South from Tokyo

South from Tokyo
South from Tokyo

 Easy towns, just beyond. Just beyond the edge of Tokyo, the pace begins to slow. This is where the sea breeze drifts through quiet streets, and green hills wrap around old towns like Kamakura, Kita-kamakura, Zushi, and Hayama.

By Place
Wave-lapped shoreline of Yuigahama Beach, a scenic spot in Kamakura, south of Tokyo
1. Kamakura

 Just over an hour from Tokyo by JR Yokosuka line, Kamakura blends historic temples, coastal charm, and lively shopping streets. From the Great Buddha to bamboo forests, it’s a perfect escape into Japan’s cultural heritage.

A narrow path through a green tunnel of trees on Kamegayatsuzaka in Kitakamakura
2. Kita-kamakura

 One stop before Kamakura on the JR Yokosuka Line, Kita-Kamakura offers quiet Zen temples and forested paths. A peaceful retreat just about an hour from Tokyo.