How to Get Around Kamakura: A Local’s Transportation Guide

The main ways to get around Kamakura are the Enoden Train, local buses, rental bicycles, walking, and in some cases, rental cars.

Kamakura is a compact city nestled between mountains and the sea, but the best mode of transport varies completely depending on the area.
As a local living in Kamakura, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the city comfortably and efficiently!

Before diving into the details, let’s quickly look at the four main areas of Kamakura.

1. The 4 Main Travel Areas in Kamakura

Kamakura’s attractions are generally divided into these four distinct areas:

• Kita-Kamakura Area: A quiet, nature-rich area home to historic Zen temples.

• Kamakura Station Area: The bustling downtown hub featuring street food on Komachi Street and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

• Hase & Gokurakuji Area: A must-visit area packed with famous spots like the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple.

• Coastal (Shonan Beach) Area: A scenic coastline including Shichirigahama and Kamakura-Koko-Mae.

2. Area-by-Area Guide & Local Transportation Tips

🌿Kita-Kamakura Area: Best Explored on Foot

For the Kita-Kamakura area, walking is your best option.
There are no trains connecting the local temples, and buses are infrequent.
The roads are very narrow, and there is almost no parking for cars or bicycles, making driving or cycling impractical here.

• Accessing Major Spots: Engaku-ji Temple and Meigetsuin Temple (the Hydrangea Temple) are located right near Kita-Kamakura Station. However, Kencho-ji Temple is a 20-minute walk from the station, which can feel a bit far.

• Local Tip (Taxis): If you prefer not to walk to Kencho-ji, you might want a taxi. However, there is no taxi stand at Kita-Kamakura Station. It is much easier to catch a taxi from the neighboring "Kamakura Station" or use a ridesharing app like GO.

🚃Kamakura Station Area: Walking (+ Buses in Summer)

The central hub around Komachi Street and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine gets very crowded.
Walking is the most efficient way to get around.
There are plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants along the way, so you can easily take a break whenever you feel tired.

• Heading to the Beach (Zaimokuza or Yuigahama): Walking from Kamakura Station to the coast takes about 20 minutes. Summers in Japan (July–August) can be extremely hot and humid, so taking a local bus to the beach is highly recommended to stay comfortable!

🌸Hase & Gokurakuji Area: Enoden Train or Bus

To visit this area, taking the Enoden Train or a local bus is the way to go.

• The Enoden Train Experience: Riding the Enoden is an exciting experience, as the train passes incredibly close to local residential houses. Please note that during peak tourist seasons and weekend afternoons, it can become so crowded that boarding restrictions are occasionally put in place.

• The Bus Alternative: Buses take slightly longer than the train, but they are generally less crowded, making them a great alternative if you want to avoid the train crowds.

• Avoid Bicycles to Gokurakuji: While the ride from Kamakura Station to Hase is flat and easy on a rental bike, the path from Hase to Gokurakuji has a steep uphill climb. Standard rental bicycles are not recommended for this route.

• Local Tip: If the weather is cool (Spring/Autumn), try walking from Hase to Gokurakuji. You’ll get a true sense of the local lifestyle, beautiful nature, and discover hidden shops that most tourists completely miss.

🌊 Coastal Area (Inamuragasaki, Shichirigahama, Kamakura-Koko-Mae): Enoden or Rental Car

Since it’s too far to walk from Kamakura Station, you should use the Enoden Train or consider a rental car for a scenic drive.
Route 134 runs right along the beach, and driving with the ocean view right outside your window is incredibly refreshing.

• Local Tip (Scenic Coastal Walk): During pleasant seasons, walking from Inamuragasaki Station toward Enoshima along the coast is absolutely beautiful. Both Inamuragasaki and Enoshima have wonderful hot spring (Onsen) facilities, making it the perfect final stop to relax your feet after a long day of exploring.

3. Smart Money & Travel Hacks for Kamakura

• Can I use IC Cards (Suica/PASMO)? Yes! You can use tap-to-pay IC cards like Suica and PASMO on the Enoden Train and all major local buses.
  Just make sure to charge your card beforehand so you don't have to wait in line to buy paper tickets.

• Get the Enoden 1-Day Pass (Noriori-kun) If you plan to hop on and off the Enoden Train three or more times in one day, buying the "Noriori-kun" 1-Day Pass (800 JPY for adults) is the cheapest and most convenient option.

Summary

Most locals and travel-savvy visitors explore Kamakura by combining walking with the Enoden Train or local buses.

Kamakura's streets are historically narrow, and traffic jams can get heavy on weekends.
If you do choose to rent a car, we highly recommend choosing a subcompact or compact car for easier maneuvering, and planning your drive outside of peak afternoon hours.

Choose the best transportation style that fits your pace, and have an amazing, comfortable time exploring Kamakura!