While overlooking the enchanting bamboo groves, indulge in the matcha at the renowned Hōkoku-ji, savor the natural hot springs at Kamakura sole Inamuragasaki Onsen, and embrace the ideal winter rendezvous spot for couples, Iwata Café. We present to you 13 romantic outing destinations in Kamakura.
1. Hokokuji Temple（報国寺）
Affectionately known as the Temple of Bamboo, Hokokuji Temple boasts a splendid bamboo grove behind its main hall, believed to have been established in 1334 during the inaugural year of the Ashikaga Shogunate by the grandfather of the first shogun, Ashikaga Takauji.
In recent years, the area has earned a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, attracting numerous international visitors with its uniquely Japanese ambiance depicted through the beautiful bamboo groves.
Admission is required for the bamboo garden, featuring about 1,000 bamboo stalks standing at an impressive height of around 25 meters—a truly worthwhile experience. At the tranquil café space, "Kyūkō-an," relish the view of the picturesque bamboo groves while partaking in matcha tea (additional fee). Winter brings serenity, creating an ideal setting for a relaxed rendezvous.
- Hokokuji Temple（報国寺）
- Address: 2-7-4 Jomyoji, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: http://www.houkokuji.or.jp/
2. Hasedera Temple（長谷寺）
A mere 8-minute walk from Kōtoku-in, the temple housing the Great Buddha of Kamakura, Hase-dera captivates with its primary deity, an eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva—one of Japan's largest wooden Buddha statues, standing at an impressive 9.18 meters. Offering stunning views of Hase and Sagami Bay, the "observation deck" above ground is a testament to the picturesque landscapes of Kamakura.
Hasedera Temple is also renowned for its flower-filled gardens, much like its fame during early summer for hydrangeas. Even in winter, the temple grounds showcase cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and wintersweet.
- Hasedera Temple（長谷寺）
- Address: 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: http://www.hasedera.jp/
3. Yuigahama（由比ヶ浜）
During the bustling summer days, Yuigahama Beach draws crowds, but in the tranquility of winter, it emerges as a recommended strolling location for a delightful rendezvous. A short walk from Enoshima Dentetsu Yuigahama Station or approximately 20 minutes on foot from Kamakura Station, taking a detour from Kamakura Station is also a pleasant option.
There is nothing quite like sitting on the grassy expanse of Kamakura Seaside Park, gazing dreamily at the vast ocean. Opting for a takeaway feast and savoring it while overlooking the sea is a delightful choice, but exercise caution as you might attract the attention of black kites.
- Yuigahama (由比ヶ浜)
- Address: 1-4 Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa
4. Zuisenji Temple（瑞泉寺）
Although somewhat inconvenient to reach, Zuisenji Temple is renowned for its autumn foliage. The highlight here is the extraordinary garden composed entirely of rocks and cliffs, created by the influential garden designer Sōchiku Nakatsune, who also designed gardens for temples such as Kyoto's Kokedera (Moss Temple), Nishi Honganji, and Tenryuji.
Designated as a national scenic spot, it stands as Kamakura's only garden with roots tracing back to the Kamakura period. Additionally, daffodils bloom until early February, and the simultaneous beauty of wintersweet makes this area one of Kanagawa's selected hundred flowers.
- Zuisenji Temple（瑞泉寺）
- Address: 710 Nikaido, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: https://www.kamakura-zuisenji.or.jp/index.html
5. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu（鶴岡八幡宮）
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a shrine deeply rooted in the history of Kamakura, with connections to Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate. The expansive grounds host historic structures, including the main hall, which can be explored free of charge, excluding the treasure hall.
Climbing the large stone steps leading to the main shrine provides a panoramic view of Kamakura, extending all the way to Yuigahama Beach. To the left of the main shrine is Maruyama Inari Shrine, established in 1398, making it the oldest building at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū. Both the main shrine and Maruyama Inari Shrine are designated as national important cultural properties.
The benefits of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu are diverse, ranging from luck in competitions, career advancement, love, increased vitality, good health, to ease in childbirth. Whatever your wish may be, this shrine offers a plethora of blessings. Legend has it that it was a place where Minamoto no Yoritomo and his wife, Hōjō Masako, reputedly the best couple in Japanese history, sought unity and rest, praying for marital harmony and happiness. For couples visiting a shrine together for the first time, this is an excellent destination.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu（鶴岡八幡宮）
- Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: https://www.hachimangu.or.jp/
6. Egara Tenjin Shrine (荏柄天神社)
When it comes to Japan's three major Tenjin shrines, the common trio mentioned includes Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka, and Hofu Tenmangu Shrine in Yamaguchi. However, during its prime, Egara Tenjin Shrine was one of Japan's three major Tenjin shrines, sometimes counted as a major Tenjin along with Kitano Tenmangu and Dazaifu Tenmangu. As the god of learning in Kamakura, it has received strong support from students taking entrance exams.
The shrine is also renowned for its plum blossoms in Kamakura. Kamakura's plum blossoms bloom early, from mid-January to mid-February, with around 100 plum trees gracing the garden with their beautiful blossoms. Take a leisurely stroll amidst the fragrant plum blossoms.
- Egara Tenjin Shrine (荏柄天神社)
- Address: 74 Nikaido, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: http://www.tenjinsha.com/
7. Kitakamakura Old Private House Museum（北鎌倉古民家ミュージアム）
A perfect indoor venue for a winter rendezvous! The Northern Kamakura Folk House Museum is recommended, featuring a relocated century-old traditional residence. Conveniently located, it's just a 2-3 minute walk from Northern Kamakura Station.
The vintage wooden house exudes an elegant and cozy ambiance, making it worth a visit on its architectural merits alone. The museum hosts various special exhibitions, with the hydrangea exhibition in early summer and the doll exhibition from February to early April being particularly popular.
- Kitakamakura Old Private House Museum（北鎌倉古民家ミュージアム）
- Address: 392-1 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: https://www.kominka-museum.com/
8. Yoh Shomei Art Museum（葉祥明美術館）
For couples seeking a warm indoor setting, the Yoh Shomei Art Museum is recommended. Operated by the popular picture book artist Yoh Shomei, known for portraying a fairy-tale world with warm hues.
Yoh Shomei has received the Graphic Award at the Bologna International Children's Book Fair in Italy. The brick building surrounded by lush greenery resembles a European mansion, exuding the earthly essence of Mr. Yoh Shomei himself. The museum showcases around 80 original works of picture books and watercolor paintings.
- Yoh Shomei Art Museum（葉祥明美術館）
- Address: 318-4 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: https://www.yohshomei.com/
9. Inamuragasaki Onsen Spa（稲村ヶ崎温泉）
Kamakura's sole natural hot spring, a 3-minute walk from Enoshima Electric Railway's Inamuragasaki Station. The thick, mildly alkaline hot water is highly moisturizing, particularly favored by women for its skin-whitening properties.
The bathhouse features an indoor bath made of cypress and an outdoor bath crafted from rocks. The hotel also offers a sauna. Due to the emphasis on a serene atmosphere, entry is restricted to those aged 13 and above, making it an ideal choice for adult rendezvous.
On the first-floor terrace of the MAIN restaurant, there's a hot spring foot bath, allowing you to enjoy a beverage while soaking your feet.
- Inamuragasaki Onsen Spa（稲村ヶ崎温泉）
- Address: 1-16-13 Inamuragasaki, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: https://www.inamuragasaki-onsen.jp/
10. Guri Gura Glass Bead Studio (グラスビーズ工房 ぐりぐら)
For a winter rendezvous in Kamakura, we suggest visiting an indoor experiential facility. Guri Gura is a workshop where you can create "Tonbotama (とんぼ玉)" glass beads, a traditional Japanese accessory highly popular since ancient times.
The workshop owner provides guidance, and each participant can make two pieces. Colors and designs can be decided by referencing samples, so there's no need to worry about your taste.
The finished dragonfly beads can be fashioned into pendants, earrings, or necklaces (any additional processing after the completion of the dragonfly bead is your responsibility).
- Guri Gura Glass Bead Studio (グラスビーズ工房 ぐりぐら)
- Address: 1-16-13 Inamuragasaki, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: https://www.inamuragasaki-onsen.jp/
11. Ofuna Botanical Garden（日比谷花壇大船フラワーセンター）
Spanning a total area of 63,900 square meters, Hibiya Hanada Ofuna Botanical Garden was established in 1967 (Showa 42) on the former site of the Kanagawa Prefecture Agricultural Experiment Station. Enjoy around 3,000 varieties of plants cultivated with each season, including early-blooming Yaezakura cherry blossoms, peonies, roses, irises, and monkey slides.
A recommended spot for a winter rendezvous is the "Green House," where you can observe plants to your heart's content without worrying about the cold. Tropical plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and papaya trees thrive here. The greenhouse pond is filled with vibrant water lilies in various colors, including pink, purple, and white, making it a popular attraction.
- Ofuna Botanical Garden（日比谷花壇大船フラワーセンター）
- Address: 1018 Okamoto, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: http://www.fcofuna-kanagawa.jp/
12. Iwata Coffee Shop（イワタコーヒー店）
Situated near Komachi-dori, Iwata Coffee Shop is an established coffeehouse that dates back to 1948.
On Saturdays and Sundays, many customers specifically come to savor the thick, approximately 7-centimeter-tall two-layer pancakes, even drawing a visit from John Lennon. A relaxed coffee date for two in the warm interior is also a splendid choice.
- Iwata Coffee Shop（イワタコーヒー店）
- Address: 1-5-7 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Official Website: http://www.fcofuna-kanagawa.jp/
13. Stone Oven Garden Terrace（石窯ガーデンテラス）
Stone Oven Garden Terrace are located on a small hill within the precincts of Jomyoji Temple, housed in a renovated Western-style building that is over 90 years old. At the entrance, neatly arranged parasols greet you, and the scent of stone oven-baked bread wafts through the air, lending its name to the restaurant.
The winter garden terrace boasts a delightful atmosphere, expressing the owner's desire to "even enjoy the beauty of withered colors." You can also admire flowers that bloom in winter, such as snow lotus and flowering plum.
- Stone Oven Garden Terrace（石窯ガーデンテラス）
- Address: 3-8-50 Jomyoji, Kamakura, Kanagawa (within the Jomyoji Temple grounds)
- Official Website: https://www.ishigama.info/
