As the former stronghold of the Minamoto clan and later Hojo Regents during the ‘Kamakura Period’ of 1192 to 1333, the city of Kamakura is one of Japan’s most historic and popular destinations. It boasts multiple temples and shrines of national importance including its celebrated ‘Kamakura Gozan’ or ‘Five Great Zen Temples’, Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine and perhaps most-famously, the ‘Great Buddha of Kamakura’.

Hase Station is only 4 minutes by train from Kamakura Station and is convenient area to stay given its proximity to Kotoku-in and the ‘Great Buddha of Kamakura’, Hasedera and other temples – all of which are within walking distance of the station. Much like the area around Kamakura Station, in this area you’ll find a range of accommodation options ranging from high-end ‘ryokan’ (traditional guesthouses), mid-range hotels and budget lodgings.

To the southeast of Hase Station, the area around Yuigama and Zaikmokuza beaches offer a lot of accommodation given their popularity with Japanese as a summer destination. As such, most accommodation in the area caters to the domestic market ranging from large hotels to basic / budget lodgings. While all of these should be comfortable enough for international visitors, they aren’t the most convenient for accessing the temples and shrines as their location is determined by proximity to the beaches. Nevertheless, should you wish to stay in the area, you can find some decent options especially outside of summer when prices should be notably lower.