A day in Kamakura and Enoshima 鎌倉と江ノ島の日帰り旅行

Looking to step away from the bustling energy of Tôkyô for a day? Kamakura and Enoshima, just a 1.5-hour train ride away, offer a journey into Japan’s historic and mystical past.

Kamakura, a former capital, is brimming with temples and shrines, while Enoshima, a charming island, boasts breathtaking ocean views and intriguing legends. Here’s everything you need to plan your perfect day trip.

Getting to Kamakura and Enoshima

The most convenient option is the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass by Odakyû Railways. This 1 640 yenn pass (~11 €) includes:

• Round-trip travel between Shinjuku Station (Tôkyô) and Fujisawa Station (OE13).
• Unlimited rides on the Enoden Line, connecting Kamakura, Enoshima, and Fujisawa.
• Discounts at select attractions and stores.

Purchase the pass via the Odakyû mobile app (available for Android and iOS). Be sure to reserve it a few days before your trip. For more details, check out our full guide.

Kamakura and Enoshima

Kamakura: Step Into Medieval Japan

Once Japan’s capital during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), this historic city is rich in samurai culture, offering numerous temples, shrines and hiking trails. A must-see is the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Enoshima: Mystical Island and Coastal Vistas

Enoshima Island enchants with dragon legends, shrines, mysterious caves, and stunning ocean panoramas.

Suggested Itineraries

Option A: Kamakura Focus + Hiking to the Great Buddha

This route explores Kamakura’s historic sites and trails before heading to Enoshima.

Option B: Enoshima Exploration with a Visit to the Great Buddha

Dive deeper into Enoshima’s attractions, with a brief visit to Kamakura.

For early risers, combining both itineraries is possible but requires starting very early from Shinjuku.

Departure and morning in Kamakura

8:00 AM : Arrive at Shinjuku Station

Grab a quick breakfast at Cafe Terrace Silhouette or a local konbini (convenience store).

Shinjuku Station is vast, so allow extra time to find the Odakyû platforms (West Exit, ground floor).

8:46 AM: Depart for Fujisawa

Board the Rapid-Express Fujisawa (track 4/5) for a one-hour ride.

9:49 AM: Arrive at Fujisawa

Exit the station and follow signs to Enoden Fujisawa Station (EN01).

10:16 AM: Depart for Kamakura

Take the charming Enoden train along the coast to Kamakura (EN15), arriving at 10:53 AM.

11:00 AM: Explore Kamakura’s Historic Center

Walk northeast from Kamakura Station to these key spots:

• Komachi-dôri: A lively shopping street ending at the iconic Tsurugaoka Hachimangû Shrine.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangû Shrine: Built in 1180, this shrine offers a stunning view from its grand staircase.

Option A: Hiking to the Great Buddha

This route passes through the Kamakura Forest before taking you to the Big Buddha and then to Enoshima.

1:46 PM: Go to Kita-Kamakura Station

Take a local train from JR Kamakura Station (track 2, 150 yen not included in the pass) and get off at Kita-Kamakura Station one stop away.

It is also possible to make the journey on foot, it takes around 25 minutes.

1:50 PM: Begin the Hike

The trail starts near Kita-Kamakura Station and winds through:

• Jôchi-ji Temple: A serene temple surrounded by lush greenery.
• Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine: Famous for its sacred spring believed to bring financial prosperity.
• Sasuke Inari Shrine: Known for its red torii gates in a forest setting.

3:45 PM: Arrive at the Great Buddha

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a monumental bronze statue 11.3 meters high and weighing 121 tonnes. It is the second largest seated Buddha in Japan after that of Nara.

Entrance is 300 yen (~1.80 €), and it is possible to enter the statue for an additional 50 yen (~0.30 €). Be careful not to arrive too late because the temple closes at 5 PM.

4:11 PM: Depart for Enoshima

Walk 10 minutes south to Hase Station (EN12) and take the Enoden train to Enoshima Station (EN06), arriving by 4:32 PM.

Option B: Direct Visit to the Great Buddha

This route takes you directly to the Big Buddha and then to Enoshima.

2:00 PM: Depart for Hase

Take the Enoden Line to Kamakura Station and stop at Hase Station (EN12). Walk 10 minutes north to reach the Great Bhudda Temple.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a monumental bronze statue 11.3 meters high and weighing 121 tonnes. It is the second largest seated Buddha in Japan after that of Nara.

Entrance is 300 yen (~1.80 €), and it is possible to enter the statue for an additional 50 yen (~0.30 €). Be careful not to arrive too late because the temple closes at 5 PM.

2:47 PM: Depart for Enoshima

Return to Hase Station (EN12) to take the train back to Fujisawa, stopping at Enoshima Station (EN06) at 3:05 PM to explore the island.

Enoshima Island

Depending on the previous itinerary you choose, you will have more or less time to visit Enoshima Island. Find more information about the island in our dedicated article.

Discover the Island’s Wonders:

• Benten Bridge: This 389-meter bridge was built for the 1964 Olympics.
• Nakamise Street: A bustling shopping street leading to Zuishinmon Gate.
• Enoshima Shrine: Three shrines dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and water.
• Iwaya Caves: Explore candle-lit caves (Option B only).
• Sea Candle Observatory: Perfect for sunset views and evening illuminations.

Evening Options

Option 1: Dinner on Enoshima

Enjoy oceanfront dining at Uomi-tei or indulge in fresh seafood at a local eatery.

Option 2: Return to Tôkyô

• 7:00 PM: Depart from Katase Enoshima Station (OE16) via the Odakyû line.
• 8:08 PM: Arrive at Shinjuku Station.

Summary of Itineraries

Option A (Kamakura)

Option B (Enoshima)