Kamakura, Japan, is gearing up for the New Year's celebrations with significant updates to its tourism and business sectors. From emergency medical services to the operational changes at popular stores, the city is striving to accommodate the influx of visitors expected during this festive period.
During the New Year holiday season, from December 29 to January 3, emergency medical services will be operational at the Kamakura City Medical Association's Nighttime Emergency Medical Care Center located at 3-5-8 Zaimokuza. This service will be available for primary care and pediatrics, with specific timings set for daytime and nighttime consultations.
Daytime services will run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with nighttime services from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. To facilitate smoother consultations, patients are advised to complete several steps: filling out the online questionnaire, sending images of their medical insurance, and making phone calls prior to their visit. Those interested can find more details on the Kamakura City Medical Association's website.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Kamakura Benyaki has announced operational changes for its Komachi Street location during the New Year’s period, from January 1 to January 5. Given the expected rush of visitors, measures will be put in place to alleviate congestion, including restrictions on the entry and café usage times at their premises.
Visitors will be allowed onto the premises starting around 8:30 AM, but entry before this time will not be permitted. The shop is set to open at 9:30 AM, and for those hoping to snag their famous walnut sweets, raffle tickets will be distributed at the store front 10 minutes prior to opening. Due to anticipated crowd density, patrons may have to share tables for limited durations, especially on the first and second floors of the café, where service will be restricted to 60 minutes during peak times.
Kamakura is known as a vibrant tourist destination, particularly at the start of the New Year when many flock to visit the Hachimangu Shrine. With restrictions lifted this year for the first time in three years, record crowds are anticipated. Locals recommend avoiding January 1 through 5 and suggest visiting during quieter weekday mornings to enjoy shopping and café experiences without the hustle.
Adding to the allure, the Kamakura Prince Hotel is partnering with Kyoto's Fukujyu-en to offer seasonal afternoon tea and sweets from February 26 to May 13, 2025. This unique event, titled “Cherry Blossom Viewing by the Sea of Shonan,” combines the traditional flavors of Kyoto with the stunning views from the hotel and seasonal cherry blossoms.
Featured delicacies will include various matcha-infused treats, such as mont blanc, tiramisu, and gourmet pastries, beautifully curated to represent both Kamakura and Kyoto’s cultural heritage. The menu, priced at 6,000 yen (tax included, service fee extra), will also feature savory options.
The hotel has set up part of its lobby lounge as 'TATAMI Lounge,' adorned with cherry blossom decorations, inviting guests to relax and indulge. The lounge will also serve specialties like a matcha sweets assortment and matcha affogato, appealing to both locals and tourists alike.
For those eager to capture the majestic view of Mount Fuji, the newly renovated Shonan Enoshima Station, which opened its rooftop terrace back in December 2018, offers breathtaking panoramas within its operational hours from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A live camera broadcasts views of Mt. Fuji every ten minutes, allowing viewers to appreciate its grandeur from afar.
With these updates, Kamakura sets the stage for a festive yet orderly New Year’s celebration, balancing the needs of both residents and tourists. While crowds are inevitable, the city’s efforts to manage local business activities and offer enriching experiences promise to make this holiday season memorable.
