See Historic Kamakura: A One-Day Trip From Tokyo

1:00 PM: Have Lunch at Akimoto

Today we'll go to Akimoto, right beside Kamakura station. As a purveyor of Kamakura gourmet foods, here you can fully enjoy dishes that use their famous shirasu, or young sardines, and locally grown vegetables.

Our lunch recommendation is the Kamakura Zukushi (2160 yen, tax inclusive)! This exquisite dish allows you to taste both the young sardines and also tempura made using local vegetables. After you've filled yourself up with Kamakura's delicious specialty, you're ready for the next sightseeing spot.

2:00 PM: Hop on the Enoden!

From Kamakura station we'll use the Enoshima Electric Railway (referred to as Enoden from here on) to get around. The Enoden passes through the town of Kamakura and along the seaside on its way to Fujisawa station. Along this railway line there are also some noteworthy sightseeing spots.

Incidentally, when using the Enoden, it's economical to purchase a one day ticket called Nori Ori Kun; tickets for adults cost 600 yen and those for children are 300 Yen. All day you can get on and off the train at any station so give it a try.

First of all we get to Hase station, three stops from Kamakura.

5 minutes on foot from the station there is Hasedera Temple, a temple that's often called the "Flower Temple". In June the hydrangea flowers bloom and at the end of October the autumn leaves change color, so throughout the year you can enjoy the beauty of Kamakura's changing scenery.

Also just 5 minutes from Hase station is Kōtokuin Daibutsuden. Within the temple grounds is Kamakura Daibutsu, one of the three largest Buddha statues in Japan. You can also enter the statue and from the inside get a commanding view of the surrounding area.

4:00 PM: See a Japanese Anime Location

Continuing on our way, next we return to Hase station and take the Enoden four stops in the direction of Fujisawa station and get off at Kamakurakōkōmae station.

The area directly in front of the station is famous because it was used as the opening scene in the popular Japanese anime SLAM DUNK. This easily recognizable spot is often used in Japanese movies and TV dramas as well.

The ideal picture taking spot! As you recall scenes from your favorite anime you'll start wanting to take a photo too.

5:00 PM: See the Stunning Sunset at Inamuragasaki

With the sun slowly setting, off we head from Kamakurakokomae in the direction of Kamakura and make our way to Inamuragasaki station. A short 5 minute walk from the station is Inamuragasaki, a famous spot for watching sunsets.

When blessed with good weather, you might be able to see Mount Fuji off in the distance. Make no mistake, being able to see Mount Fuji and a beautiful sunset would be an unforgettable memory for anyone.

This is the stopping point for our one day Kamakura tour. We certainly traveled quite a distance today and saw many sights despite our limited time.

From anywhere in Tokyo you can make a one day trip to Kamakura. It's a place where you can get a glimpse of images from the past as well as see the area's natural beauty. So on your next visit to Kamakura don't forget to include some of MATCHA's suggestions when putting together your itinerary!

photos by PIXTA