Town in Kanagawa, Japan
Kamakura
Zen temples, the Great Buddha, hiking trails and surf beaches an hour from Tokyo. Easy as a day trip or a calm base; weekends and hydrangea season are crowded, and nights are quiet.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,580–2,220Comfortable, one person · ¥250,000–350,000Details
- Value for money62/100Better value than 61% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 31°CDetails
- Air quality10.9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · ModerateDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink; most restaurants serve free water or tea.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$19–51Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundJR Yokosuka and Shonan-Shinjuku linesWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and IC cards work at stations and chains; small temples, snack stalls, beach cafés and older shops still want cash.Details
Where to stay in Kamakura
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kamakura Station area | Shops, restaurants and trains; easiest base for visitors |
| Hase–Yuigahama | Great Buddha, Enoden line and a short walk to the beach |
| Kita-Kamakura | Quiet temple district with forest paths |
| Shichirigahama–Inamuragasaki | Surfers and sea views along the Enoden line |
Apps that work in Kamakura
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Limited area around the station and Zaimokuza |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: Taxis wait at Kamakura Station but traffic is slow on weekends. Ride apps have few cars here; use the train or hail a taxi.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and IC cards work at stations and chains; small temples, snack stalls, beach cafés and older shops still want cash.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.