Things to do in Kamakura in January

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Overview

January is a good time to visit Kamakura. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 36—49°F (2—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Kamakura during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go on a whale watching tour, attend a traditional New Year's ceremony at a local shrine, take a hot spring bath at a local onsen, and more!

Kamakura has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Kamakura. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Kamakura in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Kamakura in January

Top experiences in January
Go on a whale watching tour
January is the peak season for whale watching in Kamakura, as humpback whales migrate through the waters off the coast of the city. You can join a guided whale watching tour to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures as they breach and play in the ocean. It's a thrilling and unforgettable experience that allows you to connect with nature and witness the beauty of marine life.
Attend a traditional New Year's ceremony at a local shrine
In January, many shrines in Kamakura hold special New Year's ceremonies and events to celebrate the start of the new year. You can participate in traditional rituals such as hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year), omikuji (fortune-telling), and omamori (good luck charms). It's a meaningful and spiritual way to kick off the new year and gain blessings for the months ahead.
Take a hot spring bath at a local onsen
January is the perfect time to relax and unwind in a traditional Japanese hot spring bath. Kamakura is home to several onsen (hot spring) resorts where you can soak in the healing waters and enjoy the serene natural surroundings. It's a rejuvenating experience that will help you stay warm and cozy during the winter months.
Participate in the Kamakura Hiking Tour
In January, the weather in Kamakura is cool and perfect for outdoor activities. The Kamakura Hiking Tour takes you through the beautiful nature and historical sites of the area, including the famous Great Buddha and Zeniarai Benten Shrine. It's a great way to get some exercise and take in the stunning scenery of Kamakura.
Try traditional Japanese New Year's food at a local restaurant
In January, many restaurants in Kamakura offer special menus featuring traditional Japanese New Year's dishes such as ozoni (mochi soup), osechi (traditional New Year's food), and mochi (rice cakes). Trying these dishes is a unique way to experience Japanese culture and celebrate the New Year like a local.
Take a traditional tea ceremony class
In January, many tea houses in Kamakura offer traditional tea ceremony classes where you can learn the art of preparing and serving matcha (green tea) in a traditional Japanese setting. It's a unique cultural experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the customs and rituals of Japanese tea culture.
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Holidays in Kamakura in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • January 1 Bank Holiday (January 1)
  • January 2 Bank Holiday (January 2)
  • January 3 Bank Holiday (January 3)
  • Coming of Age Day (January 13)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Kamakura in January

Temperatures on an average day in Kamakura in January

The average temperature in Kamakura in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 49°F (9°C) to a low of 36°F (2°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Kamakura, August, has days with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 49°F (9°C) and lows of 36°F (2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Kamakura in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
49°F
highs
36°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
14%
Chance of rain
0.076 in
Amount
14.5 mph
Wind speed
61%
Humidity
10.1 hrs
Daylight length
6:48 AM
Sunrise
4:52 PM
Sunset
70%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 49°F (9°C) and a low of 36°F (2°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Kamakura in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Kamakura has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Kamakura that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Kamakura for January.
Kotoku-in
1. Kotoku-in
4.3
(23038)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Tranquil temple known for a monumental, outdoor bronze statue of the Buddha in the seated position.
Kamakura Hasedera
2. Kamakura Hasedera
4.4
(12842)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Buddhist temple & gardens dating from the 8th century, with a huge wooden statue of the god Kannon.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
3. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
4.4
(24585)
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Shinto shrine established in 11th century, built in 1828 in the traditional Edo architectural style.
Enoshima Electric Railway
4. Enoshima Electric Railway
Transportation
Mass Transportation Systems
A Happy Pancake
5. A Happy Pancake
3.9
(433)
Pancake restaurant
Sights & Landmarks
Hokokuji Bamboo Forest
6. Hokokuji Bamboo Forest
4.4
(515)
Garden
Sights & Landmarks
Kencho-ji
7. Kencho-ji
4.4
(3890)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Large Zen temple complex in a serene setting featuring gardens & a trail with views of Mt. Fuji.
Engaku-ji
8. Engaku-ji
4.4
(3788)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Zen Buddhist complex, founded in 1282, with gates, temples, a giant bell & a relic of the Buddha.
Zeniarai Benten Shrine
9. Zeniarai Benten Shrine
4.3
(6269)
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Cozy, 11th-century Shinto shrine with a spring for ritual money-washing believed to increase wealth.
Meigetsu-in
10. Meigetsu-in
4.3
(4189)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Founded in 1159, this Rinzai Zen temple features a large round window & hydrangeas on the grounds.
Daibutsu Hiking Trail
11. Daibutsu Hiking Trail
4.4
(81)
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Kamakura Seaside Park
12. Kamakura Seaside Park
4.1
(764)
Park
Nature & Parks
Large beachfront lawn & playground with swings, climbing bars & slides, plus a vintage tram car.
Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station
13. Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station
4.4
(1009)
Train station
Sights & Landmarks
Tokei-ji
14. Tokei-ji
4.2
(1235)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Tranquil Buddhist temple, nunnery & women's refuge, founded in 1285, in a lush garden setting.
Shichirigahama
15. Shichirigahama
4.6
(84)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Sand beach & sunset spot offering panoramas of Mount Fuji & Enoshima island, plus waves for surfing.
Sasuke Inari Shrine
16. Sasuke Inari Shrine
4.4
(1769)
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Peaceful, small Shinto shrine overlooking a bygone hidden village steeped in traditional folklore.

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