Looking for the Best Kamakura Base? 5 Reasons Why Kipp Hotel Fujisawa is a Total Vibe! 🇯🇵✨

Why we ditched the beach hotels for this industrial-chic gem in Fujisawa! 💎

Hello everyone~it’s Hattie💛 Today, I am SO excited to spill the tea on my absolute favorite discovery from my recent trip to Japan. If you’re planning a coastal getaway to Kamakura or Enoshima, you need to stop scrolling and read this right now!

For this trip, we went on a total “Northbound” adventure—starting in Izu, hitting up the hot springs in Atami, and then making our way to the iconic coastal town of Kamakura. Since we were traveling with a little one and had way too much luggage (oops, shopping happens!), I was low-key stressing about the logistics. I didn’t want to be that person struggling with giant suitcases on crowded local trains while chasing a toddler🏃‍♀️💨

That’s why we decided to play it smart and stay at a major transit hub: Fujisawa Station. And let me tell you, Kipp Hotel was the MVP of our entire trip. It’s affordable, surprisingly spacious, and honestly? The aesthetic is just chef’s kiss🤌✨

Why Fujisawa? (And why you’ll love Kipp Hotel) 🤔

A lot of people think they have to stay right on the beach in Kamakura. But hear me out: if you want to explore the Enoshima caves, catch those dreamy Shonan sunsets, and still be able to hop on a train to the airport or Tokyo without a 5-transfer nightmare, Fujisawa is the place to be🚉

Fujisawa is the ultimate “in-between” spot. It’s super lively at night (hello, midnight snacks!), and the commute is a breeze. But the real clincher for me choosing Kipp Hotel was the proximity to the station. By the end of the trip, my suitcases had somehow “grown” (I blame the Ghibli store 😂), and being just a few minutes’ walk from the platform saved my shoulders—and my sanity!

👉 Check Kipp Hotel rates and availability here!

Location, Location, Location! 🚃

Staying in Fujisawa is like having a golden ticket to everything cool in the area:

• Heading South: Direct lines to the hot springs of Atami and Izu.

• Heading North: A straight shot back to Tokyo or the airport.

• Exploring Kamakura: You can hop on the adorable green Enoden train or the Shonan Monorail and be at the “Slam Dunk” crossing or the Great Buddha in no time! 🏯

• The “Upside Down” Train: If you want to experience the famous suspended monorail at Ofuna, it’s just one stop away.

Plus, Kipp Hotel is literally right above a Lawson (late-night konbini runs for life! 🍦) and surrounded by cute Izakayas and restaurants. It’s basically the definition of convenience.

The Room Tour: Industrial Chic & Major Space! 🏗️

Walking into Kipp Hotel feels like stepping into a cool Brooklyn loft. It’s got that raw, minimal, industrial vibe with grey concrete walls and warm wood accents. 🩶🤎

The Warmest Welcome 🙋‍♀️

First of all, the staff here are literal angels. Their English is fantastic, which made check-in a breeze. No awkward fumbling with self-service kiosks here—just real, friendly humans who actually care about your stay. It’s those little touches that make a huge difference when you’re far from home.

Room for Days! 🛏️

We booked the Triple Room, and I was shook by how much space we had. In Japan, “spacious” usually means you can actually open your suitcase, but this was next level! The three single beds were pushed together, creating a massive “sleep island” that my kid loved rolling around on😆

We had a dedicated lounge area with a sofa and table, which became our designated “midnight snack HQ” We didn’t have to sit on the floor or the bed to eat our Lawson fried chicken—total win! 🍗

The Bathroom of My Dreams 🛁

Okay, can we talk about the “Three-Point Separation” design? This is a game-changer for groups:

1. The toilet is in its own room. 🚽

2. The shower and deep soaking tub are in another. 🛁

3. The vanity/sink is out in the open🪞

This meant no morning traffic jams! While someone was showering, someone else could be doing their makeup at the vanity. And girls, there is a massive full-length mirror. Your OOTD photos are going to look amazing here! 💅

The Amenities are… Insane? 🍧🍺

I expect a laundry room and a microwave. I do not expect a Free Beer Machine🍺✨

Yes, you read that right. The lobby is a total hangout spot. They have a coffee station for your morning caffeine fix, a shaved ice (Kakigori) machine that kept my kid entertained for hours, and—the star of the show—the beer tap!

After a long day of hiking through temples in Kamakura, coming back to the hotel, grabbing some yakitori from around the corner, and pouring ourselves a cold, frothy beer in the lobby was the peak of the trip. Kipp Hotel really knows how to treat their guests. 🍻

The Real Talk: Pros & Cons 🗣️

I want you guys to have the best time, so here’s my honest breakdown:

✅ The Highs:

• Major Bang for Your Buck: The prices are so reasonable for the amount of space and style you get.

• Design Goals: It’s super photogenic. Your Instagram feed will thank you.

• Perfect Layout: The three-way split bathroom is the smartest thing ever.

• The Hub Factor: Close to the station, close to food, close to everything.

❌ The Lows:

• Nightlife Vibes: Since it’s so close to the station and all the best restaurants, the street can get a little “lively” at night. It’s not dangerous at all, but if you’re traveling with kids, just keep an eye out as you walk back late at night!