Kamakura offers culinary delights and historical wonders only one hour away from the bustle of Tokyo. Many people flock to Kamakura to see the iconic 13-meter-tall Great Buddha statue or enjoy the summer beaches. Here, you can also enjoy an array of dishes that showcase the freshest seafood, locally grown vegetables, and a fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with modern twists.
Check out our list of day trips from Tokyo for more travel inspiration.
If you’re still considering this highly recommended day trip from Tokyo, let us share what to eat in Kamakura if you need more encouragement.
9 Must-try Delicacies and Local Specialties in Kamakura
- Croquette
- Dango
- Kamaboko
- Shirasu
- Inarizushi
- Shojin Ryori
- Hato Sabure
- Imagawayaki (Kamakura-styled)
- Kamakura Craft Beer
1. Croquette
Comfort food in Kamakura, croquette is made from a mixture of mashed potatoes, minced meat (usually beef or pork), and vegetables. This deep-fried treat boasts a golden-brown, crunchy exterior with a savory filling in various parts of Japan. In Kamakura, try the sweet variations made with chocolate or sweet potato. The best part? It can be enjoyed as a quick snack or as part of a satisfying meal.
2. Dango
Dango is a traditional Japanese sweet made from rice flour. Similar to mochi, these chewy rice dumplings are skewered onto bamboo sticks and come in various flavors. Often coated with sweet soy sauce or dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour), dango in Kamakura is taken to new heights with toppings like cherry blossom or matcha. The heightened visual appeal makes this Kamakura specialty a favorite among locals and tourists alike during festive occasions and temple visits.
3. Kamaboko
Kamaboko is a steamed fish cake that many will suggest when asked what to eat in Kamakura. Typically known for its distinctive pink and white layered appearance, kamaboko is made from pureed fish paste and seasoned with light flavors of seafood. In Kamakura, a range of additional flavors like corn or potato is added to the paste, elevating it far beyond the usual. See for yourself the sheer amount of kamaboko options in our Kamakura street foods video, many of which can be found on Komachi Dori, the area's major shopping street.
4. Shirasu (Whitebait)
What food is Kamakura known for? Shirasu! Shirasu is a tiny translucent fish found in abundance off Kamakura's shores and is one of the local must-try dishes. Choose from the many options like the shirasu omelet or shirasu don (a bowl of steaming rice topped with shirasu, a drizzle of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded seaweed). There are many fish in the sea, but this one deserves a try.
5. Inarizushi
Inarizushi, another Kamakura specialty, holds a special place in Kamakura's culinary offerings. These bite-sized treats consist of seasoned sushi rice encased within a sweet and savory aburaage (fried tofu) pouch. It's rolled into skewers in Kamakura, making it easily portable. The result makes inarizushi a popular street food perfect for eating on the go or carrying along to the beach for a picnic.
6. Shojin Ryori
Kamakura is known for its Buddhist heritage, which includes a vegetarian Buddhist cuisine called shojin ryori. Kamakura's rich soil and climate contribute to the cultivation of high-quality vegetables used in shojin ryori. This wholesome and healthy meal consists of various plant-based dishes that nourish the body. It's also perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
7. Hato Sabure
Hato Sabure is a dove-shaped shortbread cookie that is almost synonymous with Kamakura. These buttery cookies symbolize peace and tranquility, perfectly capturing the city's serene atmosphere. Hato Sabure is a great snack and an even better souvenir to take home.
8. Daibutsuyaki
This stuffed pastry in the shape of Kamakura's Great Buddha is not filled with wisdom but the next best thing: cream cheese, sweet potato, custard, or anko.
9. Kamakura Craft Beer
Kanagawa is the home of Japan's first brewery. For craft beer enthusiasts in Kamakura, Kamakura Beer offers a refreshing selection of locally brewed beers. Their best-selling Yukari Daibutsu Beer is a citrus-flavored, golden pale ale blend meant to represent the Great Buddha statue for which the area is known. With every sip, you'll pay tribute to Kamakura's culture.
Cooking Classes in Kamakura
While in Kamakura, take the chance to explore culinary specialties firsthand in an immersive environment. There are many cooking classes that can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to recreate Kamakura's local specialties in the comfort of your own home. Here are a few that we recommend.
Shojin Ryori Cooking
If Buddhism appeals to you in any form or fashion, then this shojin ryori cooking class is for you. Conducted by the author of many shojin ryori cookbooks, including one in English, you will learn how to create nine dishes following the precepts of Buddhism. To end it off, learn how to make matcha tea from a 90-year-old instructor. Get some life lessons while you’re there.
Bento Lunch Cooking Class
Bentos are carefully prepared and appealing lunch boxes that children and adults can enjoy. In this bento-making class, you will learn how to make rolled sushi and other typical bento dishes. Quick lessons in origami (Japanese paper folding) and calligraphy follows, equipping you with essential Japanese cultural skills. After this, you'll surely be the envy of your peers.
Wagashi Making Class
If you've decided to include Enoshima in your Kanagawa trip, this wagashi (Japanese sweets) class is a great experience to add to your itinerary. Wagashi shapes, like so many other things in Japan, reflect the country’s seasonal produce and motifs. Made from rice flour and filled with a light paste, its delicate artistry is highly admired. In this class, you can let the seaside views be your muse and learn from Japanese confectionery masters.
Located within easy reach from Tokyo, Kamakura is a great way to experience some of the country’s historical and religious elements if you’re short on time. With many innovative culinary options, you can find novelty even in this historical place, adding an extra element of appeal to the many must-try dishes in Japan. Have you added Kamakura to your itinerary? You’ll be glad you did.
