Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥3,500–5,000 | ¥8,000–15,000 |
| Food | ¥1,500–2,500 | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| Transport | ¥800–1,500 | ¥1,500–2,500 |
| Activities | ¥500–1,500 | ¥2,000–3,500 |
| Daily Total | ¥6,300–10,500 | ¥14,500–26,000 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most Western nationalities receive 90-day visa-free entry to Japan. Visit Japan Web registration is required for immigration and customs before arrival
- Kamakura is 57 minutes from Tokyo Station via JR Yokosuka Line (940 yen) or 60 minutes from Shinjuku via Shonan-Shinjuku Line
- The Enoden Line connects Kamakura to Hase (Great Buddha), Enoshima, and the coastal beaches — runs every 12 minutes
Health & Safety
- Japan is extremely safe — Kamakura has virtually no crime risk for tourists. Earthquakes are the main natural hazard; follow hotel evacuation guidance
- Pharmacies (kusuri) stock most common medications. Japanese cold medicines differ from Western equivalents — ask the pharmacist for recommendations
- Free Wi-Fi at Kamakura Station and major temples. Summer heat (July–August) is intense and humid — carry water and take breaks in shaded temple grounds
Getting Around
- Kamakura is walkable — the main temple clusters are within 30 minutes on foot from the station. The Enoden tram covers the coast and western sites
- Buses run from Kamakura Station to eastern temples (Hokoku-ji, Zuisen-ji) — 200 yen flat fare, pay on exit with IC card or coins
- Taxis are metered, clean, and reliable but expensive (starting fare 500 yen). Useful for reaching Kita-Kamakura if you don't want to walk the trail
Connectivity
- Prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs from providers like Mobal, IIJmio, or Ubigi available at airports — 3GB for 30 days costs about 1,500–3,000 yen
- Free Wi-Fi is limited in Kamakura outside the station and major venues. A pocket Wi-Fi rental (500–1,000 yen/day) is more reliable than public Wi-Fi
- Google Maps works excellently in Japan for train times, walking routes, and restaurant finding — download offline maps for Kamakura before arriving
Money
- Japan is increasingly cashless but Kamakura temples, small shops, and market stalls are still cash-heavy. Carry at least ¥5,000 in cash daily
- ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept international cards with no surcharge. Withdraw in yen — declining the conversion to avoid poor exchange rates
- IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work for trains, convenience stores, and vending machines — load them at any station and they double as a digital wallet
Packing Tips
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — Kamakura involves temple steps, hiking trails, and cobblestone streets. Leave heels and flip-flops at the hotel
- Pack a compact umbrella year-round — Kamakura gets sudden showers, and June is rainy season (tsuyu). A rain jacket is useful for hiking trails
- Temples require removing shoes — wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Cold temple floors in winter make warm socks essential
Cultural tips
Temple & Shrine Etiquette
At shrines, bow before the torii gate, wash hands at the temizuya, throw a coin (5 yen is lucky), bow twice, clap twice, bow once. At temples, bow and place hands together without clapping. Remove shoes wherever indicated.
Quiet Spaces
Japanese temples are active religious sites, not museums. Keep voices low, don't point at statues, and ask before photographing interiors. Many Zen temples prohibit photography in the main halls entirely.
Walking Manners
Walk on the left side of paths and escalators. Don't eat while walking — find a bench or designated eating area. Street food stalls expect you to eat at their counter, not while strolling Komachi-dori.
Cash & Tipping
Japan has no tipping culture — leaving a tip can cause confusion or embarrassment. Simply say "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for the meal) when leaving a restaurant. Pay at the register, not at the table.
Rubbish Etiquette
Public rubbish bins are rare in Japan. Carry a small bag for your waste and dispose of it at your accommodation or at convenience stores. Littering is considered extremely rude.
