Backpacker favorite hostel on Kamakura's famous Komachi shopping street. Dormitory and private rooms, cheerful common area, and expert staff who give free local sightseeing tips and temple maps.
Khaosan Kamakura Guest House is a backpacker hostel operated by the Khaosan group, a Tokyo-based budget accommodation chain with multiple properties across Japan. The hostel is located on the Komachi district in central Kamakura, close to Kamakura's renowned Komachi-dori — the lively covered shopping street running from Kamakura Station toward Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine — in Kanagawa's most-visited historic city. Kamakura, situated on the Pacific coast approximately 50 km southwest of Tokyo, served as Japan's de facto political capital during the Kamakura shogunate period (1185–1333) and retains a remarkable concentration of Zen Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and forested hiking trails within a compact area.
The property offers dormitory beds and private rooms at competitive budget rates, typically around 3,000 JPY per night for a dorm bed. Shared facilities include a communal kitchen, a lounge stocked with maps and local information, secure lockers, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Staff are consistently praised for providing detailed, enthusiastic guidance on Kamakura's temple circuit and distributing free trail maps highlighting less-visited sites away from the main tourist crowds. The Komachi-dori proximity puts guests within a short walk of Kamakura Station's direct rail connections to Yokohama and Tokyo.
The hostel attracts a predominantly young international backpacker crowd alongside domestic Japanese travelers exploring the area. The social atmosphere in the common areas makes it easy to find fellow travelers for joint temple excursions or beach walks to Zaimokuza and Yuigahama on the Pacific coast. Kamakura's key sights — the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, the Hasedera temple complex, Engakuji in Kita-Kamakura, and the coastal Enoshima island day trip — are all accessible by bicycle, on foot, or by the Enoden tram line from Kamakura Station.
Booking is recommended two to three weeks in advance for weekend stays and at least a month ahead for April cherry-blossom season and November autumn foliage, when Kamakura attracts large visitor numbers from across the Kanto region.
Amenities
- Common kitchen
- Lounge
- Lockers
- Free maps and tips
- Free Wi-Fi
Location
Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa
35.3200, 139.5490 View on map
Highlights
- Komachi street location
- Knowledgeable staff
- Temple trail maps provided
- Social atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Collect the free temple trail map from staff at check-in — the Kita-Kamakura to Kamakura walking route via Engakuji, Kenchoji, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu covers around 5 km and is well signposted.
- Komachi-dori vendors sell regional snacks including Kamakura smoked ham and fresh-made Japanese sweets — sampling on foot is part of the local experience.
- Arrive before 15:00 on weekends to avoid the check-in rush; the Komachi-dori area becomes very crowded by mid-afternoon.
- The Enoden tram to Hase and Enoshima is a scenic coastal ride — a day pass offers good value when planning multiple stops along the line.
- Book at least three to four weeks ahead for cherry-blossom stays in late March to mid-April and autumn foliage in mid-November, the two busiest periods in Kamakura.
Accessibility
Khaosan Kamakura Guest House is a budget hostel in a traditional commercial building. The property is likely to have steps at the entrance and stairs between floors, which may present challenges for guests with mobility limitations. Guests requiring step-free access or other accessibility accommodations should contact the hostel directly before making a reservation.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Khaosan Kamakura Guest House located?
The hostel is in the Komachi district of central Kamakura, close to Komachi-dori and a short walk from Kamakura Station. This position makes it one of the most conveniently located budget options in the city.
Does the hostel provide sightseeing maps and local guidance?
Yes, free local maps are available at reception and staff are well regarded for giving detailed, personalised sightseeing advice. This is one of the hostel's most praised features in guest reviews.
How do guests reach Kamakura from Tokyo or Yokohama?
From Tokyo's Shinjuku, the Shonan-Shinjuku Line runs direct to Kamakura in approximately 55–60 minutes. From Yokohama Station, the JR Yokosuka Line reaches Kamakura in about 25–30 minutes. Kamakura Station is approximately a 5-minute walk from the hostel.
Are private rooms available alongside dormitories?
Yes, private rooms are available in addition to dormitory beds. Private rooms book up significantly faster, especially on weekends and during peak seasons — early reservation is strongly advisable.