If there is one place to visit outside of Tokyo Kamakura is it. The city itself can’t be fully seen in one day so see what you can and try to get back in the future. Here’s a great online guide to Kamakura Shrines. The city has many transportation options if needed but it is a very walkable city.
There are many places where visitors can buy a great meal or just pick up a snack. The city is famous for its Purple Potato Ice cream if you want to try something different. My favorite is the red bean or custard filled cakes that can be found in most towns throughout Japan. Here they are shaped as the Giant Buddha.
If you are looking for a cold beer or cocktail after a long day of sightseeing then check out the local bar called the Bank. The place is tiny so get there early. Don’t stay too long if it’s just a day trip. The trains going back to Tokyo go a couple of times an hour but after 11pm the trip back to Tokyo gets longer and more arduous.
Buddist Hokokuji Shrine in Kamakura
Getting from Tokyo to Kamakura by Train from WikiTravel.com:
The fastest way in is by JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (one hour, ¥890) and Yokohama (25 minutes, ¥330). The JR Kamakura-Enoshima Free Kippu (¥1,110 from Yokohama, ¥1,970 from Tokyo) gets you a round trip from Tokyo to Kamakura (local trains only) plus unlimited use of Enoden and Shonan Monorail lines.
Getting to the Giant Daibutsu Statue in Kamakura:
The Great Buddha is a 5-minute walk from the Enoden Railway (a streetcar-like train) Hase Station, the third station from Kamakura main station.
Get a drink @:
The Bank, 3-1-1 Yuigahama, Kamakura-shi; tel: (0467) 60-6170; Open 5 p.m.-1 a.m. (3 p.m.-1 a.m Saturday & Sunday); closed Monday, and 3rd & 4th Tuesday of the month.
farflungistan 