Are you struggling with where you should go around the Kamakura? I will show you around 6 main spots in Kamakura!
The tour will start at a huge Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Stroll down Komachi-dori for shopping and local delicacies. Visit Zeniarai Benten, where you can wash money for good fortune. Nearby, explore Sasuke Inari Shrine, known for its fox statues. Don’t miss the Great Buddha, an iconic symbol of Kamakura. Finally, head to Hase-dera for its beautiful gardens and panoramic coastal views.
Tokyo station or your hotel which is 30 minutes walk from Tokyo station
- I will pick you up at Tokyo station or your hotel which is 30 minutes walk from Tokyo station
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a historic Shinto shrine founded in 1063. Notable attractions include the majestic Grand Staircase leading to the main shrine, offering panoramic views of the city. The serene Genpei Pond, divided into two parts symbolizing the Genji and Heike clans, is adorned with lotus flowers in summer. The shrine also features the Maruyama Inari Shrine, dedicated to the deity of prosperity, and the peony garden, showcasing beautiful blooms in spring. Seasonal festivals, such as the famous Yabusame horseback archery event, add to the shrine's cultural significance.
Komachi-dori is a bustling street known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. The street is lined with a mix of traditional and modern shops, offering local specialties, souvenirs, and artisanal crafts.
*Lunch place recommendation
1) sushi bistro zen
2)Sushi to Sake Nakaniwa
3)Sushi Dokoro Kimi
It is believed that if you wash your money in the water from the spring that bubbles up in the cave at the back of the temple grounds, it will double your money, making it a popular spot in Kamakura that attracts many worshippers.
Sasuke Inari Shrine is known as “Succession Inari.
After passing through the approach to the shrine with its forest of vermilion torii gates, like those of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, visitors will arrive at the shrine grounds, which are said to have an ethereal atmosphere like a hidden village. Many foxes, messengers of the gods, welcome you.
The symbol of Kamakura, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, is said to have been built in the middle of the Kamakura period, but details are not known. At first, there was a Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), but it was toppled by a great wind or destroyed by an earthquake tsunami, and eventually became the Daibutsu seated outdoors in an open-air position as we see it today.
Incidentally, the Great Buddha is the only one among the many Buddhist statues in Kamakura to be designated a National Treasure. It is also possible to enter the body of the Great Buddha to “see inside the womb,” which is a must-do experience.
Hase-dera is a beautiful Buddhist temple known for its stunning gardens and panoramic views of the coastline. The temple features the impressive 9.18-meter tall statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, adorned with gold leaf. Visitors can explore the scenic temple grounds, including a serene pond, seasonal flower gardens, and a cave filled with small statues of Benzaiten. The observation deck offers breathtaking views of Kamakura and Sagami Bay. The temple's tranquility and natural beauty, along with its historical and spiritual significance, make Hase-dera a must-visit destination for travelers.
Hase station
・small little surprise gift
・showing and introducing the Japanese culture guide
・crash course Japanse
-fees for the spots you visit
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu-shrine: 200 yen for adults 100 yen for kids under 12
Zeniaraibenten-shrine: free but if you want to purify coins you need to pay JPY 200 for tools.
Sasuke-Inari-Shrine:free
koutokuyin-temple:300 yen for adults 150 yen for kids under 12
50 yen for Entrance fee to the womb of the Great
Hase-temple:400 yen for adults 300 yen for kids under 12
museum JPY 1,000
-the coins to offer prayer
-train tickets (estimated ticket fee 850yen~950yen)
- the cost of the lunch you took
-the souvenir you bought
• This tour involves a lot of walking, so please be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Several places we will visit do not accept credit cards, so please bring cash.
• Individuals with tattoos may not be able to enter temples. If you can hide the tattoos, please bring a jacket or extra attire to cover them up.
• On a tour date with heavy rain, the tour will still commence but some spots may be skipped.
Sujith S.
Golden Route of major sightseeing spots in Kamakura
“Perfect day trip exploring hidden gems of Asakusa and Ueno”
Yoshie is amazing ! She guided me throughout the trip and helped me explore some local Japanese places that took me apart !! Def recommend her to anyone who’s planning to walk and explore Japan from its heart and culture. You’ll visit places that aren’t touristy and will blend into the culture of Japan. The craft beer shop she took me to will be closest to my heart for a very long time.
Yoshie Y.
(3 reviews)Hi, Sujith. Thank you for writing very worm and kind review to me. Today I had the very high quality time. I am so happy to hear that you liked my tour! See you again at your second trip in Japan!
“Exploring Tsukiji Like a Local: Best Guide Ever!”
She’s an awesome guide! Honestly, I think going to Tsukiji alone would’ve been pretty lonely. But she made it feel like I was exploring with a friend, showing me all the best spots with such a fun vibe. There are a lot of similar shops, but she pointed out ones with a century of history and some hidden gems that weren’t even crowded. The sashimi place she recommended me was super delicious. What really stood out was how thoughtful she was—she had everything ready, from wet wipes to trash bags and even sweat wipes, so I could just enjoy the experience. Next time I’m in Japan, I definitely want her to show me around again.
Yoshie Y.
(3 reviews)Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time at Tsukiji and that I could make the experience feel like a fun exploration with a friend. It was a pleasure showing you the historical spots and hidden gems. I'm glad you liked the sashimi place too! Your kind words mean a lot. See you again soon!
“A wonderful day”
Yoshie was wonderful company and showed us a great day around Tokyo giving useful tips and advice. I highly recommend Yoshie because she is a very nice person, kind and easy to spend time with. Thank you Yoshie
Yoshie Y.
(3 reviews)Thank you for writing review for me! It was great time to spend with all of you. I am so lucky person to have nice and kind customers. I hope you are enjoying today’s Meiji-jingu-shrine trip today!