Best Memories of Kamakura
Joined 2014
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- I will meet you near the reception. I will show your name on my iPad.
The following is a standard plan with optional places you can choose. Approximate time durations are also shown.
10:00-11:30 Hotel pick up and Transport to Kamakura by JR train
I will pick you up near the reception.
12:00-12:30 The Great Buddha in Kotoku-in Temple
The Great Buddha in Kotoku-In Temple; The 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: 300 JPY except the guide)
12:30-13:30 Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera Temple; It is about 10 minutes walk from the Great Buddha, this temple was established in 8th century, which has a nice Japanese garden, various statues of Buddha, a deck to overview the Pacific Ocean, and a unique cave shrine. It is also famous for its hydrangea trail which is very crowed in June. (Admission: 400 JPY except the guide)
13:30-14:30 Lunch
Lunch; We will have a casual Japanese lunch such as vegetarian dishes for monks, or tempura with noodle, steamed rice, grilled eel over steamed rice, sushi, or pork cutlet from 1,500 JPY. If you have any restrictions on foods, please let me know before the tour.
15:00-16:00 Your choice of one place from the following options.
You can find pictures of these places from the following link by clicking (>) in the left window.
Option A. Hachiman-gu Shrine
This shrine was established in 1063 for Minamoto Family who governed Japan in the 12th century. This shrine is very big and popular among local Japanese people to visit in new year days. (Admission free)
Option B. Hokoku-ji Temple
This temple was estalished in 1334 to commemorate Ashikaga Ietoki who was the grandfather of Takauji who started Muromachi period. The bamboo forest in the 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 except the guide)
Option C. Kencho-ji Temple
This temple was established in 1253 which ranked as No.1 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)
Option D. Enkaku-ji Temple
This temple was established 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 and a garden nearby. (Admission: 300 JPY except the guide)
Option E: Komachi street
Enjoy shopping and foods while walking along the long streets with unique shops of Japanese products and sweets. This street is very popular among local Japanese women.
Option F: Inamura-gasaki beach
If it is very fine, you can see Mt. Fuji from this beach.
If you come here, you will find a cozy restaurant for lunch and may try an Onsen (hot bath) next to the restaurant. They have several private Onsen.
(Admission of Onsen: public 1500 JPY +3000 JPY for a private Onsen with reservation )
Option G. Meigetsu-in Temple
This temple was established in 1160 to comfort the sprit of the samurai who died in the first battle between Heike and Genji families. This temple is very famous among local Japanese for its Hydrangea garden. So it's too busy to visit in June but is good to visit in other seasons for quiet and well maintained gardens. (Admission 500 JPY including the guide)
Option H. Tokei-ji and Jochi-ij Temples
Tokei-ji Temple was established in 1285 as a temple of nun i.e. convent. This temple had been offering the refuge for poor wives escaping from their husband until 1902.
Jochi-ji Temple was established in 1281 for Hojo family who governed the later part of Kamakura period and was the rank No. 4 Zen temple in Kamakura.
These temples are not popular yet among foreign tourists but are old hidden authentic temples. I'd recommend these temples, if you are getting tired of crowded popular places. (Admission 300 JPY in Jochi-ji except the guide, No photo allowed in Tokei-ji Temple)
16:30-18:00 return to your hotel by JR train
At your hotel
End of the tour
Ending Point
At your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
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)
Tour Important Information
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
Not available on Mondays.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2014
About Tour Guide Yuki K.
I was born and grew up in Yokohama. I used to work in Tokyo for more than 20 years. I became the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English in 2013. At first, I had attended a volunteer group which provided a tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens until 2015. I guided more than fifty times in the garden as a volunteer and studied about Japanese history and culture. Based on this experience, I became a tour guide of this online site in 2015.
Since then, I have guided more than 500 tours in Tokyo as well as Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Nikko, etc., while improving my tours. My tours are very flexible and I always do my best to customize them according to the interests of my guests. I studied about the places and will provide you knowledge to appreciate them more deeply than just visiting there by yourself or a member of group tours. I like foods and I know many restaurants which provide typical Japanese lunch with reasonable price without waiting too long. Therefore, I am sure that I can provide you the best tours customized to your interests. It will be my great pleasure to help you to enjoy your stay in Japan. So please be my guest!!
Reviews
Khaled Q.
“Great tour!”
Great tour with Yuki.
Yuki K.
Dear Khaled Thank you for taking two days of my Tokyo tours. They were during Golden Week but not so busy except Nezu Shrine. They were my first visit to the strawberry farm and the aquarium but I found them very enjoyable for a family with children. Please give my best regards to your family. Yuki
Wally T.
“Day Trip to Kawagoe”
Our day trip to Kawagoe was well-organized, smooth, and a lot of fun. Yuki expertly guided us through the train system, making both arrival and departure stress-free. We visited a fascinating temple and ancient cemetery, but chose to spend most of our time exploring the charming, craft-filled streets. Yuki shared rich insights into Kawagoe’s history, which made the experience even more meaningful. We also enjoyed a traditional udon lunch and sampled a variety of delicious local treats. A truly memorable outing!
Yuki K.
Dear Betty, Thank you very much for the third review. It's been a while since I visited there last time. I'm surprised that there were so many Japanese tourists visiting the Kuratsukuri street. It was a big different from the authentic Buddhist Temple of Naka-inn. Thank you for taking my tours for three days. Yuki
Wally T.
“Tokyo day trip with market and Imperial Gardens”
Our visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market was both memorable and fun. Yuki was flexible and accommodating, allowing us to fully enjoy the experience with plenty of food tastings and time for shopping. He also took us to a traditional Tonkatsu pork restaurant, which was authentic and absolutely delicious. The Imperial Gardens were stunning, and Yuki’s knowledge and helpfulness added so much to our visit. A wonderful day all around!
Yuki K.
Dear Betty, Thank you for the second review. Everything went well except the udon noodle place was not open as it was the weekend. But we found better place for lunch. Yuki
$237/ per group
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