Japan, as a tourist destination, maintains a steady popularity. Currently, due to the weakened yen, the number of international visitors is rapidly increasing. Among the destinations frequented by tourists traveling to Japan, Kamakura is gradually gaining in popularity.
In May 2023, the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture announced that the number of visitors in 2022 reached 11.96 million, showing an increase of approximately 182% compared to the previous year's 6.56 million. The number of tourists is returning to levels observed before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the lifting of the ban on the entry of foreign tourists in October 2022, the number of visitors has further increased. The negative impact of "over-tourism" (tourism pollution), causing adverse effects on the local residents' lives, has become a hot topic.
In popular tourist destinations like Kamakura Station, Enoshima area, and the vicinity of the Kamakura High School station, known as the sacred place of the anime "Slam Dunk," various issues have arisen due to crowded tourists and transportation inconveniences, such as littering.
In response to the current situation, Kamakura City is considering measures to address these issues and highlight tourist attractions that attract the attention of foreign visitors.
Countermeasures against the "over-tourism" issue in Kamakura
Currently, countermeasures against "over-tourism" have been placed on the national agenda for tourist destinations in Japan. However, Kamakura City has been dedicated to addressing tourism obstacles using "Publitech" even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Publitech" is a portmanteau of "Public" and "Technology," referring to the use of artificial intelligence technology to solve societal problems.
For instance, the "Kamakura Tourist Crowds Map" employs artificial intelligence to analyze the congestion at popular tourist spots in Kamakura and displays it on the map. You can check the calendar for different times of the day, providing a weekly crowd forecast, allowing you to avoid crowds and enjoy sightseeing comfortably.
Tourist attractions like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine have installed live cameras to broadcast real-time congestion situations, visualizing tourist behavior.
However, even with these countermeasures, there are still instances of tourist congestion, particularly at places like the railway crossing in front of Kamakura High School Station (a heavily visited pilgrimage site) and the area near Hase Station, where the Great Buddha is located, leading to a chaotic situation.
Reducing traffic congestion is a significant challenge
Local residents in Kamakura are the victims of over-tourism. In the past, to avoid disrupting local residents commuting to work and school, the introduction of "road tolls" was considered, but as of 2023, it has not been implemented.
During this year's peak season, the crowds were particularly dense, and the ticket gate at Enoden Kamakura Station was overcrowded, leading to the implementation of entry restrictions. It took approximately 30 to 40 minutes to gain entry.
To ensure that residents along the railway line could use trains during extended holidays without the usual influx of tourists, the Kamakura government has implemented a policy over the years, allowing residents priority access to Kamakura Station during holidays. However, this is only a temporary solution.
Last month, the Kamakura government drafted a comprehensive plan to combat over-tourism, unveiling policies providing comprehensive support. On November 6, the first council meeting discussing measures to prevent over-tourism was held in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, receiving unanimous approval.
Similarly, many tourists, including inbound visitors, are expected to travel during the upcoming extended holidays next year. The focus of attention will be on the future developments, specific measures, and the implementation timeline.
Kamakura City's Tourist Destination Ranking
Due to the numerous tourist attractions in Kamakura, it's challenging to comprehensively grasp the congestion in areas not covered in the "Kamakura Tourist Crowds Map" mentioned earlier.
To address this, we present the "Popular Inbound Tourist Destination Ranking" published by the mov company. Please be aware that highly ranked destinations may experience significant crowding.
10th Place: Kenchoji Temple (建長寺)
Ranking tenth is Kenchoji Temple, established by Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, in 1253. It is renowned as Japan's first professional Zen training monastery, and its Zen-style architecture has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
The temple's garden, designated as a national historic site and scenic beauty, is a must-visit. The serene walk among ancient oak trees and pond gardens is delightful. Additionally, activities like "Zazen" and "Sutra Copying," tailored for beginners, are popular among foreign visitors, offering a valuable Zen experience without the need for prior application.
- Kenchoji Temple (建長寺)
- Address: 8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Admission Fee: Adults (high school students and above) ¥500, Children (elementary and middle school students) ¥200
- Closed: No fixed closing days
- Visiting Hours: 8:30-16:30
- Official Website: Kenchoji Temple
9th Place: Yuigahama Beach (由比ガ浜海水浴場)
Ranking ninth is Yuigahama Beach, known for its captivating 900-meter stretch of sandy coastline.
Yuigahama Beach has maintained its popularity since the Meiji era and serves as the stage for the Kamakura Fireworks Festival, making it one of Japan's finest beaches, attracting numerous swimmers.
Conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Enoden Line stations such as Yuigahama, Wadazuka, and Hase, the beach offers ever-changing scenery from the glimmering waters of early morning to the romantic ambiance of dusk.
- Yuigahama Beach (由比ガ浜海水浴場)
- Address: Yuigahama Beach, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Swimming Period: July 1 to August 31
- Official Website: Yuigahama Beach
8th Place: Engakuji Temple (円覚寺)
Ranked eighth is Engakuji Temple, founded in the later Kamakura period, holding the second position among Kamakura's Five Mountains.
As the praying temple for the Hojo family, it houses the National Treasure "Shariden" and the historically designated garden, containing numerous invaluable cultural assets.
Engakuji Temple is popular not only for its historical significance but also for regular preaching and Zen meditation sessions, providing a precious experience within the ancient temple grounds. Its prime location offers a panoramic view of Kamakura city, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of each season.
- Engakuji Temple (円覚寺)
- Address: 409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Admission Fee: Adults (high school students and above) ¥500, Children (elementary and middle school students) ¥200
- Closed: None
- Visiting Hours: March to November / 8:30-16:30 (last entry at 17:00), December to February / 8:30-16:00 (last entry at 16:30)
- Official Website: Engakuji Temple
6th Place: Zeniarai Benten Ugafuku Jinja (銭洗弁財天 宇賀福神社)
Ranking sixth is Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Jinja, one of Kamakura's most famous tourist attractions.
Known as one of Japan's best places for good fortune, it is said that washing money in the cave on the shrine grounds brings luck.
Its origin dates back to the first year of the Bunji era when Uga no Myozeki, the deity of the Hojo clan, appeared in a dream to Hojo Tokiyori. The deity instructed him to revere the gods and Buddha with spring water, and the shrine is said to have been established during a memorial service.
- Zeniarai Benten Ugafuku Jinja（銭洗弁財天 宇賀福神社）
- Address: 2-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Offering: Free
- Closed: No fixed closing days
- Visiting Hours: 8:00-16:30 (last entry at 16:00)
- Official Website: Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Jinja
6th Place: Kamakura High School Station (鎌倉高校前駅)
Tied for sixth place is the station "Kamakura High School Front" on the Enoden Line. This is a sacred place beloved by fans as it serves as the background scene for the opening of the world-famous manga and TV anime series "Slam Dunk."
Exiting the station and walking approximately 100 meters towards Shichirigahama Station, you will encounter a railway crossing where many people take photos to commemorate their visit.
Some foreign visitors express their enthusiasm, with comments like, "I want to go to the railway crossing in front of Kamakura High School" (Chinese woman) and "The Shonan Railway crossing, known as a Slam Dunk holy site, is very famous" (woman from Korea).
- Kamakura High School Station (鎌倉高校前駅)
- Address: 1-1-25 Yokocho, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: Kamakura High School Station
5th Place: Hokokuji Temple (報国寺)
Ranked fifth is Hokokuji Temple, affectionately known as the "Bamboo Temple."
Within the temple grounds lies a bamboo grove composed of approximately 2000 bamboo trees. Its splendid appearance has garnered high praise, earning three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan and quickly becoming a popular destination for overseas tourists.
Founded in 1334, it is also known as the family temple for the Ashikaga and Uesugi clans. Taking a stroll along the path through the bamboo grove, seemingly enveloped in negative ions, while sipping matcha tea and gazing at the bamboo, offers a truly special experience.
- Hokokuji Temple (報国寺)
- Address: 2-7-4 Jomyoji, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Admission Fee: Adults (high school students and above) ¥400, Children (elementary and middle school students) ¥200
- Closed: December 29 to January 3
- Visiting Hours: 9:00-16:00
- Official Website: Hokokuji Temple
4th Place: Komachi Street (小町通り)
Ranked fourth is Komachi Street, where you can indulge in various shopping experiences, from traditional souvenirs and sundries to clothing, restaurants, and cafes.
Stretching from the east exit of Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, every alley is lined with charming shops. There are plenty of delightful desserts for a quick break.
A comment from an online user: "I have never seen such a lively and enjoyable street in the United States. The matcha ice cream and sesame ice cream are rich and delicious" (American man).
- Komachi Street (小町通り)
- Address: Komachi, 1-2 chome, Yuki-no-Shita, 1-2 chome, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: Komachi Street
3rd Place: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (鶴岡八幡宮)
Securing the third position is the iconic landmark representing Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Established in 1063, this site thrived as the central area of the Kamakura shogunate, attracting numerous visitors and continuing its legacy to this day.
Among the many stories associated with Hachimangu, the grand staircase where Minamoto no Yoritomo, the third shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, was assassinated is particularly famous. Unfortunately, the large ginkgo tree believed to have concealed the assassin Kogyo collapsed in 2010. However, you can now see shrubs sprouting from its remaining roots.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (鶴岡八幡宮)
- Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Admission Fee: Adults ¥200, Children ¥100
- Closed: Mondays (open on holidays), during exhibition changes, year-end, and New Year
- Visiting Hours: October to March / 6:00 - 21:00, April to September / 5:00 - 21:00
- Official Website: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
2nd Place: Hasedera Temple (長谷寺)
In second place is Hasedera Temple, founded in 686 and hailed as the "Western Pure Land of Kamakura."
During the rainy season, 2,500 plants and 40 varieties of hydrangeas bloom continuously throughout the year, making it a beloved flower temple.
Hasedera is also the head temple of the Hasedera temples scattered throughout Japan. Its grandeur is truly worth seeing, housing Japan's largest wooden Buddha, the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, standing over 9 meters tall. There is also a walking path that offers breathtaking views of Sagami Bay, making it a must-visit spot.
- Hasedera Temple (長谷寺)
- Address: 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Admission Fee: Adults ¥400, Children ¥200
- Closed: No fixed closing days
- Visiting Hours: 8:00-16:30 (closing at 17:00) *8:00-17:00 (closing at 17:30)
- Official Website: Hasedera Temple
1st Place: Great Buddha and Kotoku-in (鎌倉大仏殿高徳院)
Undoubtedly claiming the top spot is Kotoku-in, featuring the national treasure "Kamakura Daibutsu" at the center.
Through the course of history, the Daibutsu-den has endured typhoons and tsunamis, creating the spectacular sight of a towering 11-meter, approximately 121-ton Great Buddha. Its immense size is so popular that some say, "When I first saw it, I was surprised it was larger than I imagined" (male from Korea). For a ticket of 500 yen, visitors can explore the interior, and the novel experience of walking inside the Great Buddha is increasingly sought after.
- Great Buddha and Kotoku-in（鎌倉大仏殿高徳院）
- Address: 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Admission Fee: Adults (junior high school students and above) ¥300, Children (elementary school students) ¥150
- Closed: No fixed closing days
- Visiting Hours: April to September / 8:00 - 17:30, October to March / 8:00 - 17:00
- Official Website: Kotoku-in
The "Popular Inbound Tourist Destinations Ranking - Kamakura Edition" highlights a range of attractions from captivating natural scenery to historically significant temples, providing a comprehensive experience of the era created by Kamakura.
As Kamakura gains widespread attention as a renowned destination to witness Japanese history, expectations are high for the Kamakura government to implement effective measures against over-tourism, ensuring a comfortable sightseeing experience for visitors.
