Though Kamakura is easy to navigate and explore on foot, the hills and slopes of the coastal town can drain your energy in a matter of hours. Regain your vigor and enthusiasm by sampling appetizing local fare – from the savory Japanese curry in central Kamakura to crispy squid snacks in the island of Enoshima.
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Naturally, due to the prefecture’s location, there’s plenty of dishes and snacks made of seafood caught from Sagami Bay, such as the popular shirasu or whitebait. We recommend going on a food exploration, an opportunity to savor local delicacies and mingle with friendly locals turned entrepreneurs who make sure travelers with a big appetite leave their town satisfied.
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Try the most popular Japanese curry rice
Popular among students probably because of its budget-friendly prices, Callaway キャラウェイJapanese Curry Restaurant’s selection of delectable curry sauces and the huge portion of rice are worth the 20-minute wait during peak times. While most Japanese dining spots have counters for solo diners, this cozy dining space mainly has tables for four, so bigger groups need not worry.
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03
Cool down with a scoop of gelato
Located minutes away from Hase-dera Temple, rest your legs and take a break with a cup of cappuccino or a scoop of a refreshing gelato flavor you’ve never tried before. The Aquadina Gelato & Café on the left side of the road leading to the Great Buddha is hard to miss because of their al fresco seats and big outdoor signs in English.
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04
Drink coffee brewed in a van
If you have a thing for food trucks, Idobata Coffee will catch your eye a few minutes after getting down at Hase station. Have your drip coffee prepared by the owner in front of you at this little coffee stand from the back of a van. You may also sit on the benches next to the truck and browse his collection of books and magazines.
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05
Eat gourmet sausages before or after your train ride
Grab a quick bite at the 腸詰屋 鎌倉西口店 Choudumeya Grilled Sausage, a gourmet deli and diner offering a wide selection of gourmet German sausages, salami, microbrewed beer, and more. Try the juicy parsley sausage sandwich and down it with a cold glass of locally brewed Shonan beer – the perfect way to start or cap off your day trip.
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06
Grab a purple sweet potato croquette
Along the bustling Komachi-dori street, you’ll find a rugged wooden stall called Torikoya 鳥小屋 selling an assortment of hot and crispy croquettes, attracting both locals and tourists. At only 200 yen a piece, the purple sweet potato is a big hit, but if you have a big appetite, then try the the meat, black sesame, chocolate matcha (green tea), yuzu (lemon) and ume-shiso (plum and herb) croquette too.
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07
Eat shirasu-don
Because of their location, Kamakura and Shonan areas are famous for shirasu, usually caught in the Sagami Bay from April to December. The most popular dish is the shirashu-don, a bowl of steamed rice topped with a heap of boiled or raw shirasu.
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08
Chug down a Buddha beer
If seeing the iconic Daibutsu (Great Buddha) is in your itinerary, then having a locally brewed beer inspired by this massive statue should naturally be on your list. Found in many izakayas (pubs) and the Sagamiya Liquor Store, which offers a wide selection of craft beers from the Shonan area and other parts of Japan, the light Buddha beer is perfect for washing down all the fried delicacies you’ll have throughout your journey.
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09
Have a tako senbei
One of the must-tries for foodies is the tako senbei or rice crackers made of fresh octopus coated in batter then fried in a hot press in front of customers. Shell out 250 yen to enjoy this local, exotic delicacy inserted in a white sleeve with an octopus logo. These crispy snacks are sold in wooden stalls on the streets of Kamakura and nearby Enoshima island.
- 腸詰屋鎌倉西口
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- 神奈川県鎌倉市御成町12-5
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- 0467334986
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Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura
1-8-1 Komachi Kamakura
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