Komachi-dori Street — Attraction in Kamakura

A tourist trap essentially haha, just 2 streets full of shops, selling food to souvenirs, to snacks and craft. Street feels old but the stuff sold are rather modern. From artisan gelato and financiers to burgers and ring customisation craft shops and art galleries.

Stopped by this shop with a queue - Good Luck Buddha Cake, and again, the Singaporean in me joined it. Clever marketing there, it's basically taiyaki, with 6 different fillings and they made them in the shape of the Daibutsu, the most famous landmark here. Then they assigned a wish to each filling so you are made to think hard of what you hope for when deciding which flavour to buy, I guess they were betting on the human greed where one would want it all and hence, order all 6 haha. Well didn't catch me there, I was practical with my choice and went for the one flavour that I enjoyed most and it turned out decent. The custard cream was nicely done, creamy not curdly-thick, not too sweet and balanced portion in proportion to the sponge cake. Worth the queue, which does move...

Beautiful area. Be careful while visiting, where you place your trash and how loud you are. My friend who was showing me around explained to me that we were passing into the "spirit world" when we crossed under those large framed beams. There is a cute little cat that sits on the street, and it wears a sweet hat and shirt. This is a great area to get multiple types of snacks. I ate macha Ice cream and Magikarp cakes, carmelized and filled with chocolate, red bean, caramel and other flavors. The vendors are kind, and the grocery store is my favorite. While you are here, try the local...

Komachi Dori is the heart of tourist shopping in Kamakura, but should be savored slowly. Instead of quickly walking down the street and missing the magical food or product discoveries, try spending a few minutes going into each store, or reading the menu at each food establishment. After dozens of trips here, we still discover a new local tidbit to eat, or a new item in a store to ogle and consider buying. Just when we think we know the street well (and know some of the shop owners, many of whom are happy to talk), we discover something new to add to our...