Kamakura is a beautiful city where Japanese history and nature coexist in harmony, attracting many travelers from both Japan and abroad. It is also well-known as a popular sightseeing destination that is easily accessible from Tokyo. In this article, we’ll introduce the best ways to get from Tokyo to Kamakura and share some useful travel tips.
1. What Kind of City Is Kamakura?
Kamakura is a historic city full of attractions, including the Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu), Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, numerous beautiful temples, bamboo groves, and stunning seasonal nature. Along the Enoden Line, you can also enjoy breathtaking seaside views and a nostalgic retro atmosphere.
2. Main Transportation Options from Tokyo to Kamakura
１. By JR Train (The Most Convenient Way!)
Take the Shonan-Shinjuku Line or Yokosuka Line
- Tokyo Station / Shinagawa Station → Kamakura Station: Take the Yokosuka Line (approx. 55 minutes)
- Shinjuku Station → Kamakura Station: Take the Shonan-Shinjuku Line (approx. 60 minutes)
Fare: Less than 1,000 yen for adults
How to Buy a JR Ticket | From Tokyo to Kamakura
1. If You Buy Your Ticket at the Station
① Using a Ticket Vending Machine
- Go to a “Ticket Vending Machine (きっぷうりば)” inside the station.
- You can change the language on the screen to English and other languages.
- Enter your destination as “Kamakura,” or check the fare to Kamakura on the route map and select it.
- Select the number of tickets and the ticket type (adult or child).
- Insert your money (cash, credit card, or IC card is accepted) and receive your ticket.
② Tips
- If you have an IC card (Suica or PASMO), you can simply touch your card at the ticket gate to enter.
- If you are unsure how to use the machine, you can go to the ticket office with staff(“Midori-no-Madoguchi”) and say, “Kamakura, one ticket please,” and the staff will assist you.
Using an IC Card (Recommended!)
- Purchase an IC card such as “Suica” or “PASMO” at the station in advance and load it with credit.
- There is no need to buy a paper ticket—just touch your IC card at the ticket gate, and the fare will be automatically deducted.
- You can use the same IC card for the entire train journey from Tokyo to Kamakura.
２.Taking the Odakyu Line & Enoden (Recommended for Those Who Want to Enjoy the Scenery)
Another popular route from Shinjuku to Kamakura is to take the Odakyu Line and transfer to the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden). The appeal of this route is that after changing trains at Fujisawa Station, you can enjoy beautiful seaside views and nostalgic local scenery on your way to Kamakura. The Enoden in particular offers an up-close look at the Shonan coastline and everyday local life, making the journey itself a memorable part of your trip.
Shinjuku Station → Fujisawa Station: Take the Odakyu Line (about 50 minutes)
Fujisawa Station → Kamakura Station: Take the Enoden (about 35 minutes)
Total travel time: Approximately 85 minutes
How to Buy an Odakyu Line Ticket | From Shinjuku to Kamakura
① Using a Ticket Vending Machine
- Go to a “Ticket Vending Machine (きっぷうりば)” inside Shinjuku Station.
- You can change the language on the screen to English.
- First, select “Fujisawa” as your destination (at the Odakyu Line ticket machine).
- Select the number of tickets and the ticket type (adult or child).
- Insert your money (cash or credit card accepted) and receive your ticket.
- Use your ticket at the gate and board the Odakyu Line train.
② Transfer to the Enoden at Fujisawa Station
- After arriving at Fujisawa Station, go to the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) ticket machines (exit the gate once).
- Purchase a ticket for “Kamakura.”
- The Enoden ticket machines also offer English language support.
- Receive your ticket and go through the Enoden ticket gate.
- Board the Enoden and get off at the final stop, “Kamakura Station.”
③ Tips
- You can enjoy seaside and local town views from the Enoden windows.
- If you are unsure how to use the ticket machines, just ask a station staff member and say, “Kamakura, one ticket please.”
- You can also use IC cards for both the Odakyu Line and Enoden.
- Window seats on the right side of the Enoden (in the direction of travel) are especially popular.If you want to enjoy the ocean view, try to line up early.
３. By Bus or Car
There are also highway buses available, but they run less frequently than trains and may be delayed due to traffic jams, so they are not highly recommended.
If you go by car, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from central Tokyo. On weekends or during peak tourist seasons, you may encounter heavy traffic and have difficulty finding parking.
４. Useful Travel Tips & Advice
- Using an IC card (Suica or PASMO) saves you the trouble of buying tickets and is very convenient!
- Departing early in the morning helps you avoid crowds.
- Trains tend to get crowded in the late afternoon, so it’s best to head back early.
Summary
You can easily get from Tokyo to Kamakura with a direct train ride. Kamakura offers many ways to enjoy your visit, from its historic streets to the scenic Enoden railway with views of the sea.
We encourage you to take a trip from Tokyo to Kamakura and enjoy a special day in this unique city!