While en route to my very first visit to Japan, I saw this movie available for an in flight movie to watch. During my first flight to Japan, I watched "Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura" in flight and this was the first time I have ever heard of Kamakura. The impression from this movie left me captivated by its atmosphere and it gave me the impression that Kamakura was a magical place with lots of adventure and charm. From then on I learned that Kamakura was one of my top places to visit in Japan.
I highly recommend watching, "Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura". It is all in Japanese but I believe it does have English subtitles. If you're into Harry Potter, I think you'll like this movie for the creatures and the fantasy features of it too. From this movie on my first flight to Japan, I knew immediately it was my destiny to visit Kamakura.
If you plan to head to Japan anytime soon or in the future, checking out Kamakura, Japan might be a possible destination for you to check out! Kamakura is in the Kanagawa Prefecture just south of Tokyo Prefecture! When I went to Kamakura, I was overwhelmed with how many places that are to be seen but I have put together some places to check out plus food spots to try if you are hungry that hopefully will be of useful tips for you all!
Top Places to Check out in Kamakura And Top Food Spots To Try
1. Hokokuji Temple
Upon entering here, 700 Yen will get you into the bamboo forest and give you access to a delicious green tea delicacy. Located in the Kamakura Bamboo Garden, it is one of the Zen temples where Moso bamboo grows and if you love matcha or green tea you will be delighted to check out the green tea they serve there where you can sit and drink your green tea while viewing the amazing bamboo forest! It is truly a spectacular scene to see and I highly recommend to all!
Kamakura Bamboo Forest/Garden
Kamakura Bamboo Garden Green Tea
2. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine ( 鶴岡八幡宮 )
This shrine is located about 5 minutes from the Kamakura station and is the very first shrine I experienced when visiting Kamakura my first time. The very first time I visited here I saw a traditional Japanese wedding and this is one of the most notorious notable sights to see in Kamakura.
3. Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
The second time I visited Kamakura, I got to experience this shrine and this was such a unique experience! Here you can experience the sacred water, that is supposedly, one idea is that if you wash your money with this water, your money will increase! Here I took a photo of a dragon stone carving at the Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine, popularly known simply as Zeniarai Benten, which is a Shinto shrine in Kamakura
This shrine is a must see because it is one of the most famous shrines in Kamakura.
4. Komachi-Dori (鎌倉小町通り
Komachi-Dori is filled with lovely souvenir stores to check out, as well as many various food spots and cafes to try.
5. Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store)
Highly recommended place to shop for studio ghibli fans. This store is an official store of Studio Ghibli which has over 30 branches across Japan and this branch is located in Kamakura City.
6. Hasedera Temple Kamakura : Hasedera Temple and the Giant Buddha
Top 8 Food Spots to try in Kamakura
This noodle house is a must try in Kamakura and take into consideration that their menu is also limited to vegetarian options, except is soba or udon in various soup broths (tsukimi, natto, sensai, hiyshi sansai, etc.). Kencho-ji (one of Japan’s earliest Zen temples) is directly across the street from this food spot.
Address: 1531 Yamanouchi (right across from the Kenchoji Temple)
2. Wasabo Kamakura Sakura no Yumemiya (和茶房 鎌倉さくらの夢見屋)
3. Kamakura Chacha (鎌倉茶々):
This is about a 10 minute walk from Kamakura station and it is one of the finest Matcha leaves from Shizuoka Prefecture. You can choose the matcha level you want from level 1 to 5! Gelato is about 450 Yen or soft ice cream is about 500 yen.
Kamakura Chacha | Matcha Ice Cream/ Gelato
Kamakura Chacha | Matcha Ice cream/ Gelato
4. Loco Moco
If you are in the mood for contemporary Hawaiian food, Loco Moco is the place to try for this food spot that can be found in Kamakura! Loco Moco, originating from Hawaii, and well-known as "Hawaii's most famous food", features contemporary Hawaiian cuisine. The traditional loco moco is made of white rice, topped with a hamburg, a fried egg, along with brown gravy. Walking alo
5. Kisetsu Ryori Ara Tama :
Kaiseki Restaurant Located Near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Komachi Dori
If you are in the mood for a nice traditional Japanese restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere that is close to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, then this place might be for you to try. The food is high quality for a decent price. I highly recommend this restaurant, as well as those with children! This restaurants atmosphere is similar to the garden of Kamakura, very calm and relaxing.
6. Udon Kamakura Miyoshi
7. Kamakura no Soto Cafe
This is an animal cafe (playful shiba dogs)