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Where to Stay in Kamakura

Where to Stay in Kamakura

Kamakura Kanagawa, Japan Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Variety of Stays

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dormitory beds or private rooms. Communal areas foster social interaction. A solid choice for solo travelers or those on a tight budget. Communal bathrooms and common spaces are typical.

  • Business Hotels

    Compact, efficient, and clean rooms. Often near train stations. Functionality and value are .

  • Mid-range Hotels

    More amenities and larger rooms than business hotels. Comfortable stays with on-site restaurants, laundry facilities, and sometimes small gyms. Kamakura Park Hotel is one.

  • Luxury Hotels/Ryokan

    Superior service, large rooms, and high-end amenities. Kamakura Prince Hotel and Hoshino Resorts KAI Kamakura are illustrations.

Extended and Traditional Stays

  • Vacation Rentals (Minpaku)

    Private houses or apartments via platforms like Booking.com. Suitable for families, groups, or longer stays, offering a localized living experience.

  • Guesthouses

    Smaller, family-run establishments. A more intimate and local atmosphere compared to larger hotels. May offer shared facilities with fewer guests than a dormitory-style accommodation.

  • Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)

    Some boutique ryokan offer a serene, culturally immersive stay. Tatami mat rooms, futon beds, and multi-course Japanese meals (kaiseki) are typical.

  • Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura

    A business hotel example, prioritizing functionality and value, often found near train stations.

Neighborhood Guide

Kamakura offers separate areas, each with its own character.

Kamakura Station Area

Benefits
  • Most convenient for transportation (JR, Enoden, local bus services).
  • Centrally located for Komachi-dori (shopping/dining) and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
  • Many major attractions are a walk or short train ride away.
  • Excellent proximity to dining, shopping, and all major transport links.
Considerations
  • Can be busy and crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays.
  • Higher noise due to its central and bustling location.
  • Lively, urban ambiance.
  • Generally safe.

Yuigahama / Hase Area

Benefits
  • Close to Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches, Kamakura Great Buddha, and Hasedera Temple.
  • Offers a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
  • Easy walk to main attractions.
  • Generally quieter than the bustling station area.
Considerations
  • Needs Enoden train or bus to Kamakura Station for wider connections.
  • Beachy, calm, and charming ambiance.
  • Very safe.
  • Good for beach and specific temple access.

Kita-Kamakura Area

Benefits
  • Quieter, where people live area.
  • Home to noteworthy Zen temples (Engakuji, Kenchoji).
  • Lovely natural landscape and tranquil atmosphere.
  • Excellent for exploring northern temples and hiking trails.
Considerations
  • Fewer places to dine and shop.
  • Needs JR train to Kamakura Station for broader connections.
  • Very quiet and peaceful ambiance.
  • Very safe.

Location Insights

Safety Across Kamakura

All listed areas are generally very safe, day and night.

Noise Levels

Expect more ambient noise in the central Kamakura Station area. Yuigahama/Hase and Kita-Kamakura offer quieter settings.

Booking Strategies

Booking your accommodation in advance is a good idea.

Booking Recommendations

  • Reserving ahead is highly recommended, especially for peak seasons (spring cherry blossoms, fall colors) and weekends. Kamakura is popular with domestic and international tourists.
  • Booking 3-6 months in advance for peak times, and at least 1-2 months for shoulder seasons, is advisable.
  • Widely used platforms include Booking.com, Agoda, and Sites like expedia. For vacation rentals, Airbnb is common.
  • For budget options, Hostelworld has many hostels.

Policies and Fluctuations

  • Negotiation is not customary for walk-in rates inside Japan. Prices are usually fixed.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary by property and booking platform. Always review specific terms and conditions before confirming a saved place.
  • Pay attention to cancellation deadlines to avoid charges.
  • Accommodation prices are generally higher during national holidays (Golden Week in the first part of May, Obon in mid-August, New Year) and peak viewing seasons.

Considerations

Flexibility
  • Flexibility in your travel dates may result in savings.
  • Booking through trusted platforms offers a range of properties and user reviews.
  • Always confirm specific property details relevant to your travel style.
  • Early booking can secure preferred locations.
Regulatory Compliance
  • Japan has strict regulations for Minpaku (vacation rentals), promoting quality and safety.
  • This compliance usually gives dependable and well-maintained properties.
  • Be aware that some smaller guesthouses may have simpler facilities.
  • Confirm all your booking information including check-in/out times.

Important Booking Tip

Read Feedback

Always read recent guest reviews on booking websites to gauge current conditions and the quality of service.

Location Proximity

Verify the actual distance to attractions or transportation hubs from your chosen lodging.

Amenities Match

Confirm which means so that the amenities listed fulfill your needs (e.g., Wi-Fi, private bathroom, accessibility).

Accommodation Recommendations

A comparison of accommodation options in Kamakura, with suggestions for different budgets and travel styles.

Traveler Specifics

Family-Friendly Options

Vacation rentals (minpaku) and some mid-range hotels like Kamakura Prince Hotel provide more space and amenities suitable for families.

  • Look for properties with multiple bedrooms, kitchenettes, or family suites.
  • Hotels with pools, if traveling in summer, are a good choice.
  • Minpaku can provide a localized living experience.
  • Consider proximity to parks or child-friendly attractions.
Solo Traveler Recommendations

Hostels like Guesthouse Kamakura are a good deal and social opportunities.

  • Business hotels near Kamakura Station provide convenience and privacy for solo travelers.
  • Easy access to transit and dining is a benefit.
  • Consider properties with common areas for meeting others.
  • Look for flexible booking and cancellation policies.

Stay Durations & Culture

Long-Stay Accommodations

Holiday rentals are generally the best option for stays exceeding a few days.

  • They offer more living space, kitchen facilities, and a homely feel.
  • This creates them practical for long stays, supporting a local experience.
  • Consider amenities for self-catering.
  • Research local supermarkets for groceries.
Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance

Smaller, traditional guesthouses or ryokan can provide a more immersive cultural experience.

  • They may feature authentic Japanese design and tatami rooms.
  • Opportunity to experience Japanese hospitality firsthand.
  • Consider buildings in quieter areas like Kita-Kamakura for a serene, culturally rich stay.
  • Some may include traditional Japanese breakfasts.

Budget-Friendly Stays

  • Guesthouse Kamakura

    Near Kamakura Station, offering dorms & private rooms with shared facilities, supporting social interaction. Price range: $30 - $60 USD per night. Book via Booking.com.

  • Zen Vague

    Located in the Yuigahama Beach Area, a simple guesthouse close to the beach with a relaxed atmosphere. Price range: $40 - $80 USD per night. Reserve through Booking.com.

  • Hostel Amenities

    Many budget accommodations include free Wi-Fi and common kitchens, which makes them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

  • Social Opportunities

    Hostels often organize events or have common areas that help travelers connect with each other.

Premium Accommodations

  • Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura

    In the Kamakura Station Area, a modern, comfortable stay with a highly convenient location. Price range: $100 - $200 USD per night. Book via Booking.com.

  • Kamakura Public garden Hotel

    Found in the Yuigahama Beach Area, with sea views, spacious rooms, and a classic style. Price range: $150 - $300 USD per night. Book using Booking.com.

  • Kamakura Prince Hotel

    Located in Shichirigahama (Coastal), offering a vacation spot feel, ocean views, a golf course, and a seasonal pool. Price range: $200 - $400+ USD per night. Book via Booking.com.

  • Hoshino Resorts KAI Kamakura

    In the Yuigahama Beach Area, a high-end ryokan for a traditional, design-focused experience. Price range: $400 - $700+ USD per night. Book via Hoshino Resorts.

Price Variability

Estimate Note

Prices are estimates only and vary based on season, demand, and specific room type. Always check current rates.

  • Weekend rates are often higher.
  • Holiday periods see significant price surges.
  • Booking further in advance often yields better rates.
  • Promotional offers can sometimes reduce costs.
Consider Your Style

Choose a property that aligns with your preferred travel style and budget to get the most out of your visit.

  • Luxury seekers will enjoy specialized amenities.
  • Budget tourists can find comfortable stays in guesthouses.
  • Families benefit from spacious rentals.
  • Cultural enthusiasts might prefer traditional ryokans.

Booking Platforms Overview

Booking.com

A global platform for hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Extensive filters and user reviews available.

Agoda

Strong presence in Asia for hotel bookings, often with good prices for the region.

Hostelworld

Focuses on budget accommodation, including a wide selection of hostels with community reviews.