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.
I just had one day in Tokyo and a tour with him was the ideal way to spend it! He has an abundance of knowledge about Japanese history and even brought an iPad with some supplemental documents and videos. I hope to have Yuki as a guide when I come back to Japan
Dear Dan, Thank you for taking time for writing the review of my Tokyo half day tour. We visited Meiji Shrine where we saw a wedding ceremony and have a ramen near the Imperial Palace. I liked the soup of the ramen that was very warm. Then walked around the east garden of the palace during the best time of a winter afternoon. I wondered you didn't wear any coat, but it was good you enjoyed walking. Please come again for the other places in Japan. Yuki
Yuki was an excellent, knowledgeable and versatile guide. Highly recommended. Thank you
Dear Nicolas, Thank you for writing the review of my tour. We visited most of must see places in Kyoto such as Fushimi Shrine, Sanjyusangen-do Temple, Goldentemple , Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple and in addition, the pottery shop your son asked to visit, in a day trip from Tokyo. It was a busy tour but the speed of the Shinkansen and use of taxies when effective made this possible. Please visit Japan again with your wife who loves Japanese gardens! Yuki
Highly recommended. Very knowledgeable, friendly and punctual. Organised a great day in Tokyo the whole family really enjoyed.
Dear James, Thank you for taking time to write the review of my tour. You visited the Imperial Palace, experienced Ninja, and met Hedgehogs. The weather was perfect to welcome your family. Please give my best regards to your family and enjoy your stay in Japan. Yuki
Mr Yuki was very friendly and is very knowledgeable about Hakone. He was flexible on changing the tour depending on the time constraints. I would highly recommend him and his tours!
Dear Mario, Thank you for writing the review. we saw a great view if Mt.Fuji. Yuki