I've been working at a hotel in Ofuna for a year now. With Ofuna being a base with excellent Location via the JR line and the Shonan Monorail, we've seen an increase in families traveling to Kamakura and Enoshima.

The other day, I was asked at the front desk, "Can elementary school children enjoy Kamakura and Enoshima?" Certainly, these areas boast charming historical streets and ocean views, but is it possible to have a trip where children are the main focus?

So this time, I, a staff member, decided to put myself in the shoes of a child and explore Kamakura and Enoshima, embarking on a "child's perspective" trip to find excitement and discoveries.

In this column, we'll introduce some special "adventure routes" in Kamakura and Enoshima, based on our own experiences and from the perspective of "this is a place that children are sure to get engrossed in."

We hope this will provide some helpful tips for families planning a trip where their children can experience new discoveries and small moments of wonder.
 

Morning: Kamakura Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha of Kamakura) at Kotoku-in Temple

As February drew to a close, we were hoping for some spring-like weather, but the morning air in Kamakura was still quite chilly.

The path from Enoden's Hase Station to Kotoku-in Temple is already crowded with tourists walking in two rows. There is a lot of traffic and the sidewalk is somewhat narrow, so it is safer to always hold your child's hand and make sure they walk on the inside side rather than the road side.

As you pass through the Niomon Gate, a gigantic Buddha statue appears before you. "Is this a building? Or a giant?" I, as a small child, would have been overwhelmed by its size. Its surprisingly gentle expression gives you a sense of relief, as if it were watching over you.

Furthermore, on the inner wall of the corridor to the right of the Great Buddha, there is a "Great Buddha's Straw Sandal" measuring 1.8m long and 0.9m wide, and you might have found yourself comparing your height to it and taking a photo, exclaiming, "Wow! Which one is bigger?"

Visiting the inside of the Buddha statue is truly an adventure into a "secret base." "Can we go inside? It's a little scary, but I want to go!" they exclaim excitedly. Climbing the narrow stairs and getting so close to the Buddha's body that you can almost touch it, and looking up at the back of the "rahotsu" on its head, is the perfect experience for curious children.


Address: 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Location: Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway.
◇Restrooms and a shop are available.
 

Lunch: Lunch near Hase Station

Lunchtime around Hase Station is expected to be crowded, so it's recommended to go early or make a reservation in advance.

This time, we went to "Kamakura Donabe Gohan kaedena," which we had reserved in advance.
In this relaxed atmosphere, the fish rice cooked in an earthenware pot and the side dish set are very popular. Kids who love fish are sure to enjoy it.

The joy of choosing from several types of clay pot rice. Children will feel a little grown-up as they get engrossed in deciding which one to have. With freshly cooked rice and colorful side dishes in front of them, they'll likely feel proud and think, "Japanese food is so cool."
The staff are friendly, so even first-timers can relax and enjoy their meal.

Address: 2nd Floor, 3-8-13 Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture Location: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Enoden "Hase Station"
◇Cash payment only, restrooms available.
 

Afternoon: Take the Enoden train to Enoshima.

In the afternoon, we took the Enoden train to Enoshima. Even though I've ridden it many times, the slow-moving train still makes me exclaim "Wow!" the moment I see the ocean. Other passengers were also cheering. I can imagine children pressed against the windows, gazing at the scenery.

If Kamakura is a historical adventure, then Enoshima is a sea adventure.
Even on the same day, different "adventures" await families depending on the location.

So, what kind of exciting things can we find in Enoshima?


Leaving Enoshima Station, I strolled along Subana Street and spontaneously made a detour to Higashihama Beach. Enticed by the scent of the sea, I instinctively took off my shoes and walked along the waterline, feeling like a child again, even as an Adults. A child might just run off right then and there.

The strong southerly winds in the afternoon, which swirl up the sand, are one of the characteristics of Shonan. The sandstorm was so strong I couldn't keep my eyes open, so I made a quick retreat. I really wanted to collect seashells too—it's a place where you can become one with nature. I did regret a little that I hadn't brought a towel to wipe my sandy feet.

Enoshima Escalator

Take the Enoshima Escalator to the top. The experience is like being in a theme park, and children will be overwhelmed with excitement, exclaiming, "It's like going to space!" At the top, strong winds will make your clothes and hair flap around, creating a moment where you'll want to laugh and say, "It's fun to play with the wind too!"
*Strollers can be folded before boarding or left at Escalator 1.

<<Special Offer Tickets>>
Enoshima 1-day ticket: ¥1,550 (Children: ¥700)
This is a great value ticket that allows you to enter the Enoshima Escalator, Samuel Cocking Garden, Sea Candle Observation Deck, and Iwaya Caves.


Address: 2-3-28 Enoshima, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Location: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line, approximately 25 minutes on foot from Enoshima Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway, and approximately 26 minutes on foot from Shonan-Enoshima Station on the Shonan Monorail. ◇ Restrooms are available in various locations.
 

Enoshima Iwaya

Using the escalator, even children can easily reach the cave. There may be a waiting time on some days, but if you use this time to descend to the rocky area of ​​Chigogafuchi, you can experience the magnificent ocean up close.

Unlike the waves we saw at Higashihama, the sea here is swelling greatly, and occasionally huge waves crash against the rocks, sending up sprays many times higher than your own height—a truly awe-inspiring sight. Children might instinctively tighten their grip on the hand they're holding.

As you venture into the darkness of the cavern by candlelight, your imagination will run wild, wondering, "Is this really a cave?" and "Does it lead all the way to Mount Fuji?" The light and sound dragon effect is also impressive, and it will surely be a memorable part of your grand adventure.

Address: 2-chome, Enoshima, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture Location: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Samuel Cocking Garden. ◇ Restrooms are available at Chigogafuchi Rest House.
 

Evening: Enoshima Sea Candle Observation Deck

After returning from Iwaya and getting tired from walking, you might hear someone ask, "Let's all eat some octopus crackers !" Sharing a large octopus cracker with your family and taking a break will surely become a cherished memory.

Climb to the observation deck for a 360-degree panoramic view. From the outdoor observation deck, you can see the cityscape of the Shonan area and ships floating on the horizon. Taking family photos with the vast ocean as a backdrop is highly recommended. You might feel a sense of accomplishment when your child proudly exclaims, "Look! I found Mount Fuji!"

Night: Take the Shonan Monorail to Ofuna.

After playing to our hearts' content, we took the Shonan Monorail to Ofuna. The feeling of floating was incredibly fun, and the rattling and swaying motion was just like a roller coaster. The children, bracing their feet and laughing heartily as they endured the swaying, looked like they were having a great time. Sometimes, these small experiences can become the most cherished memories in retrospect.
 

Accommodation: Relax and rest at the hotel.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kamakura-Ofuna higashiguchi boasts a convenient location, just a 2-minute walk from Ofuna Station, making it a short but manageable distance even when you're feeling tired. At the front desk, you'll be greeted with the warm smiles of our staff, offering a moment of respite.

The self-check-in machine makes the process quick and easy, and choosing your amenities is part of the fun. With card key access and excellent security, you can relax even with small children.

We recommend the "Connecting Room" for a more spacious and comfortable stay. These rooms have an interior door between them, allowing for free movement between them. Children will happily go back and forth, exclaiming, "Let's go to this room too!" It's like discovering a secret passage, adding to the excitement of the adventure.

"Tomorrow we'll have breakfast at the hotel Breakfast, go exploring to the Ofuna Kannon statue , and then visit the Enoshima Aquarium !" The night arrives with excitement for the next day. After a day of fun, you'll be fast asleep in bed—or perhaps the happy memories will keep you awake for a while. Either way, today's adventures will make for a memorable night.


Address: 1-22-3 Ofuna, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Location: 2-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Ofuna Station, 2-minute walk from the ticket gate of Shonan Monorail Ofuna Station. *One child under elementary school age can share a bed with an adult.
 

This trip was supposed to be all about the kids, but before I knew it, there were several moments that even I, an Adults, found exciting. The magnificent Buddha statue, the ocean views, the cave exploration and adventurous rides, and even a slightly extravagant Japanese lunch. Seeing and experiencing things that Adults usually overlook can be enjoyed from the same perspective as children, leading to fresh and wonderful discoveries.

Kamakura and Enoshima are places where both children and Adults can make new discoveries. If you wisely choose to stay in Ofuna, the gateway to Kamakura, the whole family can fully enjoy an adventurous trip.

We encourage you to go on an adventure with your whole family and create wonderful memories together that will make your heart flutter.

*This information is current as of March 2026.