From Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station, the JR Yokosuka Line takes approximately 1 hour and costs 940 yen. From Shinjuku, the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line goes directly to Kamakura in about 1 hour. Kamakura is one of the finest Tokyo day trips, with the Great Buddha, coastal temple circuit, and excellent seafood. Here is the complete guide.
Quick Answer: JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura: approximately 1 hour, 940 yen. Covered by the JR Pass guide. Alternatively, JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku direct to Kamakura in approximately 55 minutes, 940 yen. See the Kamakura guide for the full Kamakura guide.
Train Options from Tokyo to Kamakura
JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (recommended)
From Tokyo Station, board the JR Yokosuka Line (or Sobu-Yokosuka Line) toward the Zushi or Kurihama direction. Ride approximately 1 hour to Kamakura Station. Cost: 940 yen. Covered by the JR Pass guide. Trains run frequently. The Yokosuka Line runs via Shin-Yokohama and Ofuna before reaching Kamakura.
JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku
From Shinjuku Station, the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line runs directly to Kamakura in approximately 55 minutes and costs 940 yen. Covered by the R Pass guide) A convenient option if you are staying near the Shinjuku guide or the Shibuya guide.
Odakyu Line option (for Enoshima combined trip)
From Shinjuku, the Odakyu Enoshima Line to Katase-Enoshima takes about 70 minutes. Combining the Enoshima guide with Kamakura in one day is popular: take the Odakyu to Enoshima, then the Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) back toward Kamakura for the coastal temple circuit.
Step-by-Step Directions
JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station:
Step 1: At Tokyo Station, follow signs for the JR Yokosuka or Sobu-Yokosuka Line. The platform is in the basement section of Tokyo Station.
Step 2: Board a train toward Kurihama, Zushi, or Kamakura, and get off at Kamakura Station in about 1 hour.
Step 3: Exit Kamakura Station. The east exit leads to the main shopping street (Komachi-dori) toward Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The west exit is for the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) area, via a 20-minute bus ride or a 30-minute walk.
Cost
JR Yokosuka Line: 940 yen. Covered by JR Pass.
JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line: 940 yen from Shinjuku. Covered by JR Pass.
Day Trip Plan for Kamakura
Morning: Great Buddha and Hasedera
From Kamakura Station, take the Enoden tram 3 stops to Hase Station. Walk to the Kotoku-in Great Buddha (the famous 13.35-metre bronze Buddha) and then Hasedera Temple with its sea views and hydrangea garden (excellent in June). Allow 2 hours.
Midday: Komachi-dori Street
Return to the Amakura Station area and explore the Komachi-dori shopping street for snacks (rice crackers, sweet red bean cakes) and lunch.
Afternoon: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Temples
Walk the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura’s main Shinto shrine. Continue to Kencho-ji and Engakuji for mountain-temple atmospheres.
For the full Kamakura sightseeing guide, see the Kamakura guide. For combining with the Yokohama guide, both are on the same JR Yokosuka Line, making a combined day very easy. See the Tokyo to Yokohama guide.
Nearby Guides
- Kamakura guide
- Yokohama guide
- Enoshima guide
- Tokyo day trips
- Tokyo 5-day itinerary
- JR Pass guide
- Suica card guide
FAQ
Can I visit Kamakura and Yokohama in one day from Tokyo?
Yes. Both are on the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station. Visit Kamakura in the morning and early afternoon, then ride back toward Yokohama for the late afternoon and evening. See the Tokyo-to-Yokohama guide and the Kamakura guide.
When is the best time to visit Kamakura?
Spring for cherry blossoms (late March to early April). Autumn for foliage (mid-November). June for the famous Meigetsuin hydrangeas. Winter is quiet and good for the temples, with no crowds. See the Japan cherry blossom guide and Japan autumn foliage guide.
Is Kamakura worth a full day from Tokyo?
Yes. The Great Buddha, Hasedera, the coastal Enoden tram circuit, and the wooded mountain temples easily fill a full day. Combining Kamakura with Enoshima (see Enoshima guide) is also excellent for those who want coastal scenery alongside the temples.
