Introduction
Like the famous Slam Dunk scene running through a hot court, Kamakura is the real-life setting of the manga SLAM DUNK, widely known for the iconic line 'My left hand is just for support'.
Also, Enoshima, the closest beach area to Tokyo, is a popular summer getaway where many Tokyo locals come to enjoy swimming and surfing.
If you do not plan to visit Enoshima, it is also a good idea to plan an efficient itinerary that combines Kamakura and Yokohama by using TourCast’s local tip introduced in the Yokohama guide.
Compare 3 key passes for efficient travel
1) Enoshima Kamakura Freepass
- Based on departure from Shinjuku Station
- 1 round trip between Shinjuku and Fujisawa(藤沢) Station
- Unlimited rides between Fujisawa and Katase-Enoshima Station
- Unlimited rides on the entire Enoden line
2) Tokyu (東急) Enoshima Kamakura Freepass
- Based on departure from Shibuya Station
- 1 round trip between Shibuya and Chuo-Rinkan(中央林間) Station
- Unlimited rides between Chuo-Rinkan and Fujisawa
- Unlimited rides on Enoden
- If you are not staying near Shibuya, there is little benefit, and it requires one more transfer than the pass above, so it is less recommended.
3) Recommended route with the Enoshima Kamakura Freepass
Based on departure from Shinjuku
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At the Odakyu Travel Service Center at Shinjuku Station, buy the 'Enoshima Kamakura Freepass'.
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Take the Odakyu Line Express train to Fujisawa(藤沢) Station.
- If you also buy the Romancecar limited express ticket (700 yen one-way), you can ride without transfers all the way to Katase-Enoshima.
- Romancecar timetable
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From Fujisawa Station, take the Odakyu Line to Katase-Enoshima Station, or take the Enoden to Enoshima Station
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Walk to Shin-Enoshima Aquarium and explore Enoshima Island
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Ride the Enoden and get off at Kamakura-Kokomae(鎌倉高校前) Station to see the Slam Dunk location
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Ride again and get off at Hase(長谷) Station to visit Kotoku-in Temple and the Kamakura Great Buddha(殿高徳院)
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Travel from Hase Station to Kamakura Station and visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
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Finally, take the Enoden back to Fujisawa Station, then take the Odakyu Express back to Shinjuku.
If you use the Enoshima Kamakura Freepass, there is no direct route back to Shinjuku from Kamakura, and you must return via Fujisawa Station.
Enoshima main ticket sets
1) Enoshima Sea Candle Set Ticket
- This set includes admission to the Escar (Enoshima escalator), Samuel Cocking Garden, and the Sea Candle observation tower.
- You can buy this set at the Escar entrance.
2) Enoshima 1-Day Pass
- This all-in-one pass includes the Escar, Samuel Cocking Garden, Sea Candle observation tower, and the Iwaya Caves.
- You can also buy this pass at the Escar entrance.
- Since it is sold only from 09:00 to 16:00, it is best to visit with enough time.
Enoshima, the island of sea and legends
江之島
1) Shin-Enoshima Aquarium
Known as a filming location for the Japanese drama 'Ryusei(流星)', Shin-Enoshima Aquarium is popular as a date spot for couples.
They also run dolphin shows and diving shows, so it is best to visit after checking the show schedule in advance.
- Opening hours: last entry 1 hour before closing
- March to November: 09:00 to 17:00
- December to February: 10:00 to 17:00
- Closed: Open daily (may close temporarily for maintenance)
- 3 minutes on foot from Katase-Enoshima Station / 10 minutes on foot from Enoshima Station
2) Enoshima Beach
In summer, many Tokyo locals visit this beach, and it is known for its strong sunlight.
On clear days, you can sometimes see Mt. Fuji in the distance.
3) Enoshima Escar
Escar (ESCAR) is a paid escalator that lets you go up the hill quickly instead of walking.
With Escar it takes about 4 minutes, while walking takes about 20 minutes.
- Opening hours: 09:00 to 20:00 (last entry 19:30)
- Closed: Open daily (may close temporarily depending on weather)
4) Samuel Cocking Garden
This is Enoshima’s main flower garden, full of blooms in spring. It was first created in the late 19th century by Samuel Cocking, a British merchant.
- Opening hours: 09:00 to 20:00 (last entry 19:30)
- Closed: Open daily
- Free entry until 17:00
5) Enoshima Sea Candle observation tower
From this candle-shaped observation tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Enoshima and the Pacific Ocean.
- Opening hours: 09:00 to 20:00 (last entry 19:30)
- Closed: Open daily
- If you enter after 17:00, Samuel Cocking Garden requires a separate admission fee
6) Lover's Hill(恋人の丘) and the Bell of Dragon Love (龍恋の鐘)
At Lover’s Hill, you will find the Bell of Dragon Love, often called a love bell.
A local belief says that if a couple rings the bell together and attaches a padlock, their love will last forever. Many couples still visit this spot today.
This kind of place is linked to a local legend.
Long ago, a five-headed dragon lived here and troubled the local people. One day, clouds came down over the sea and a heavenly maiden appeared. When the clouds cleared, Enoshima was created.
The dragon fell in love and proposed, but was rejected because of its bad deeds. Later, it was reborn as a kind dragon and married the maiden.
After the dragon died, the legend says that Ryukozan(龍口山) across from Enoshima became a mountain created so it could keep looking toward the maiden.
Because of this legend, Enoshima is seen as a romantic place for couples. Even today, many visitors ring the bell and attach a padlock to wish for lasting love.
7) Iwaya Caves
There is a 152 m Cave 1 and a 56 m Cave 2, and they are not connected. You receive a candle at the entrance, and you can explore the caves like an adventure walk.
Deep inside, there is a sculpture of the dragon god from the legend. Note that there may be a visitor limit.
- Opening hours: 09:00 to 17:00 (varies by season)
- Closed: Open daily (may close temporarily due to weather)
8) Chigogafuchi(稚児ヶ淵)
This is a coastal rocky area that rose up during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, and it is a natural site that shows the power of the quake.
It is especially known for its beautiful sunsets, and it was selected as one of Kanagawa Prefecture’s Top 50 scenic spots.
9) Bentenmaru
If you feel it is tiring to walk back after sightseeing in Enoshima, you can take a boat from Bentenmaru Pier to Bentenbashi Pier. It is a short cruise of about 10 minutes that helps you save energy.
- Small “tonton” boat-style vessel
- Service may be suspended depending on weather conditions
Kamakura: where tradition meets modern life
鎌倉
1) Kamakura-Kokomae
The railway crossing near Kamakura High School, the model for Ryonan High School in the anime 'Slam Dunk', is a famous photo spot where you can capture the Enoden train passing with the sea in the background.
So many people visit Kamakura just to take this photo that it has become one of the most iconic symbols of a Kamakura trip.
2) Kamakura Great Buddha
Kotoku-in Temple(高徳院) is one of Kamakura’s best-known temples, and it is home to the Kamakura Great Buddha, a bronze statue about 11 meters tall.
However, the construction date and original purpose are not clearly known, and the temple’s history also has very few surviving records.
The statue was originally inside a Great Buddha Hall, but after a past tsunami destroyed the building, it has remained outdoors as it is today.
The statue shows Song-style (宋風) features from the Kamakura period, such as the ushnisha, flat facial form, slightly forward posture, and head proportions, and it is designated as a National Treasure of Japan.
- Opening hours: last entry 15 minutes before closing
- April to September: 08:00 to 17:30
- October to March: 08:00 to 17:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Inside the Great Buddha: separate fee 50 yen
3) Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
鶴岡八幡宮
Founded in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi as a shrine modeled after Kyoto’s Iwashimizu Hachimangu, it was expanded and moved to its current location in 1180 by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate.
The main hall enshrines Emperor Ojin (応神天皇), worshipped as the Hachiman deity, together with his parents, Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu.
- Empress Jingu is said to have led a campaign to conquer the Three Kingdoms of Korea.
In Shinto, Hachiman is revered as a guardian deity, and the shrine has long served as Kamakura’s spiritual center.
- Opening hours
- April to September: 05:00 to 21:00
- October to March: 06:00 to 17:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Admission: Free