For today, we’re going to embark on a great adventure to Kamakura (known for its temples), then Enoshima (for its beautiful coastal scenery – and a chance to glimpse Mt Fuji!)

 

Day 5

• KAMAKURA
  • Hokokuji Temple
  • Tsurujaoka Hachimangu
  • Kotokuin Temple
  • Hasadera Temple
• ENOSHIMA

Hokokuji Temple

Best known for the beautiful, small bamboo grove found behind the temple’s main hall; this temple is uniquely beautiful and a great place for photos

• How to get there: From Kamakura Station (Shonan Shinjuku Line), take a bus (#23, 24, or 26) to Jomyoji (浄明寺)
• Operating hours: 9am to 4pm
• Fees: 200 yen (additional 500 yen for the tea service)

Tsurujaoka Hachimangu

Known to be Kamakura’s most important shrine, traditional Japanese weddings are held here regularly and it is quite beautiful in an austere kind of way

• How to get there: From Jomyoji (浄明寺), take any of the buses that’s headed to Kamakura Station but get off at Hachimangu (八幡宮)
• Operating hours: 6am to 9pm
• Fees: Free (200 yen to enter the Shrine Museum)

Also – right outside the shrine is the Komachi-dori shopping street – where food and cute knick knacks are sold. Or, you can opt to walk along Dankazura instead, a pedestrian path in the center of Wakamiya Oji Street

Great Buddha, found inside the Kotokuin Temple

• How to get there: From Hase Station (Enoden line), turn right and walk straight for ~10-20 minutes – just follow the Buddha posters
• Operating hours: 8:00am to 5:30pm
• Fees: 200 yen

Hasedera Temple

Famous for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, and its pretty garden by the pond. I was templed out by this point so didn’t bother entering. You’ll have to make do with a picture from the outside

• How to get there: You’ll pass by the temple as you walk from Kotokuin Temple back to Hase Station (it should be on your right side)
• Operating hours: 8am to 5pm
• Fees: 300 yen

Enoshima

• How to get there: Enoshima Station (Enoden line)

A pleasant touristy island that’s quite near Kamakura, I highly recommend you come here especially if you’re already in the area

From the train station, follow the crowd and you’ll end up in front of Enoshima Island. You now have two options – either take the ferry all the way to the end of the island (400 yen per adult); or you can walk the entire island and come back the same way. My advice if you have time is to just walk the entire thing – good way for you to burn off all the calories you’ve accumulated by eating yummy Japanese food

Cross the bridge (to your right, if you’re lucky and visibility is good – you’ll see Mt. Fuji across the sea)

Once you get on the island, Enoshima Island and Spa can be found to your right; or you can continue onwards where lots of nice stalls can be found selling Japanese knickknacks and yummy snacks

At the top, you’ll cross Enoshima Shrine and you’ll be faced with another choice. Do you climb all the steps upwards, or do you pay for an escalator ride (360 yen)? Because I’m a total cheapskate, I decided to forego the escalator and just climb instead. I think the steps are doable, if a bit tiring – but you can always rest in between landings

Once you get to the top, just follow the path and you’ll come across Samual Cocking Garden, Iwaya Caves, Love Bell, and Southern Coast

Aside from checking out the beautiful scenery, you can also play a game while here – called “Spot the fat cat!” Swear, there are so many fat cats in this island… Here’s a sneak peek!

And that’s it – hope you continue to follow me on my Tokyo adventures!

For my other Japan blogs, please do check out the following:

Everything you need to know about Tokyo (as a DIY tourist)

Eating my way through Tokyo – top picks!

What to see and do in Okinawa

TOKYO 7-DAY OFF-THE-BEATEN PATH DIY ITINERARIES

• Day 1: Tokyo Day trip to Kawagoe
• Day 2: Tokyo Disney Sea adventure
• Day 3: Tokyo Day trip to Yokohama
• Day 4: Tokyo Day trip to Hakone
• Day 5: Tokyo Day trip to Kamukara and Enoshima
• Day 6: Tokyo shopping day!
• Day 7: Imperial Palace Walking Tour + Odaiba