Respect Kamakura Etiquette

While Kamakura may not be a large city for a tourist destination, a spoiler can ruin a relaxing visit. Kamakura is striving to become a sustainable sightseeing area. Be mindful of sightseeing etiquette that respects the people, city, and culture and have a pleasant and memorable time in Kamakura.

Sightseeing Etiquette

1. Temples and Shrines

・Be quiet and calm when visiting temples and shrines.

・Follow the rules to preserve Kamakura’s valuable cultural properties.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Around Town

 

・Be mindful of your surroundings when eating or drinking outdoors.

 

 

 

 

 

・Formosan squirrels are causing increasing levels of damage. Do not feed them.

・Take care not to disturb local residents.

・Kamakura is a compact city. Avoid walking side by side.

 

 

 

 

3. Hiking Trails

 

・Share Kamakura’s trails so everyone can enjoy them.

・Protect nature by staying on the path.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Parks and Beaches

 

・Black kites (tobi) target food. Be careful when eating or drinking outdoors.

 

 

 

 

 

5. General Etiquette

 

・Take your trash with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

・Follow smoking rules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

・Follow the rules and etiquette when taking photos.

・Graffiti and vandalism are out of the question.

 

 

 

 

 

Kamakura City Ordinance on Improving Etiquette in Public Places

The city of Kamakura has established an ordinance on etiquette to ensure that everyone in Kamakura can have a pleasant experience. Instead of prohibitions and regulations, it asks for everyone’s cooperation. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

See: https://www.city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/kankou/mannerruleshead.html

■Photography

　          

・Do not take photos on roadways.　

・Do not take photos in dangerous places.

■In Narrow or Crowded Areas

                         

・Do not run to overtake others.　　　　

・Do not ride a bicycle or similar vehicles.　　　　

・Be considerate of your surroundings when eating or drinking.

■Other Situations

      

・Stay on pathways.　　　　　　　　　　

・Keep flames away from flammable materials.　　　　

・Do not pick plants indiscriminately.　　

・Do not install misleading signs.

Ordinance on Street Smoking Prevention

The city of Kamakura asks people not to smoke on the street in outdoor public spaces, such as roads, parks, and plazas. Additionally, areas with particularly high human traffic are designated as no-smoking zones, and smoking on the street is prohibited in such zones.

1. Any individual who is smoking on the street in a no-smoking zone will be verbally instructed to stop by a street smoking prevention officer.
2. If the individual does not comply, the officer will issue an order to stop smoking.
3. If the individual does not obey this order, they will incur a fine of 2,000 yen as a penalty.

THE TOBACCO KAMAKURA

To address the serious issue of cigarette littering and street smoking around Kamakura Station, a new type of smoking area has opened to help non-smokers and smokers co-exist. Unlike conventional smoking areas, THE TOBACCO KAMAKURA provides a clean, relaxing, and charming environment for a pleasant and comfortable experience. Feel free to stop by.

Location: i-ZA Kamakura 3F (1-6-15 Komachi, Kamakura-shi)

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Learn About Japan’s Sightseeing Etiquette

The Japan Tourism Agency has released videos on sightseeing etiquette in Japan. Please refer to them for your travels.

See: Etiquette awareness videos for foreign visitors＜外部リンク＞

 

Let’s all have a good time sightseeing by following the etiquette and rules.