Kamakura is a small, idyllic city an hour out from Tokyo Station. While it attracts thousands of tourists each year there is still something peaceful about the lines of storefronts, cobblestone roads and coastal views. If you have limited time there, it is hard to know which shrines and temples to visit. I have listed the 5 Best Shrines and Temples in Kamakura based on my experience. Use this list to identify which shrines you want to visit.
My friends and I knew that we wanted to spend as much time as possible visiting shrines in Kamakura. We rented bikes and spent the day biking across the town with the calm traffic.
Further down I am listing the top 5 shrines and temples you should visit in Kamakura. (In no particular order!) If you are interested in immersing yourself in Japanese culture, seeing beautiful architecture and experiencing some peace, make sure to visit these shrines and temples!
- Egara Tenjisho Shrine
- Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine
- Hokokuji Temple
- Kotoku-in Temple
- Gongora Jinja Shrine
1. Egara Tenjisho Shrine
Description: The quiet shrine.
This shrine is off the beaten path. If you are looking for somewhere to take a breath then Egara Tenjisho Shrine is the shrine for you. It has a large courtyard, all buildings are decorated in a bright orange and a large, sacred gingko tree.
Especially in and around Tokyo, the gingko tree is a shinboku, or sacred tree where spirits dwell.
2. Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine
Description: The largest shrine.
This is the largest and one of the most important shrines in Kamakura. It is the cultural center of the town. The approach to the shrine contains beautiful ponds, trees and a lot of pathways to explore. Tsurugaoka Haciman-gu Shrine is atop a set of stone steps, from which you can see the main Kamakura street.
Be aware, it is likely to be the most crowded shrine in Kamakura.
For more information visit Japan Guide.
3. Hokokuji Temple
Description: The bamboo temple.
Lush bamboo and sand gardens line the pathway within the Zen Buddhist temple grounds. If you want to relax among beautiful trees and a peaceful atmosphere then Hokokuji temple is a must-visit. In the main hall is a statue of Gautama Buddha.
This temple is not crowded and you can spend time in the Zen garden if you want to get away from the city for a moment.
4. Kotoku-in Temple
Description: The Buddha-statue temple.
This temple is home to an 11.3 metre, open air, bronze statue of Buddha, completed in 1243. The statue has survived numerous floods and earthquakes since then, making it an important spiritual landmark in Kamakura.
Seeing a statue of this size is a breathtaking sight. Surrounding the statue is a small pavilion and gardens. Prior to COVID-19, visitors could enter the hollow Buddha statue for extra blessings.
If you would like more information visit the official Kotoku-in Temple website.
5. Gongoro Jinja Shrine
Description: The railroad cat shrine.
Mitami shrine is positioned far from the road and past a set of railway tracks.
It is quiet, with wooden pagodas and gates providing a calming feeling to those inside. The shrine is home to a cat, who is famous enough to have its own Instagram page.
Map
The following map outlines the five shrines and temples as mentioned in this article. Click here to view a larger version of the map that you can use to plan your travels!
