Just one hour by train from Tokyo, Kamakura feels completely different than Tokyo. It is a charming seaside town full of history, culture, and tiny delights around every corner.

Stepping off Kamakura Station, we wandered down Komachi Street, a lively lane packed with shops and food stalls. Komachi‑dōri starts right by the east exit of Kamakura Station and is marked by a red torii gate.

From handcrafted fans and delicate jewelry to the best matcha ice cream we ever tasted, this street is a treasure trove for wanderers and shoppers alike. Everywhere you look, you’ll find little gems: chopsticks, beads, knives, traditional clothing, and handmade souvenirs. We couldn’t say no to the gemstone bracelets, each one with its own meaning, like a talisman you could wear on your wrist and carry a little magic with you all day. Gemstone bracelets might not be ‘traditional Japanese,’ but wearing stones for luck, protection, or meaning fits perfectly into Japan’s modern mix of spirituality and culture.

Our Shopping tip: Don’t just stick to the main street; also explore the side alleys for craft shops and lots of local artisan goods.

With so many tempting bites along the way, choosing just one was a challenge, but we went for grilled seafood sticks and ice-cold Japanese cider. They were smoky, juicy, and absolutely irresistible. Lots of these food stalls take cash only, so be prepared. The Komachi street is pretty narrow and full of both locals and visitors, so it’s polite to avoid eating while walking. If you have a snack or ice cream and can’t find a seat, just pause in a quiet corner and enjoy it.

After a little shopping spree, we caught a bus to Hōkokuji Bamboo Garden, a quiet grove of about 2,000 towering moso bamboo stalks. Founded in 1334 by the Zen monk Tengan Eko to honor Ashikaga Ietoki, Hōkokuji Temple belongs to the Rinzai Zen tradition. The towering bamboo stalks swayed gently in the summer breeze, creating a soothing symphony of rustling leaves above our heads. Sunlight filtered through the green canopy, casting playful patterns on the stone paths.

We instantly felt a shift in the world around us. It was quiet, almost meditative, a perfect escape from the city bustle. We wandered slowly, pausing for photos, but also taking a moment to simply breathe. Along the paths, you find interesting stone figures, like they are quietly watching over the forest and adding a sense of magic to the atmosphere.

Next up was the iconic Buddha Daibutsu. The Great Buddha of Kamakura, a bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha, is the main image of Kōtoku-in Temple. Cast in 1252 during the Kamakura period, it stands about 13 meters tall and weighs an impressive 121 tons.

The bus ride there was quick, and stepping onto the grounds hit us with this amazing, almost awe-struck atmosphere. The statue itself is breathtakingly massive, soaring over the temple courtyard. You could feel it radiating a quiet and timeless power. Even with crowds all around, we carved out our own little bubble to take in Buddha’s massive presence. You could feel it radiating a quiet and timeless power. Of course, we found the perfect spot for a photo. Even you had to be really quick, we were able to capture the Buddha’s serene presence against the blue summer sky. We lingered just a little longer, humbled by history and artistry.

From there, a quick 15-minute stroll landed us at the shoreline. The wind whipped around us, so we didn’t linger too long, but that was fine, because we spotted a cute beach restaurant called Seedless.

We grabbed ice-cold beers and nachos - classic Japanese cuisine ;) - and kicked back, taking in the view of the beach and sea.

For the way back to the main train station, we took the nostalgic little train, called Enoden line, that runs from Fujisawa Station and Kamakura Station since 1902. Riding the Enoden felt a little bit like stepping back in time, a slow, seaside glide past shrines and sleepy streets that capture Kamakura’s charm.

Kamakura was the perfect mix of history, nature, and lively seaside energy. It was a day that reminded us why venturing just a little outside the city of Tokyo can feel like discovering a whole side of Japan.