Popular Tour Ngày in Đại Phật Kamakura

Besides the solemn Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kōtoku-in Temple), Kamakura offers many other worthwhile attractions. You can visit Hase-dera Temple to admire its exquisite Japanese gardens, the Kannon statue, and its magnificent coastal views. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of Kamakura's most important shrines, boasting a long history and expansive grounds. For a taste of local life, Komachi-dori Street provides abundant dining and shopping options. Additionally, the bamboo grove at Hokoku-ji Temple is a highly popular tranquil spot, perfect for experiencing Zen and natural beauty. Connecting these sites will enrich your Kamakura half-day or full-day excursion.

After visiting the Great Buddha of Kamakura, you can find lunch in the Hasedōri area where the Buddha is located, or head towards Komachi-dori near Kamakura Station. The Hasedōri area features many relaxed cafes and specialty shops offering light meals or Japanese set menus. If you wish to savor local seafood, try a rice bowl dish featuring Shirasu (whitebait), a specialty of the Shonan region. Komachi-dori Street offers a more diverse range of choices, from traditional Japanese cuisine and soba noodles to Western-style casual dining. You can choose a characteristic restaurant based on your preferences and budget to enjoy Kamakura's unique culinary experience.

Including both the Great Buddha of Kamakura and Enoshima Island in a single day trip is a popular choice for many travelers, but it will make for a rather packed itinerary. Kamakura primarily focuses on temples, shrines, and historical culture, while Enoshima is characterized by its coastal scenery, caves, and aquarium. If you wish to deeply experience both locations, it is recommended to plan them separately, dedicating a full day to each. If time is limited and you want to visit both in one day, it is advised to focus on the main attractions like the Great Buddha and Hase-dera Temple, then take the Enoden train to Enoshima to experience the coastal scenery. Due to convenient transportation, a flexible arrangement will allow you to enjoy your journey more leisurely and avoid a superficial tour.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura possesses unique charm in every season. Spring (late March to early April) is when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and autumn (late November to early December) is when maple leaves turn red; these two seasons are generally considered the best times to visit, offering pleasant scenery. In summer, you can combine it with a seaside trip to Enoshima. Although the temperature is lower in winter, there are relatively fewer tourists, allowing for a more serene experience of its solemn atmosphere. Regardless of the season, crowds at the Great Buddha of Kamakura significantly increase on weekends and Japanese public holidays, so it's advisable to avoid these times. If you wish to avoid crowds, choosing weekdays or visiting right after opening in the morning or before closing in the afternoon would be a better option.

The most recommended and convenient transportation method from central Tokyo to the Great Buddha of Kamakura is by train. You can take the JR Yokosuka Line directly from Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, or Shinjuku Station to Kamakura Station. The journey takes approximately one hour. Upon arriving at Kamakura Station, you can transfer to the Enoden Railway and take it to Hase Station. From Hase Station, it's about a seven to ten-minute walk to the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kōtoku-in Temple). Riding the Enoden also allows you to enjoy the scenic views of the Shonan coast, adding another layer of enjoyment to your trip.

If you only have half a day, it is recommended to focus on the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kōtoku-in Temple) and its immediate vicinity. After arriving at Kamakura Station, take the Enoden train directly to Hase Station. You can first visit the solemn Great Buddha, experience its magnificent presence, and learn about its history. Afterward, walk to the nearby Hase-dera Temple to admire its exquisite gardens, the Eleven-faced Kannon statue, and the panoramic views of the Shonan coast from above. These two sites are Kamakura's most iconic attractions, easily explorable within half a day. If time permits, you can relax near Hase Station or Kamakura Station on your way back and experience local specialties. This itinerary is compact and focused, allowing you to make efficient use of your half-day.

The Amida Buddha statue at Kōtoku-in Temple in Kamakura was originally constructed in 1252, initially made of wood before being cast in bronze. It was once housed within a grand hall, but after repeated damage from typhoons and tsunamis, the hall was destroyed, leaving the Buddha exposed to the elements, showcasing its solemn majesty weathered by time. During your visit, please be mindful that as an important cultural heritage site and religious place, you should maintain silence and respect local culture and beliefs. Do not use flash photography and avoid touching the statue. The space inside the Great Buddha is narrow, so please be cautious of safety and follow the designated pathways.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kōtoku-in Temple) is generally open year-round for visitors. Its opening hours are typically from around 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. However, during winter (approximately October to March), it may close slightly earlier, around 5:00 PM. It is recommended to reconfirm the specific opening hours for the day before planning your visit to ensure a smooth entry. Please note that visiting hours for the interior of the Great Buddha are usually shorter than the grounds' opening hours and have a fixed cutoff time.

Around the Great Buddha of Kamakura and in the Komachi-dori shopping street near Kamakura Station, you can find many local specialty souvenirs and gifts. Souvenirs related to the Great Buddha are diverse, such as mini Buddha models, charm keychains, stationery, or Japanese miscellaneous goods featuring the Buddha's image, all of which are very representative. Additionally, Kamakura has many traditional crafts, like Kamakura-bori wood carvings and Wagashi (Japanese sweets). Local specialty sweets, such as the famous 'Kibidango' (Dove Biscuits), are also popular choices for souvenirs. You can browse and pick out items to bring memories of Kamakura home.

Besides the Great Buddha itself, which is an excellent photo spot, there are many other scenic views worth capturing in the vicinity. Within Kōtoku-in Temple, you can photograph the Great Buddha from various angles, especially when sunlight illuminates it, showcasing its solemn beauty. Hase-dera Temple not only offers beautiful gardens but also a viewing platform from which you can overlook the Shonan coast, providing a unique perspective combining the sea view with the temple. While riding the Enoden Railway, the coastal scenery outside the window is also captivating, particularly around Shichirigahama Station, where you can capture classic shots of the train and the coastline together. The lively streetscape of Komachi-dori, its specialty shops, and food stalls also offer plenty of opportunities for lifestyle photography.