Hotel New Kamakura in Kamakura: A Taisho-Era Wooden Stay

A Taisho-Era Wooden Landmark in Central Kamakura

Tucked into the Imakoji lane of Onarimachi, Hotel NewKamakuragreets visitors with the warm, low silhouette of a typical Kamakura two-story wooden building from the Taisho Period. The structure is officially designated as an important building of the Kamakura City landscape, a civic recognition that reflects its architectural and cultural value rather than any rating or award.

An 80-Year History That Started as the Yamagata Hotel

The property carries an 80-year history and was originally established as the Yamagata Hotel. During the Taisho period its reputation for service drew the patronage of many literary figures, including novelist Ryunosuke Akutagawa, who is noted to have met poet Kanoko Okamoto there. That literary past still flavors the atmosphere today, and the hotel's historic interior is now a popular location for fashion and commercial photo shoots, helping it gain international attention largely through word of mouth.

Classic Windows and a Light-Filled Interior

One of the defining details is the collection of traditional raising-and-lowering windows found across the building. Their simple mechanism reflects the considerate design thinking of an earlier era, and because there are so many of them, the interiors stay bright and well ventilated. Visitors are encouraged to try the windows themselves during a stay. Near the center of the second floor sits Haikara-doori, a Japanese-style room that gained television fame when it placed second in the final round of TV Champion's Reform King tournament.

A Short Walk from JR Kamakura Station

The hotel is just a stone's throw away from JR Kamakura Station, placing the ancient capital's temples, shrines and coastal streets within easy reach on foot. That proximity is one of the clearest advantages of the address and shapes the rhythm of a stay centered on short, scenic outings rather than long commutes.

Practical Considerations

The property has announced that prices increased from Tuesday, November 1, 2022, reflecting rising costs, and thanked guests for their ongoing support. Because pricing, policies and on-site details can shift over time, guests should confirm the latest information directly with the hotel before travel.