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 a very small station, with basic amenities available. However, the area of Hase itself is a lively hub, full of shops, cafes and places to buy refreshments. It is also the home to the ‘Great Buddha of Kamakura’, and Hasedera Temple, making Hase a popular and busy spot for both domestic and international tourists. Both of the temples are within easy walking distance from the station and each other. It takes approximately 8 – 10 minutes to reach the Great Buddha depending on how busy the street leading up to it is from the station.

Hase Station is only 4 minutes by train from Kamakura Station using the Enoden Line and train. After exploring the Hase area, travellers can continue back on the local ’Enoden’ train to reach the lesser known areas of Kamakura, its beaches and Enoshima Island. The ’Enoden’ service has its own platform and runs every 10 minutes or so. To reach Enoshima will take approximately 28 minutes.

Hase is a convenient area to stay given its proximity to Kotoku-in and the ‘Great Buddha of Kamakura’ 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.

For travellers returning to central Kamakura and its station after a day of exploring, simply get back on the Enoden train heading for Kamakura station for 4 minutes. For travellers heading on to Tokyo, use either the Shonan-Shinjuku Line or the Yokosuka Line from Kamakura station which connects to Tokyo. To reach Shinjuku from Kamakura station its takes just over 60 minutes and to reach Shibuya it takes just under 60 minutes via the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line direct. To reach Tokyo station, it takes just under 60 minutes using the JR Yokosuka Line.

We offer a tour to Kamakura which explores many of the popular attractions in the area! If you’re interested, click on the tour card below.

1 Day Tour

1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea
Period	February – November
Time	08:00 – 19:10
Meeting Place	Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥13,000