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Kamakura Culture & history

Our most recommended Kamakura Culture & history

From Tokyo: Kamakura Temples Private Guided Tour

1. From Tokyo: Kamakura Temples Private Guided Tour

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Tokyo and travels to Kamakura by train. After a 1-hour train journey arrives in Kamakura and head to the first stop of the day, Hase Temple, also known as the Temple of Flowers. At the temple admire the incredible architecture of Hase Kannon, which houses the Buddhist statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Learn about this eleven-faced Goddess and she represents the different phases in search of enlightenment. Outside, you can wander through the pretty gardens and see the Jizo-do Hall which boasts hundreds of small Jizo Bodhisattva statues. Continue the tour to the Kotokuin Temple next where you will find Japan’s famous Great Buddha. Marvel at the imposing 13-meter-high Great Buddha statue while you learn about its significance and history, which dates back to 1292. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, replenish your energy and enjoy lunch at one of Kamakura’s finest Japanese restaurants. After lunch, head to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which was built in 1063 and dedicated to Emperor Ojin, also known as the God of War. The shrine is the most important Shinto Shrine in the city and sits at the geographical center of Kamakura. As you explore the complex, soak up the tranquil atmosphere and listen to your guide’s fascinating insight into the shrine’s history. At the end of an unforgettable day in Kamakura, travel back to Tokyo by train, arriving at around 4 or 5 pm.

From Tokyo: Kamakura Sightseeing Private Day Trip & Temples

2. From Tokyo: Kamakura Sightseeing Private Day Trip & Temples

Set off towards the Kamakura area after being picked up at your hotel / your home. Your first tour destination is Kamakura station area including Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Kamakura's most important shrine and Komachi Street, a popular shopping street where you could enjoy local food, snacks, and souvenirs. Next up is a visit of the Hasedera, where you could see the famous eleven-headed statue of Kannon that measures 9.18 meters tall and this makes it one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan. Moving on from Hasedera, go to one of the most iconic places in Kamakura, the Kotoku-in Temple with its huge bronze statue of Buddha which is called Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura). It is 11.3 meters tall and weighs around 121 tons. The last step of the tour is Enoshima, a small island located west of Kamakura. We recommend accessing it by riding the Eno-den train, an iconic single track train. On clear days you could enjoy stunning views. Enjoy sightseeing sopts, visiting shirines and shopping in Enoshima. -------------------- 【COVID-19 Safety Measures】 ・Safety screen installed between driver's seat and passengers' seats in vehicles. ・Vehicles regularly sanitized. ・Vehicles regularly ventilated for fresh air circulation. ・Regular temperature checks for all drivers. ・Drivers wears a face mask. ・Drivers regularly sanitize/wash hands. ・Drivers have a hand sanitiser for passengers.

From Tokyo: Day Trip to Coastal Kamakura

3. From Tokyo: Day Trip to Coastal Kamakura

Important: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed, and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences/requests. Meet your guide in Tokyo and take the train to the laid-back beach town of Kamakura. Just an hour south of Tokyo, this beach-side town offers ample opportunity to learn more about Japan’s heritage and feudal history. Be paired with a local host who are passionate about the place they call home and who choose to spend their free-time sharing it with like-minded travelers. Follow your host as you navigate through the intricate architecture of the area, past flame-colored torii gates marking entrances to shrines, and magnificent Buddhist temples. See the most notable attractions, including the spectacular Great Buddha and Hokokuji Bamboo Forest. Kamakura was the ancient feudal capital of Japan and had a vital role in spreading Buddhism across the country. The crown jewel of the town is the Amida Buddha at Kotoku-in, forged from bronze. See the modern side of the town by heading over to the local surf shacks and eyeing up the waves. Finish your day with a hike up to the peaceful local forest.

Kamakura: Great Buddha, Hase Temple, & Komachi Street Tour

4. Kamakura: Great Buddha, Hase Temple, & Komachi Street Tour

Kamakura was the ancient capital of Japan and now a major day trip spot both for Japanese and foreign tourists. Start your tour in Tokyo so you do not need to worried about transportation from/to Tokyo! Take the JR train forabout 1. 5 hrs and Eno-den, the local lovely train in Kamakura. The Great Buddha is the second largest Buddha in Japan and surprisingly it is located in open air! Hase temple is famous for flowers especially hydrangea so you can enjoy various flowers in season. There are also many interesting Budda, Kannon, and gods of wealth so you can make a wish to be rich! For lunch, you can eat typical local foods there. Kamakura is famous for seafood but if you do not like it, other food can be arranged based on your request. Then visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and enjoy shopping at Komachi street. If you would like to stay longer for shopping after the tour, you can. If you would like to visit other places like Hokokuji temple with its bamboo forest or Enoshima island, plans can be changed.

Kamakura: Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw

5. Kamakura: Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw

Explore Kamakura’s extraordinary past on a private tour of its temples and heritage sites. Meet your English-speaking rickshaw driver at the JR Kamakura train station to start your tour of the city. Choose from 4 different tour durations to suit your schedule, and discover this fromer Samurai capital.  On the 45-minute tour your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the center of the town, passing Otori Gate and the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Return to the station through quaint side streets, past temples with expansive grounds. For a more in-depth experience, the tour of 1 hour and 10 minutes includes a stop at the Hokokuji Temple, where you can wander through the famous gardens.   With the tour of 2 hours and 10 minutes, climb all the way up to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and enjoy the views over the city. This option also includes a visit to the Daibutsu, the Great Buddha Statue. For the most comprehensive tour of Kamakura, select the tour of 3 hours and 10 minutes, that includes all of the sights listed above.

Other Sightseeing Options in Kamakura

Want to discover all there is to do in Kamakura? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Kamakura

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 51 reviews

A worthwhile day trip

A worthwhile day trip with a very personable, competent guide, who moved safely through the entire jungle of trains and stations. Apart from the well-known temples and the big Buddha, she led us to a typical Japanese restaurant with excellent food and explained many details to us, but was still talking non-stop. The nice weather made the trip a highlight.

I had a lot of questions not only about the tour but japan in general. Take my guide was knowledge and always went the extra mile. Really appreciate how smooth everything went, thanks so much Take !

Was good way to spend an day, see the old capital of Japan .

The guide was fluent in English and had excellent knowledge of the city. We travelled by metro and bus. She joined us for lunch, guiding us through the meal.

A great day at the Japanese seaside with Patrick. Temples, shrines, local food and Black Kites behaving like Seaguls. Amazing.

We had a wonderful tour with Yoshi! Expect a lot of walking, a late lunch and beautiful sights. Highly recommend!