Welcome to the Kamakura with Kids Guide, your quick resource for discovering the best things to do and hotel options in Kamakura as a family. Kamakura is filled with places to explore, offering families countless attractions to visit and things to see, from historic temples and giant Buddhas to coastal views and charming local streets. Just an hour from Tokyo, this seaside city blends nature, culture, and adventure into the perfect family-friendly escape, whether you’re hiking through bamboo forests or relaxing on soft, sandy beaches. With so many kid-friendly spots scattered across its temples, trails, and waterfront, Kamakura invites families to slow down, wander, and create memories that glow with a mix of discovery and calm.
As you plan your family trip to Kamakura, this guide is the perfect place to start! For broader planning support, from transportation tips to hotel options and kid-friendly food ideas, begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide, since most families reach Kamakura through Tokyo. You can then explore our Tokyo with Kids Hub to find local guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips that help you build the perfect multi-day trip. Want even more ideas? See our Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for the best castles, shrines, theme parks, and nature stops across the country. Families exploring from Tokyo can also pair their trip with Yokohama with Kids for seaside parks, creative museums, and a fun contrast to Kamakura’s temples and coastal paths.
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Best Things to Do in Kamakura with Kids
Wondering which Kamakura attractions are best for your family? This coastal city offers a mix of cultural landmarks, gentle nature trails, sandy beaches, and peaceful temples that appeal to every age group. Whether your kids love wide-open spaces, hands-on rituals, or scenic viewpoints, Kamakura’s blend of seaside calm and historic charm makes it easy to plan a day that keeps toddlers, young kids, and teens engaged and curious.
|
Age Group |
Best Picks |
|---|---|
|
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–4) |
Hase Temple, Kamakura Seaside Park, Yuigahama Beach |
|
Young Kids (Ages 5–8) |
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha), Hokokuji Bamboo Forest, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Enoshima Aquarium, Meigetsu-in |
|
Tweens/Teens (Ages 9+) |
Enoshima Island, Zeniarai Benten Shrine, Kencho-ji, Engaku-ji, Hiroyama Park |
|
All Ages |
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha), Hase Temple, Enoshima Aquarium, Yuigahama Beach |
1. Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
- Why It’s Awesome: This towering bronze Buddha, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, sits peacefully outdoors, making it an easy and awe-inspiring stop for families. Kids love the “wow” moment of seeing how massive it really is, while the compact grounds make it simple for parents to explore without long walks.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 30–60 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for softer light, fewer crowds, and calmer photos.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-friendly with smooth pathways.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Stand in front of the Buddha and guess how tall it is.
2. Hase Temple (Hasedera)
- Why It’s Awesome: Hase Temple is one of Kamakura’s most family-friendly cultural spots, blending peaceful gardens, koi ponds, hillside views, and gentle walking paths. Kids are often amazed by the massive golden Kannon statue inside the main hall, while the hundreds of tiny Jizo statues, tunnels of hydrangeas in June, and ocean lookout points make the whole temple feel like a layered adventure.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for flowers, or autumn for colorful foliage.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Partial stroller access; some paths include steps and gentle slopes.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Step inside the main hall and try to guess how tall the golden Kannon statue is.
3. Hokokuji Bamboo Forest (Bamboo Temple)
- Why It’s Awesome: Hokokuji is a serene bamboo grove where tall green stalks tower overhead, creating a quiet, almost enchanted atmosphere that kids instantly feel. Families can wander peaceful paths, listen to the rustling leaves, and experience a small, manageable “forest adventure” that feels worlds away from the city.
- Age Recommendations: Ages 5+
- Duration: 30–60 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler air and softer light filtering through the bamboo.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly, due to narrow paths and steps.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Stand in the middle of the grove and see how many bamboo stalks you can count without losing track.
4. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- Why It’s Awesome: Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine offers wide grounds, towering torii gates, ponds filled with carp, and long pathways that feel exciting for kids to explore. Families can walk the central approach, climb gentle steps, and watch traditional rituals in a setting that blends open space with cultural depth.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for open space and fewer crowds, or late afternoon when the light is soft over the ponds and bridges.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-friendly across the main grounds; steps required to reach the upper shrine level.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Stand at the top of the steps and imagine you’re a samurai entering the shrine 800 years ago, what three things would you look for first?
5. Enoshima Island & Aquarium
- Why It’s Awesome: Enoshima offers the perfect mix of ocean views, gentle adventure, and hands-on learning. Families can start at the Enoshima Aquarium, where jellyfish tunnels, dolphin shows, and coastal exhibits keep kids captivated. From there, older children can explore Enoshima Island’s winding paths, sea-view terraces, and hidden caves, turning the visit into a seaside treasure hunt.
- Age Recommendations: All ages for the aquarium; ages 5+ for exploring the island
- Duration: 2–4 hours depending on how much of the island you explore
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning for bright ocean views, or weekdays for quieter aquarium shows.
- Cost: ¥–¥¥ depending on aquarium tickets and island attractions
- Accessibility: Aquarium is fully stroller-friendly; Enoshima Island includes stairs, slopes, and uneven paths not suitable for strollers.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Find three different types of jellyfish and name each one after something it reminds you of, a cloud, a spaceship, a marshmallow, anything!
6. Zeniarai Benten Shrine (Money-Washing Shrine)
- Why It’s Awesome: Hidden inside a rocky hillside, this shrine begins with a short tunnel walk that feels like an adventure from the start. Families can try the famous ritual of washing coins in the sacred spring, believed to bring good fortune. The compact grounds, lantern-lit pathways, and gentle sense of mystery make it especially fun for school-age kids who enjoy hands-on cultural activities.
- Age Recommendations: Ages 6+
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures inside the cave area.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly; includes a tunnel entrance, steps, and narrow pathways.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Wash a single coin and make a wish, but only using one hand. Can you do it without dropping it?
7. Kencho-ji
- Why It’s Awesome: As the oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, Kencho-ji offers wide grounds, towering gates, serene halls, and quiet forest paths that invite kids to explore at their own pace. Older children and teens especially enjoy the sense of space and discovery here, from giant temple buildings to the optional hike up to the Hansobo Shrine lookout for ocean views and guardian statues.
- Age Recommendations: Ages 9+
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon for comfortable temperatures and softer light across the temple grounds.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Partially stroller-friendly around the lower grounds; multiple steps and uphill sections beyond the main temple area.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: See how many guardian statues you can find on the ascent toward Hansobo Shrine.
8. Engaku-ji
- Why It’s Awesome: Engaku-ji is one of Kamakura’s most impressive Zen temple complexes, known for its spacious grounds, elegant wooden halls, and peaceful atmosphere tucked into a forested hillside. Older kids and teens enjoy wandering the wide pathways, climbing gentle stone steps, and discovering scenic viewpoints throughout the complex, especially during autumn when the temple is surrounded by vibrant foliage.
- Age Recommendations: Ages 9+
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or late afternoon for quiet paths and soft light across the temple buildings.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Partial, as lower areas have smooth paths, but upper sections include steps and uneven stone walkways.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: On your way through the temple grounds, try to find the highest step you can safely reach, and see what new detail appears from that viewpoint.
9. Meigetsu-in (Hydrangea Temple)
- Why It’s Awesome: Famous for its lush hydrangea-lined pathways and the iconic round “Window of Enlightenment,” Meigetsu-in offers families a beautiful mix of nature and culture. Kids enjoy wandering the colorful garden paths in June, spotting rabbits (a symbol of the temple), and peeking through the perfectly circular window that frames the landscape like a painting.
- Age Recommendations: Ages 5+
- Duration: 45–90 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: June for hydrangea season, or quieter weekdays in spring and autumn for peaceful garden walks.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Partially stroller-friendly; some narrow paths and steps in the garden areas.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Peek through the round window and try to describe the scene in a single word, what does it remind you of?
10. Kamakura Seaside Park
- Why It’s Awesome: Kamakura Seaside Park is a wide, open beachfront park perfect for kids who need space to run, play, and unwind. With playground equipment, shaded seating areas, grassy lawns, and easy beach access, it offers a relaxed break from temples and sightseeing. Families can enjoy picnics, ocean breezes, and plenty of room for toddlers and older siblings to play together.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or afternoon for comfortable beach weather and active playground time.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with flat paths, open lawns, and nearby rest areas.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: See how many different shapes you can make in the sand using only your hands and a stick.
11. Yuigahama Beach
- Why It’s Awesome: Yuigahama Beach is Kamakura’s most family-friendly stretch of shoreline, offering gentle waves, soft sand, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for kids. Families can build sandcastles, splash in the shallows, collect seashells, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze after a morning of exploring temples. With lifeguards in summer and plenty of open space, it’s an easy, low-stress stop for all ages.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 2–4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon for warm sand and calm water; sunset offers beautiful views on clear days.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly along the promenade; beach access via ramps in certain areas.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Find three different types of shells or stones and line them up from smallest to largest.
12. Hiroyama Park
- Why It’s Awesome: Hiroyama Park is a scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic coastal views, peaceful walking paths, and a refreshing escape from Kamakura’s busier temple areas. Older kids and teens enjoy the short hillside climb, the open lookouts, and the chance to spot Enoshima and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji. The blend of nature, views, and quiet trails makes it a rewarding stop for families who enjoy light exploration.
- Age Recommendations: Ages 9+
- Duration: 45–90 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Clear mornings or late afternoons for the best visibility across the coast and mountains.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly; involves hilly paths, steps, and some uneven terrain.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Visit the small zoo area and see how many different animals you can spot, can you name at least three without checking the signs?
Why Kamakura is Great for Families with Kids
- A perfect mix of temples, beaches, and gentle nature trails, giving families cultural depth and outdoor play in the same day.
- Compact enough to explore without long travel times, with the Enoden railway adding a fun, scenic ride kids love.
- Wide open shrine grounds and parks give younger kids room to roam, while older children enjoy climbing viewpoints and exploring island paths.
- Easy access from Tokyo makes it an ideal day trip or slow-paced overnight stop with plenty of kid-friendly food, cafés, and seaside treats.
Parent Insight: Kamakura is a reminder that family travel doesn’t need to be rushed to be meaningful. Slowing down to let kids notice small details, a swaying bamboo stalk, a carved statue, or a wave rolling across the sand, helps them build deeper curiosity and connection, turning simple moments into lasting memories.
For year-round planning, explore our Japan Seasonal Guides for Families, including detailed resources for spring, summer, autumn, winter, and our full Best Time to Visit Japan with Kids guide.
How to Get to Kamakura with Kids
- By Train: Kamakura is easily reahed by taking the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo or Shinagawa, the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku or Shibuya, or the nostalgic Enoden Railway that connects Kamakura with Enoshima and Fujisawa along the coast.
- By Bus: Local buses connect Kamakura Station with Hase, Zeniarai Benten, and nearby neighborhoods, offering a convenient option for families.
- Special Notes: The Enoden has narrower cars, so lightweight strollers are easiest to manage, and summer trips are crowded due to beach visitors, so aim for morning departures when possible.
If your trip includes bullet trains, don’t miss our Shinkansen With Kids guide for tips on seats, luggage, and navigating stations with little travelers. Parents comparing rail options can also see our Japan Rail Pass Guide to understand when the pass is worth it for families. And if you want stress-free station transfers, our Japan Luggage Delivery Guide explains how to send suitcases ahead so your family can travel light and move easily between cities.
Family-Friendly Hotels in & Near Kamakura
- Luxury
- Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura – A modern, upscale stay just steps from Kamakura Station, offering spacious rooms, easy access to major temples, and a calm, polished atmosphere ideal for families.
- Kamakura Prince Hotel – A scenic seaside hotel in Shichirigahama with ocean views, larger rooms, and quick access to Enoshima and Yuigahama Beach, perfect for families wanting a relaxed coastal base.
- WeBase KAMAKURA – A modern, peaceful stay near Yuigahama Beach with spacious rooms and easy access to both Kamakura’s coastline and major temples.
- Mid-Range
- Kamakura Park Hotel – A comfortable seaside hotel with roomy layouts, ocean views, and quick access to Hase-area favorites like Hasedera and the Great Buddha.
- Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura – A stylish, comfortable option near Kamakura Station with family rooms, clean design, and great walkability to key attractions like Hasedera and the Great Buddha.
- Budget
- Hotel Hokke Club Shonan Fujisawa – A well-rated, affordable choice close to Fujisawa Station, offering easy access to the Enoden line and a simple, comfortable stay for families exploring both Kamakura and Enoshima.
- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kamakura-Ofuna Higashiguchi – Conveniently located in nearby Ofuna, this hotel offers reliable comfort, easy train access to Kamakura’s attractions, and family-friendly amenities.
Choosing the right base can make all the difference when exploring Japan’s lesser-known towns and rural regions. Our Best Family Hotels in Japan guide highlights kid-friendly stays across every part of the country, from cozy ryokan and hot spring retreats to modern hotels with spacious family rooms and easy transport access. If you’re comparing options in larger cities before or after your visit, you can also explore our dedicated hotel guides for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kobe, and Nagasaki.
If you’re mapping out your wider Japan route, start with our Japan 14-Day Family Itinerary for a balanced mix of major cities, culture, and kid-friendly highlights. Families comparing trip lengths often find it helpful to look at multiple options, including classic 7-day and 10-day Japan itineraries that show how to pace Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with kids.
For even more support planning your trip, our Japan Family-Friendly Travel Hub brings together every city guide, attraction, and resource in one place, while our Planning a Family Trip to Japan and Japan Budget Family Travel Tips guides help parents navigate budgets, routes, and practical details.
FAQs About Visiting Kamakura with Kids
Planning a trip to Kamakura with kids? These family-focused FAQs cover everything parents typically search for, from stroller access and transportation to the best temples, beaches, and seasonal tips for visiting with children.
A: Yes, Kamakura is worth visiting with kids because it offers a rare mix of beaches, temples, and nature walks all within a compact, easy-to-navigate area. Families can explore iconic spots like the Great Buddha, relax at Yuigahama Beach, and enjoy gentle adventures that make Kamakura engaging for children of all ages.
A: Most families need 1–2 days in Kamakura with kids, enough time to visit the Great Buddha, enjoy Hasedera, explore the Enoden coastal line, and spend time at the beach. A full day works well for highlights, while an overnight stay lets families experience Kamakura at a calmer, slower pace.
A: The best things to do in Kamakura with kids include visiting the Great Buddha, wandering the gardens at Hasedera, exploring the bamboo at Hokokuji, riding the Enoden railway, and playing at Yuigahama Beach. These spots blend culture, nature, and kid-friendly fun, making Kamakura ideal for families.
A: The best age for visiting Kamakura’s temples is typically ages 5 and up, when children can manage steps, paths, and basic rituals. However, many temples in Kamakura, like Hasedera and Kotoku-in, are engaging and accessible for younger children with parental support.
A: The best time to visit Kamakura with children is spring or autumn, when weather is mild and outdoor paths are comfortable. Mornings offer quieter temple visits and cooler temperatures, making Kamakura easier to explore with younger kids.
A: Yes, Kamakura is an excellent day trip from Tokyo for families, with direct trains taking under an hour and easy access to temples, beaches, and kid-friendly attractions. Its compact layout makes Kamakura simple to explore without long travel times.
A: The best Kamakura beaches for kids are Yuigahama Beach and Zaimokuza Beach, both offering gentle waves, soft sand, and seasonal lifeguards. These beaches provide safe, relaxed spaces that make Kamakura ideal for families who want a mix of sightseeing and beach time.
A: The easiest way to get around Kamakura with kids is by walking, using the local buses, or riding the Enoden Railway, which connects beaches and temples along the coast. Many major sights in Kamakura are close together, making short trips simple even with younger children.
A: Yes, many of Kamakura’s temples are safe and easy for young children, especially Kotoku-in and Hasedera, which have wide paths and manageable steps. Some temples in Kamakura include steeper stairs or narrow walkways, so close supervision is recommended for toddlers.
A: The easiest way to reach the Great Buddha in Kamakura with kids is by taking the Enoden Railway to Hase Station and walking about 10 minutes along a stroller-friendly route. This makes Kotoku-in one of the most accessible attractions in Kamakura for families.
A: Enoshima Island in Kamakura is best for older kids, as the island includes hills, stairs, and uneven paths, while younger children may prefer the nearby aquarium. Families with toddlers can still enjoy the base areas of Enoshima, but full exploration is easier for ages 5+.
A: The best indoor activities in Kamakura for families include the Enoshima Aquarium, the Kamakura Museum of Literature, and nearby cafés along Komachi Street. On rainy days, these spots give families in Kamakura a comfortable break from outdoor sightseeing.
A: Kamakura is partially stroller-friendly, with smooth access around the Great Buddha, Hasedera’s lower areas, and Kamakura Seaside Park. Many temples in Kamakura include steps, slopes, or narrow paths, so a lightweight stroller or carrier is easiest for families.
Until Next Time…
Kamakura with kids is a rare blend of temples, beaches, forests, and slow coastal charm, a place where families can wander through bamboo, stand beneath a giant Buddha, and end the day with sandy toes at the shoreline. Whether your children remember the hydrangea paths, the Enoden rumbling past the coast, or the quiet moments under ancient torii gates, Kamakura offers a gentle kind of adventure that stays with families long after they head home.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
