A Perfect Family Day Out and Walkatour in Enoshima and Kamakura
Hi everyone! 
Last weekend January 26, 2025 (Sunday), our family had a wonderful little getaway to Enoshima and Kamakura. It’s winter here, but the kids would like to play on the beach. The sky was blue, the view clear, and the sun was out. The temperature was just right and not too cold. The weather was absolutely perfect, making it the ideal day to explore with my husband and our two boys, aged 7 and 9.
Morning Time
The night before, our kids had already prepared some of their easy-to-go travel stuff. They packed extra clothes (in case they got soaked), a beach ball, a metal detector toy, a toy shovel, some snacks, candies, and their water bottles. I also prepared our leisure mat and small blankets.
We woke up a little late since we had a movie night at home the night before. We didn’t prepare our usual to-go breakfast this time. Normally, I pack breakfast items like onigiri, fruits, and snacks for our road trips, which we eat in the car. It’s really convenient, it saves us time and we don’t need to stop to buy food along the way. But since we didn’t have much time to prepare that morning, we decided to grab some bread, onigiri, and hot drinks from Create for brunch, which we ate in the car on the way.
We arrived at Shonan Kaigan Koen in Enoshima around 1:10 PM. We parked in the beachside Enoden parking area (250Y/30 mins.), the boys were so excited they wasted no time, running straight into the beach. They removed their socks and shoes and played with the waves and sand. They loved it, of course! Then my husband and I just sat back, watching them, enjoying the clear view of Mt. Fuji and the Enoshima Sea Candle in the distance. The scenery was just stunning, and we had a relaxing time by the beach. We played with our kids too, took some photos and videos, and looked for seashells and sea stones :). It was fun. While playing, suddenly my husband suggested going to Kamakura by train. I haven’t been to Kamakura yet so it was fine for me. Kids also like dad’s idea especially we will go there by train.
Funtime at Enoshima Beach
We arrived at Shonan Kaigan Koen in Enoshima around 1:10 PM. We parked in the beachside Enoden parking area (it was 250 yen for 30 minutes), the boys were so excited they wasted no time, running straight into the beach. They removed their socks and shoes and play with the waves and sand. They loved it, of course! It is located along the beautiful Sagami Bay. We just sat back, watching them, enjoying the clear view of Mt. Fuji and the Enoshima Sea Candle in the distance. The scenery was just stunning, and we had such a relaxing time by the beach. After resting for a bit we also played with our kids, took some photos and videos, looked for seashells and sea stones :). It was really fun. Later on, suddenly my husband suggested to go to Kamakura by train. We haven’t been to Kamakura yet so I think it was a really good idea. But kids were having so much fun in the beach. When we asked them, kids also like dad’s idea especially we will go there by train.
Heading to Kamakura
Around 2:10 PM, I know it was an abrupt idea, but we were all up for the adventure. So we packed up and began our walk toward Enoshima Electric Railway Station (EN #6). The walk took about 10-15 minutes, and along the way, there were a lot of interesting shops—food stalls, candy shops, souvenir stores, and even some cafes, mansions, and residences. It was a nice area to stroll through. There were a lot of visitors too.
Around 2:30 PM, we stopped by the Enoshima Shiranami Yogurt Shop for a quick treat. The yogurt was so refreshing. We ordered plain yogurt, blueberry yogurt, raspberry, and croissant. The yogurt has a creamy and smooth texture. It was milky, sweet, tangy, and rich and blended nicely and made it taste good. Kids enjoyed their croissant, blueberry, and raspberry yogurt
We arrived at Kamakura Station around 3:20 PM, but actually, we mistakenly got off at Kamakura Station EN15 when we should have got off the Hase Station (EN12)(nearest station to Kotokuin Temple). Awwww, we have to walk back Before leaving the station I saw the Medalief machine. It’s a machine that pressed commemorative copper oval coins on the spot. There were 3 designs to choose from. They chose the train design coin. We bought 1 souvenir landmark coin (200¥). (We also have some souvenir coin from Tokyo Tower, Monogatari Onsen, Summerland, Fuji Q Highland, etc).
Walking to Kotokuin Temple
Next, it was time to continue our walking journey 3:30pm we left Kamakura Station (EN15), we walked toward Kotokuin Temple (Kamakura’s Great Buddha), The walk should take about 15-20 minutes, but since we’re walking with our kids it took us about 30 mins :). And it was so nice! I’m glad my kids were good at and enjoy long walking. We passed by many interesting shops along the way like cafes, a flower shop, souvenir stores, vegetable shop, micro piggy cafe, resto, some apparel shops and more. Kids enjoyed stopping here and there to look around while walking and holding their Kamakura map.
Breaktime at Kamakura Itoko shop
Around 4:05pm, our kids would like to take a quick break and eat some ice cream. On the other side of the road near the stoplight we saw a small shop. Kabochakintsuba. The kids had an ice cream (their favorite part of the trip, of course), while my husband and I just sat back and relaxed for a bit. While I saw a shop selling some Kimono and souvenirs so I went there to check. It was a nice shop selling traditional Japanese kimonos, bags and getas (Traditional Japanese footwear) and more. It’s 4:25pm, after our short break we’re heading to see the Great Buddha.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
We finally reached the Great Buddha (Kotokuin Temple) at 4:35 PM. The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) is huge, standing at 13.35 meters tall. About 103 tons. It’s a National Treasure designated by Japanese government. it’s surrounded by beautiful and different kinds of seasonal plants, trees and gardens. The ambiance was calm. There were plenty of other visitors but it wasn’t too crowded. We spent about 15 minutes there, taking photos and appreciating the place. The kids were amazed by how large the Buddha was, and we learned a little about its history, which was fascinating.
Before we left, we picked up a cute red bean dessert shaped like the Great Buddha from the temple’s souvenir shop to bring back for my mother-in-law. It was a sweet way to remember our visit.
Walking Back to Hase Station
We left the temple around 4:50 PM. We didn’t walk back to Kamakura station (EN15) anymore. We started walking toward Hase Station (EN12). Which is more near than station EN15. Along the way, we passed by more interesting souvenir stores, snack shops, and cafes. We took our time to stroll and enjoying the sights. We reached Hase Station at 5:05 PM.
Sunset Train Ride to Enoshima
We boarded the train at Hase Station (EN12), heading back to Enoshima. The train ride was really fun for the kids. While on the train, we had wow (because my kids kept saying WOOOOW! ) view of the sunset from the train window. The sunset color was so beautiful. Dusk blue, red, orange, pink, and a little purple, making everything looked like a painting.
We arrived at Enoshima Station (EN06) around 5:28PM, and as we walked back to the parking area, we could still see the beautiful sunset over the beach while walking on Katase bridge. The silhouette of Mt. Fuji, the Enoshima Sea Candle, and the beach all looked stunning against the colorful sky.
Dinner Time
After a whole day of exploring, playing, eating and walking, we headed back to the car around 5:45 PM. On the way home, kids were hungry. My youngest son would like to stop by at Family Mart near our area to grab some quick dinner. He likes beef teriyaki bento, and my eldest picked a Famichiki and sushi roll. My husband and I got Miso Ramen Bento, had a quick dinner at the store’s dining area. No waitingKid’s have school tomorrow and it’s getting late It was a simple, easy, convenient meal to end our fun day.
Overall, it was such a memorable day. We got to explore, relax, and enjoy some beautiful sights and family time :). We really had a great time. We’re already thinking about our next adventure! Join us next time!!
