple. However, it is always a good idea to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting a temple or other religious site. This means avoiding revealing or offensive clothing.
9. Do any of the local restaurants offer English menus or have English-speaking staff available?
It varies depending on the restaurant, but in most popular tourist areas, there will likely be some restaurants that offer English menus and/or have English-speaking staff available. It may be helpful to do some research beforehand or ask your hotel for recommendations. Additionally, many restaurants have pictures of their dishes on the menu, so even if there is no English menu available, you can use those as a point of reference.
10. Are reservations necessary for popular restaurants near Hasedera Temple, especially during peak tourist season?
It is recommended to make reservations for popular restaurants near Hasedera Temple, especially during peak tourist season. Hasedera Temple is a popular tourist spot in Kamakura and nearby restaurants may get busy during this time. Making reservations will ensure that you have a table reserved for you at your desired restaurant.
11. What are some must-try dishes at the local eateries around Hasedera Temple?
Some popular dishes to try at the local eateries around Hasedera Temple include:
1. Shojin ryori (monk’s vegetarian cuisine) at the temple’s own restaurant or nearby restaurants.
2. Vegetarian soba noodles or zaru soba (cold soba noodles) made with buckwheat flour and served with a dipping sauce.
3. Kamaboko (steamed fish cake), which is a specialty in the city of Kamakura.
4. Green tea sweets such as matcha ice cream, mochi (rice cakes) with green tea filling, and green tea flavored dango (dumplings).
5. Seafood dishes such as fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood rice bowls featuring local catches from Sagami Bay.
6. Kamakura curry, a mild and slightly sweet curry dish that originated in Kamakura.
7. Inarizushi (sushi rice wrapped in fried tofu pockets), another local specialty that can be found at many sushi shops or street food stalls.
8. Tempura, which is often available at traditional Japanese restaurants near the temple.
9. Chicken karaage, a popular fried chicken dish that can be found at many casual eateries in Kamakura.
10. Traditional wagashi (Japanese confections) such as yokan (jellied bean paste), dorayaki (red bean pancake), and manju (sweet bean-filled buns).
12. Are there any budget-friendly dining options available near Hasedera Temple?
Yes, there are some budget-friendly dining options available near Hasedera Temple. Some popular choices include:– Hasekamameshi: This small restaurant offers affordable set meals featuring local Kamakura specialties, such as kamameshi (rice cooked in an iron pot) and soba noodles.
– Cafe Terrace Haneuma: This casual eatery serves simple dishes such as spaghetti and sandwiches at reasonable prices. They also have a rooftop terrace with views of the ocean.
– Curry House CoCo Ichibanya Kamakura Station East Exit: For a quick and affordable meal, head to this chain restaurant specializing in Japanese-style curry dishes.
– Yakitori Noda: This tiny yakitori restaurant offers delicious grilled chicken skewers at affordable prices.
13. Is it possible to try kamakura-bori (traditional wood carving) while dining in one of the nearby restaurants?
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will be able to try kamakura-bori while dining at a nearby restaurant. Kamakura-bori is a highly skilled and intricate traditional art form that requires specialized tools and techniques. It is typically practiced by trained artisans and can take many years to master. It is not something that can be easily done in a restaurant setting. However, if you are interested in learning more about kamakura-bori, there are workshops and classes available in Kamakura where you can learn the basics of this craft.
14. How late do most of the restaurants around Hasedera Temple stay open for dinner?
This will vary depending on the specific restaurant, but most restaurants around Hasedera Temple typically close between 8-10pm for dinner. Some may stay open later, particularly on weekends or during peak tourist season. It is always best to check with the restaurant directly for their specific hours of operation.
15. Do any of the dining establishments offer halal or kosher options?
Some dining establishments may offer halal or kosher options upon request. It is best to check with the specific restaurant beforehand to see if they can accommodate dietary restrictions.
16. Can you recommend a good spot for Japanese street food in Kamakura that is close to Hasedera Temple?
One spot for Japanese street food in Kamakura that is close to Hasedera Temple is Komachi Street. It is a narrow pedestrian street lined with various food stalls and shops, offering a variety of traditional Japanese snacks and dishes such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and taiyaki (fish-shaped pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste). The street has a lively atmosphere and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
17. Are there any breweries or sake bars near Hasedera Temple where visitors can taste local drinks and snacks?
There is a brewery and sake bar called Hasegawa Saketen located about 5 minutes from Hasedera Temple. They offer a variety of local sake and snacks for visitors to try.
18. Which restaurant has the best view of sakura (cherry blossoms) during springtime in Kamakura?
One of the best restaurants with a view of sakura in Kamakura during springtime is En Zan Cafe. This traditional Japanese cafe offers delicious food and drinks while overlooking a beautiful garden filled with cherry blossom trees. Another great option is Shizenhamama, which has a stunning outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by sakura trees. Both restaurants are located near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which is known for its spectacular cherry blossom displays during springtime.
19. Is there a popular local dish or specialty in Kamakura that can be found near Hasedera Temple?
Yes, there is a popular local dish called “Kamakura Mochi” which can be found near Hasedera Temple. Kamakura Mochi is a type of rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in bamboo leaves. It is known for its soft and chewy texture and can be found at various street food vendors or souvenir shops near the temple.
20. Are there any food tours available that include stops at the dining options around Hasedera Temple?
Yes, there are several food tours available in the Hasedera Temple area that include stops at nearby restaurants. Some examples include:
1. Kamakura Food Tour with Hasedera Buddha Trip: This tour takes visitors on a 3-hour food tour around Kamakura, including stops at local restaurants and shops near Hasedera Temple. Participants will get to try a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, desserts, and snacks while also learning about the history and culture of the area.
2. Kamakura Culinary and Cultural Walking Tour: This tour combines visits to famous temples such as Hasedera with stops at local eateries to taste Kamakura’s specialties, such as festival foods, seafood delicacies, and traditional sweets.
3. Evening Food Tour in Kamakura: This evening food tour takes visitors to hidden spots around Hasedera Temple to try some of the best local dishes and explore the charming streets of Kamakura after dark.
It is recommended to book these tours in advance online or through a travel agency.