Kamakura & Enoshima

鎌倉大仏殿高徳院・江ノ電・江の島

An open-air Buddha, a seaside tram and the Slam Dunk crossing in one day

Hours

The Buddha's grounds open morning to early evening (closing time varies by season; check on site). Enoshima itself is always open; facilities on the island vary

Tickets

Kotoku-in (Great Buddha) ¥300, plus ¥50 for the interior. Enoden 'Noriorikun' day pass ¥800 adult.

Address

Great Buddha (Kotoku-in): 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa

Walk seven minutes up the lane from Hase Station and through a gate, and there's a bronze Buddha over 11 m tall sitting with nothing but sky behind it. Work on it began in 1252, the weather has streaked it green, and for an extra ¥50 you can step inside the statue and look up at the seams. Back on the little green Enoden tram heading west, Sagami Bay suddenly fills the windows, and at the level crossing by Kamakurakokomae Station people queue to recreate the opening of 'Slam Dunk'. End by walking the long bridge onto Enoshima island, with Mt Fuji across the water on a clear day.