Kamakura used to the capital of Japan during 12th to 14th century. It was the first period governed by the samurai warriors; Shoguns.Since samurai practiced Zen Buddhism, there are many Zen Temples which were built before those in Kyoto.
At your hotel
I will pick you up near the reception.
The Big Buddha in Kotoku-In Temple; The big Buddha was built in the 13th century, which is the most popular site in Kamakura. It is a statue of Amida Buddha who helps everyone in need to be reborn in the Heaven (Admission: 200 JPY except the guide)
Hase-Dera Temple; It is about 10 minutes walk from the Big Buddha, this temple was built in 8th century, which has a nice Japanese garden, statues of Buddha, view of the Pacific Ocean and a unique cave shrine. It is also famous for its hydrangea trail. (Admission: 400 JPY except the guide)
Lunch; We will have a casual Japanese lunch with Tempura for about 1,500JPY per person. If you want any special lunch, please ask me before the tour.
You can find pictures of these places by clicking (>) in the left window.
This shrine was built in 1063 for Minamoto Family who governed Japan in the 12th century. This shrine is very popular for Japanese people to visit in new year days. (Admission free)
This temple was built in 1334 to commemorate Ashikaga Ietoki who was the grandfather of Takauji who started Muromachi period. The bamboo forest of Hokoku temple is something different from other places (Admission: 300 JPY except the guide). You can drink a cup of Japanese power green tea with sweets with the view of the bamboo forest. (Extra fee: 600 JPY)
This temple was built in 1253 which ranked the highest Zen temple in Kamakura. You can see and take pictures of the marvelous Cloud Dragon in the ceiling which is as good as the one at Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto. (Admission: 500 JPY except the guide)
This temple was built in 1282 which ranked 2nd highest Zen temple in Kamakura. You can see and take a picture of the statue of Shaka in the main worship hall. (Admission: 300 JPY except the guide)
Enjoy shopping at many unique shops of Japanese products, very popular for local women.
End of the tour
At your hotel
1. Memorable Tour; I can show you around the most memorable places in Kamakura based on my experience.
1. Easier to Go; I will choose the most efficient and comfortable transportation so you don't have to be bothered by how to visit them efficiently within a day.
3. Flexible Plan; My tour is very flexible with time and places with many options according to your interest.
4. Delicious Foods; Japanese food is very important part of my tour, I will take you to my favorite restaurant for lunch during the tour.
guide fee, hotel pick up
Transportation cost of you and the guide (3,000 JPY per person)
Lunch of you and the guide (about 1,500 JPY per person)
Entrance fee of you (Big Buddha: 200 JPY, Hase-Dera: 400 JPY, Hokoku-Ji: 300 JPY, Kencho-Ji: 500 JPY, Enkaku-Ji: 300 JPY)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has been closed to foreign travelers since March, 2020. This restriction has been eased since October 11th, 2022 but you still need to vaccinated three and more times or have a certificate of COVID-19 negative . Please ask me the availability of the tour before you book it. I was vaccinated four times with the Pfizer one.
Not available on Mondays.
Most of the temples close about 16:00 to 17:00.
- The tour guide is not available on Monday.
- Please, send a direct message to the tour guide for confirming the availability before booking
Yes, you can ride a green car in JR line from Tokyo to Kamakura for about an hour. But please pay the transportation cost of the guide of about 2000 JPY.
We had a great day with Yuki seeing 2 sights and participating in a tea ceremony. Had a great time!
Dear Justine, Thank you for taking time for the review. I thought there were too many participants in the tea ceremony, but we should have accepted it according to one time one meeting attitude. Yuki
Our days with Yuki were all that we hoped for and more. He was exceptionally skilled at organizing our time, so we could see as much as possible, at an enjoyable pace. He is very knowledgeable about historical and current Japanese culture. He knows the transportation system like the back of his hand, including Kyoto and Kamakura. He was the best!!!
Dear Calra, Thank you for writing the review. Since you are interested in Japanese antiques, we visited the gallery of Nijyo castle in Kyoto. It was my first time, but I found it very good to see the paintings at close range. Please give my best regards to Jeff. Yuki
Our days with Yuki were all that we hoped for and more. He was exceptionally skilled at organizing our time to see as much as possible, at an enjoyable pace. He is very knowledgeable in historical and current Japanese culture. He knows the transportation system like the back of his hand, including Kyoto and Kamakura. He was the best!!!!
Dear Carla, Thank you for writing the review of my tour. Since you are interested in Japanese antiques, we visited not so popular galleries of a temple and shrine in Kamakura. I enjoyed these galleries, too. Thank you for taking my tour! Yuki
Managed the tour well. Suggested good options as the road had traffic congestions. We were very happy
Dear Manish, Thank you for writing the review of my tour. It was a special tour for strawberry picking. Although we had no time to see the cherry blossoms in Kawazu, we had a good time at the Mishima Sky Walk, which is a 400m suspension bridge with the view of Mt. Fuji. Best regards, Yuki