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Stepping out of the neon-soaked skyline of Tokyo and into the coastal calm of Kamakura feels like traveling through time. This seaside city pairs salt air with samurai history, ancient Zen temples, forested hiking trails and the Great Buddha, an 11.3-metre bronze statue that has gazed out over the town for centuries.[1]
It is one of the easiest escapes from the capital: one direct train and you are in a landscape where the mountains meet the Pacific. Whether you start in the city center or at Haneda Airport, you can be walking among the shrines and beaches of the Shonan coast within the hour.
Tokyo to Kamakura by Train
The JR Yokosuka Line runs direct from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station in about 55 minutes.[2] From Shinjuku, the Shonan-Shinjuku Line also goes straight to Kamakura.[1] Both are commuter-style trains with ordinary cars, so tap in with a Suica or PASMO card and ride through Yokohama before the scenery turns green.
The Green Car
Green Cars on JR East local trains have reclining seats and tables, and some also offer free Wi-Fi and power outlets. The Green Car ticket is a surcharge on top of your fare: ¥750 with a Suica for trips up to 50 km and ¥1,000 for 51 to 100 km, or ¥1,010 and ¥1,260 as paper tickets. Some trains run without a Green Car, and there is no dedicated space for large luggage.[3]
Haneda Airport to Kamakura
From Haneda, the Keikyu Line takes about 30 minutes to Yokohama Station.[4] There you change to the JR Yokosuka Line for Kamakura.[5]
Tips for Traveling from Tokyo to Kamakura
- Travel mid-week: Kamakura is a beloved weekend destination for Tokyo residents. To avoid the heaviest crowds at the Great Buddha and on the Enoden tram, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- The Enoden tram: From Kamakura Station, change to the Enoshima Electric Railway towards Fujisawa and get off at Hase Station. The Great Buddha is a 7-minute walk from there.[1]
- Pack light: Space for large suitcases is limited on commuter lines. If you are moving hotels, consider sending your bags ahead by luggage delivery (Takkyubin).
- Walking shoes: Kamakura is best explored on foot. Many of the most beautiful sub-temples are tucked away in the hills and need a little light hiking to reach.
Timetable
| Taxi Haneda Airport - Kamakura $ 475.78–552.18 2h | |
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| Train Tokyo - Kamakura $ 12.37–12.43 37m – 1h 4m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Take the JR Yokosuka Line direct from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. From Shinjuku, the Shonan-Shinjuku Line also runs straight to Kamakura.
The JR Yokosuka Line takes about 55 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station.
A Green Car gives you a reclining seat and a table, and some trains offer Wi-Fi and power outlets. The surcharge is ¥750 with a Suica for trips up to 50 km and ¥1,000 for 51 to 100 km, so it is worth it on a crowded weekend when you want a guaranteed seat.
Yes. Take the Keikyu Line from Haneda to Yokohama Station, which takes about 30 minutes, then change to the JR Yokosuka Line for Kamakura.
Change to the Enoshima Electric Railway towards Fujisawa and get off at Hase Station. The Great Buddha is a 7-minute walk from there.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha). Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Kamakura, Kanagawa. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [3] East Japan Railway Company (JR East): Green Cars on Local Trains. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [4] Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation (Haneda Airport Passenger Terminal): Time required from Haneda by train. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [5] Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau: Getting to Yokohama. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.