Accessible as a day-trip from Tokyo, the ancient city of Kamakura has always been one of Japan's most popular tourist spots. Kamakura is a nature-blessed area where fresh air abounds, with a spiritual and historical ambience that will help refresh your mind and soul.
You can take a train from Tokyo Station to Kamakura, but it’s a long ride which won’t be too comfortable if you can’t find a seat. If possible, we suggest you take the first train leaving Tokyo Station on the Yokosuka Line, which will allow you to reach Kamakura Station without changing trains and give you more chance of finding a seat.
Also, be aware that sightseeing spots in Kamakura are scattered around and have some distance between them, so it’s best to plan ahead and map out the most efficient train and bus routes to get around the area.
Below are some tips on the best ways to get to Kamakura from Tokyo Station, as well as some surprisingly unknown deals that are recommended for sightseeing in Kamakura.
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First, go to the JR Yokosuka Line platform in Tokyo Station
![Tokyo Station]()
Tokyo Station
The most common route from Tokyo to Kamakura is to use the JR Yokosuka Line, which departs from Tokyo Station (there are also more expensive rapid express trains). As with many of Tokyo’s biggest stations, finding the right train line and platform at Tokyo Station isn’t that simple as the station is huge, thus it’s quite easy to get lost by taking one wrong turn.
Therefore, be sure to check the map of the station below to confirm the location of the platform you need to go to. If in doubt, ask the station staff for help once you are at the station.
JR Tokyo Station Map:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e1039.html
In order to make your transfer at Tokyo Station as smooth as possible, it is recommended that, if possible, you come into Tokyo station using another JR line train (Tokyo has different train companies beside JR, and their train lines are located in different areas of the station).![To Marunouchi Central Exit]()
To Marunouchi Central Exit
When you arrive at Tokyo Station, first look for the stairs labeled "Marunouchi Central Exit". Go down the stairs to the central corridor and proceed further in the direction indicated by the "Marunouchi Central Exit/Yokosuka/Sobu Line" signs; be sure to stay on the lookout for these signs, miss just one sign and you’ll probably get lost!
![To Yokosuka Line Platform]()
To Yokosuka Line Platform
After heading along the corridor for a while, you will see the main central entrance of Marunouchi.
Go down to the floor below using the escalator or stairs.
You’ll then see another escalator with "Yokosuka Line/Sobu Line Rapid" displayed on the front. This escalator is actually quite long, so take this extra time into account for your travel plans. -
02
Get to the Platform early to get a seat
![JR Yokosuka Line]()
JR Yokosuka Line
There are only around six Yokosuka Line trains from Tokyo in the morning on weekends. Our little trick to ensure you get a seat on the train is to get to the platform early, skip the first train that comes (unless you are already at the front of the waiting line), then because most people boarded the prior train you’ll be at or near the front of the queue for the next train, hopefully giving you a near enough guarantee of sitting down.
Considering it takes about an hour from Tokyo to Kamakura, which is a long time to stand, and more-so if you have transfers in between, we do suggest to try your best to find a seat.
A bonus too is that if you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use this route for free.
Time required: About 1 hour
Fare: 940 yen -
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Arriving at Kamakura
![Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine]()
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
After arriving at Kamakura Station, take the East exit and head for Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, one of the most famous places in Kamakura and its most important Shinto shrine
Starting near the station’s East exit, and heading towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, you’ll find Komachi Dori, a shopping and food street featuring things like gourmet food places, cafes and souvenir shops. Simply walking along the street makes for an interesting experience in itself, so it’s an area worth devoting some time to when in Kamakura..![Teaven’s strong Uji Matcha Tea]()
Teaven’s strong Uji Matcha Tea
Please note, if heading for the Enoden train line, you’ll need to take Kamakura Station’s West Exit.
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04
Kamakura’s sightseeing convenient “Kamakura Free Environment Bill"
![Enoden]()
Enoden
Kamakura is dotted with many sightseeing spots, such as the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the Great Buddha, and famous temples and shrines.
If you take a look at a sightseeing map of Kamakura, you’ll notice that most sightseeing spots are located some distance away from each other.
Therefore, if you want to check out a number of sights, you’ll need an efficient means to get from A to B easily.
The answer to that are the route buses which connect the major sightseeing spots in the Kamakura area, and the Kamakura Free Environment Bill, a pass that allows you unlimited use of the Enoden buses and trains for a small upfront fee.![Enoden Kamakura Station]()
Enoden Kamakura Station
The pass is sold at the Kamakura City Tourist Information Center at the JR Kamakura Station’s East exit and at Enoden Kamakura Station. The cost is an affordable 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.
The pass also entitles you to special discounts at temples and shrines, so we strongly recommend purchasing one. -
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Japan Route Finder & Calculator：To Kamakura
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Official web：Japan Route Finder & Calculator：To Kamakura
Go here
