Kamakura (Great Buddha & Hiking Trails)

Kamakura's 13.35-metre bronze Great Buddha (Kotoku-in, 300 JPY) is one of Japan's most recognisable landmarks, and the surrounding network of coastal hiking trails known as the Kamakura Hiking Course links temples through bamboo forest in a 2-3 hour gentle walk ideal for families with children aged 7+. The seaside town is known for surfers at Yuigahama Beach and a lively street food scene along Komachi-dori with matcha soft-serve (400 JPY) and grilled mochi. Kamakura is 55 minutes from Tokyo's Shinjuku station on the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line. TripAdvisor consistently rates Kamakura as Tokyo's best day-trip destination, with the Great Buddha featuring in over 200,000 traveller photos.