The Best Tokyo Day Trip: How to See Kamakura & Enoshima (The Easy Way)
You’ve conquered Tokyo’s neon jungle and you’ve seen Mt. Fuji from Hakone. What’s next?
It’s time to visit Kamakura (鎌倉).
Think of Kamakura as Tokyo’s historic, seaside escape. It’s a coastal city packed with ancient temples, a giant bronze Buddha, bamboo forests, and a super charming local train that runs right along the ocean.
But here’s the “insider secret” most guides miss: the best part of Kamakura is combining it with the magical little island right next to it, Enoshima (江の島).
Getting there and doing both seems complicated. It’s not. As your friend, I’m going to give you the one “magic key” to do it all, stress-free and on a budget.
The “Magic Key”: The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass
This is the best travel deal in Tokyo, hands down. Do not just go to a JR station and buy a normal ticket. You’ll spend too much and get confused.
- What it is: A 1-day pass from Odakyu Railway (the same company as the Hakone pass).
- Where to buy: The Odakyu ticket counter/machines at Shinjuku Station.
- What it includes:
- A round trip from Shinjuku to the Kamakura/Enoshima area.
- UNLIMITED RIDES on the two key local trains:
- The “Enoden” (the famous green-and-yellow seaside train).
- The Odakyu line within the area.
- The Cost: It’s incredibly cheap (around 1,640 JPY). Seriously, the round trip alone almost pays for it. This is your “must-buy.”
Your Perfect Kamakura & Enoshima Loop (The “Best Friend” Itinerary)
With your Freepass in hand, here’s how to have the perfect day. Start early (leave Shinjuku by 8:30 AM).
Step 1: Shinjuku → Katase-Enoshima Station (The “Island First” Strategy)
- This is the pro-move. Do not go to Kamakura first.
- Take the Odakyu “Romancecar” (pay the small extra fee, it’s worth it) or the regular express train to “Katase-Enoshima” Station. The station itself looks like a mythical sea palace.
- Why here first? Because we’re going to the magical island of Enoshima.
Step 2: Explore Enoshima Island
- Walk across the long bridge to the island.
- Take the (paid) escalators up the hill (trust me) and explore the Enoshima Shrine complex.
- Climb the “Sea Candle” (lighthouse) for a stunning 360-degree view (on a clear day, you’ll see Mt. Fuji again!).
- Eat fresh, grilled seafood from a stall.
Step 3: Enoshima → Hase (The Great Buddha)
- Walk back across the bridge and head to “Enoshima” Station (this time, it’s the Enoden train station).
- Use your Freepass to hop on the charming, rattling, green Enoden train.
- Get off at Hase Station.
- Follow the signs (and the crowd) and walk 10 minutes to the Kotoku-in Temple to see the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). It’s massive, it’s iconic, you must do it.
Step 4: Hase → Kamakura (The Temple & The Town)
- After the Buddha, go back to Hase Station and take the Enoden train just two more stops to the final station: Kamakura.
- Friend’s Advice: Before you hit the main town, walk to Hasedera (Hase Temple), right near Hase Station. It’s built into a hillside, has a stunning ocean view, and is, in my opinion, even more beautiful than the Buddha.
- Once at Kamakura Station, explore Komachi-dori (a street packed with amazing snacks, craft shops, and ice cream) as you walk up to the main Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Step 5: Kamakura → Shinjuku (The Easy Way Home)
- You’re tired. Your feet hurt. You’re full of snacks.
- From Kamakura Station, take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line.
- Wait! Is this covered by the Freepass? No, but it’s the fastest, easiest, and most direct way back to Shinjuku (about 60 mins, no transfers). This is one time it’s worth paying the extra fare (about 940 JPY) to get home. Your tired feet will thank me.
You’ve Seen It All!
Temples, a giant Buddha, a sacred island, a seaside train, and delicious food. That is how you “do” Kamakura. You’ve successfully combined two incredible destinations into one perfect day trip, all by using a little local knowledge.
This is what we love to do: turn a confusing map into an unforgettable adventure. If you loved this plan, imagine what we could show you inside Tokyo.
