Explore Kamakura with a guide who loves this charming, compact town rich in history, culture, nature, and Zen spirit. Just an hour from Tokyo, this 5-hour tour is perfect for first-time visitors. We’ll visit Kamakura’s top landmarks — Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hase-dera Temple, and the Great Buddha — while discovering its fascinating history, beautiful scenery, local culture, and everyday life.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kamakura station
- Kamakura station - In front of the tourist office at the East Exit
Walking from Kamakura station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Stroll along Kamakura’s lively shopping street and walk down Wakamiya Ōji Avenue, a historic road dating back about 840 years. This 10-minute walk is the perfect way to get your first taste of Kamakura’s charm!
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu – The Spiritual Heart of Kamakura
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Relocated to its current site and expanded in 1180 by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun, this is Kamakura’s most important shrine and the spiritual heart of the samurai era. In spring, cherry blossoms line the Dankazura approach, and in summer, the Genpei-ike ponds bloom with pink and white lotus flowers. As we explore the spacious grounds, I’ll share fun trivia and fascinating stories from its long history. If you’re lucky, you might see a wedding ceremony or children dressed in vibrant kimono—living traditions that bring you closer to Japan’s culture and history.
Around Komachi-dori Street
Let’s walk back to the station through the very popular Komachi Street.
It can be quite crowded, but I’ll point out some of my favorite sweets, food shops, and souvenir stores along the way for you to enjoy.
Kamakura Station
We’ll take a local bus to the Hase area, home to the Great Buddha.
Great Buddha (Kōtoku-in Temple)
Let’s meet the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura—an enormous yet graceful bronze statue that has been peacefully meditating under the open sky since the 13th century. We can also step inside the statue to experience its unique interior and learn more about the mystery of its construction.
Lunch
I can recommend good Japanese restaurants and even help with ordering food and drinks.
Hase-dera – Kamakura’s Temple of Flowers
Hase-dera, a historic temple said to have been founded in the 8th century, is known as the “Temple of Flowers.” The grounds feature well-tended gardens and charming small Jizo statues, and from its hillside terrace, you can enjoy sweeping views of Kamakura and the sea. In the main hall stands the majestic Eleven-Headed Kannon statue, adding to the temple’s spiritual presence. The temple is beautiful year-round, but from late May to June, it becomes especially stunning, when about 40 varieties and over 2,500 hydrangeas burst into color along the paths.
Be sure to take lots of photos!
Hase Station(Enoden)
From Hase Station, we can ride the nostalgic Enoden train back to Kamakura together, or I’d be happy to suggest other fun spots if you’d like to keep exploring.
Ending Point
Hase Station or Kamakura Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
・Guiding fee
・Entrance fee for the guide
・Local transportation in Kamakura (for you and your guide): approx. 800 JPY per person
・Entrance fees: approx. 700 JPY(for you)
・Food and drinks (for you and your guide): lunch approx. 1,500–3,000 JPY per person
・Please wear comfortable shoes, as this tour involves walking and climbing up and down stairs.
・Please inform me in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
・If the guide joins you for lunch, kindly cover the guide’s meal cost as well.
・Many temples and small shops only accept cash (JPY) in Kamakura, so please bring some Japanese yen with you.
・This tour includes travel by public transportation.
・Please note that transportation in Kamakura can be crowded on weekends and Japanese public holidays.
・If you enjoy walking, it is also possible to cover all spots on foot.
My tours are mainly conducted on foot and using public transportation, but I can arrange a taxi if you prefer, with the cost covered by you.
Hello! I’m a friendly and passionate local guide based in Yokohama, where I’ve lived for over 30 years. For the past several years, I’ve been guiding international visitors in Kamakura, Yokohama, and Tokyo as a volunteer, helping them discover the rich history, culture, and hidden charm of these unique cities.
Traveling abroad creates once-in-a-lifetime memories, and I would love for you to fully enjoy the beauty and spirit of my favorite towns.
Not only do I enjoy showing historical and modern landmarks, but I also love introducing quiet backstreets, seasonal flowers, cozy cafés, and delicious local food that reflect the charm of everyday life. I find great joy in comparing Japanese traditions with my guests’ own cultures and histories—this often leads to deep and inspiring conversations.
As your guide, I’m happy to customize tours based on your interests, whether you’re seeking unique experiences, historical insights, or local flavors. Let’s walk, talk, and create unforgettable memories together!
$67/ per group