The Great Buddha of Kamakura, Cafe and Sweets in Hase
December 2023 Seasonal up date : 2
Kamakura Daibutsu-den Kotoku-in” is a well-known and popular spot in Kamakura, home to the iconic Great Buddha statue. The nearest station is “Hase” station on the Enoshima Electric Railway line, which is three stops away from Kamakura Station.
During the hydrangea season in June to July and the autumn foliage season in November to December, this area tends to get very crowded, especially with visitors heading to Hase-dera temple nearby. Therefore, if you’re visiting the Great Buddha, it’s recommended to choose a different season when it’s less crowded.
We’ll also introduce some favorite dessert cafes and popular traditional Japanese sweets shops in the vicinity.
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Kamakura Daibutsu-den Kotoku-in
In the history of Japanese Buddhist art, the Great Buddha statues hold significant importance. The Great Buddha enshrined at Kotoku-in, which has stood for over 750 years since its creation, is a popular tourist attraction in Kamakura.
Kotoku-in provides ample space within its grounds, making it a relaxing spot where even students on school trips can take a break. If you don’t disturb other visitors, you can also enjoy a light meal or a drink, making it a place for relaxation as well.
On the way from Hase Station to Kotoku-in and along the opposite side facing the sea, along Yuigahama Street leading from Hase-dera temple towards Kamakura Station, you’ll find numerous dessert cafes and traditional Japanese sweets shops. You may partake in a day of sweet treats indulgence today! Any leftovers can be taken home as souvenirs. Enjoy your food-filled adventure!
PANNNAFACTORY’s panna cotta is incredibly rich. It offers a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth, while also providing a luxurious creaminess that fills your palate. Moreover, this rich flavor pairs exceptionally well with wine.
The opulence of the panna cotta and the exuberance of the wine harmonize perfectly, allowing you to savor a taste for adults. It’s a recommended choice for those seeking a perfect wine and dessert pairing.
Cloverleaf, an American cake shop located in a residential area just a few minutes from Hase Kannon, offers original American cakes in a cozy café space.
A highly recommended takeout item is their Cookie Ice Sandwich, perfect for hot summer days. It features crunchy cookies with ice cream sandwiched therebetween that form a substantial treat. Despite its size, it’s easy to eat and provides a delightful coolness that you can enjoy by taking big bites.
Located right next to Kamakura-Hase Station, Ekoyoko Bake is a casual café where you can enjoy delightful baked goods and sweets. In particular, the Victoria Cake is a recommended treat. It pairs a satisfying sponge cake with tangy jam exceptionally well.
During the summer season, their refreshing fruit drinks are a must-try. These drinks, made with fresh fruits and featuring a cool appearance, are perfect for taking out and sipping while strolling around.
Taiyaki Namihei is a popular Japanese sweets shop loved by locals, serving taiyaki that feature a fluffy interior and a crispy outer shell. With each bite, you’ll experience the delightful combination of a crispy surface, a fragrant aroma, and sweet red bean paste that warms the heart. They offer around five different flavors to choose from.
Furthermore, during the summer season, their shaved ice (kakigori) is highly recommended. You can enjoy a refreshing moment by topping fluffy ice with rich syrup, providing a cooling and enjoyable experience.
Tokisōan is a soba and dango (rice dumplings) restaurant located in Hase, Kamakura. The dango they sell at the storefront are known for their chewy and soft texture, making them popular among the locals. Additionally, their reasonable prices are a delightful feature. During the summer, you can also enjoy shaved ice in the shop.
You can either buy dango for takeout and enjoy them while strolling around or take them home. They make for a humble yet delicious souvenir.
Kamakura’s pudding workshop, “Cute Daughters,” takes pride in their delicious puddings made with Jersey milk. Their puddings are known for their rich and smooth texture, as well as a subtly sweet flavor.
Furthermore, they emphasize local sourcing in Kanagawa Prefecture, incorporating local ingredients into their puddings. While savoring the delightful puddings, you can also experience the charm of Kamakura and support local food production.
“Chikaramochiya”, located in Hase, Kamakura, is a popular local Japanese confectionery shop. They offer a variety of traditional Japanese sweets, with a focus on soft anko (sweet red bean paste) mochi, as well as sweets made from gyuhi (a soft and chewy rice cake) and anko. The simple yet delicious anko mochi is loved not only by locals but also by tourists.
It’s important to note that “Chikaramochiya” is known for its popularity. Especially during tourist seasons and holidays, it’s not uncommon to see long lines forming outside the shop. Their anko mochi tends to sell out in the morning during these times. So, it’s advisable to be mindful of the timing when planning your visit.
Hase Station is where many visitors disembark to see the Great Buddha in Kamakura. In addition to the Great Buddha, you can enjoy a variety of sweets in Hase that offer a blend of Japanese and Western flavors, spanning both traditional and contemporary styles. From chewy mochi and refreshing shaved ice to original American cakes, there’s a diverse range of sweets to indulge in. Be sure to savor the sweet side of Kamakura while enjoying its charming atmosphere!
For more detailed information, be sure to check out guides like “A 1-HOUR JOURNEY FROM TOKYO. KAMAKURA, THE BIRTHPLACE OF ‘SAMURAI’ CULTURE.”
