Scenic Kamakura, 6 hours
Joined 2017
Kamakura, the birthplace of Zen Buddhism, is a beautiful residential area dotted with zen temples. The Great Buddha is another highlight. The Pacific Ocean’s gentle breeze adds to the tranquil atmosphere.
We’ll find the most suitable mix of destinations to match your interests and physical exertion level. (See the ITINERARY)
A walking tour is good value for money (H1)! We’ll get to experience 5 temples and shrines!
For a more leisurely pace, a bus and a taxi are best.
See you in Kamakura!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kita Kamakura Station.
Please select TOUR A or B - you can exchange the spots from the optionals
Tokyo hotel meet-up is optional. If you want to meet-up and drop-off in Tokyo, the time you will spend in Kamakura will be about 3.5 hours. You need to extend the tour or cut one or two spots from the tour.
TOUR A - Recommended for the first timers
Meet-up at JR Kita-Kamakura Station
A1 Engaku-ji Temple (zen temple) (1 to 2hrs)
Both the temple bell and Shari-den Hall are national treasures. Excellent view of Mt. Fuji from the hilltop on nice winter days.
Entrance = 500 JPY / person
A2: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (1hr)
Largest Shinto shrine in the Kamakura area.
A3: Komachi Dori shopping street (1 to 2hrs)
Kamakura-bori store (local art), lunch and shopping
A4: The Great Buddha (11m high) - Kotokuin Temple (30mins)
Most popular sightseeing spot in this area.
Entrance = 300 JPY / person
A5: Hasedera Temple (1 to 1.5hrs)
Only time allows. In case our pace is slow, we are not able to visit.
There is a staircase with about 80 steps. Japanese garden; statue of Buddha with 11 heads; a unique cave shrine.
Entrance = 400 JPY / person
Vegetarian cafe in the temple grounds.
The tour ends at JR Kamakura Station
TOUR B : Hiking & walking tour (including up-hill and down-hill)
Visiting smaller shrines and temples which are not accessible by bus/train. 80% of the route is paved and flat. In case of rain, we will modify the route.
Meet-up at JR KIta-Kamakura Station
B1: Jouchi-ji Temple (zen temple, 30 mins)
Small rustic temple with statues of Amida, Shaka, and Miroku Buddhas. Shaka is the main Buddha flanked by two minor Buddhas.
Entrance = 200 JPY / person
B2: Money Washing Shrine - Zeniarai Benten (30 min)
The spring water in this cave is said to energize money and multiply it.
B3: Sasuke Inari Shrine (30 mins)
Red torii gates line the path to this small shrine on the side of the mountain.
About 1,000 miniature ceramic foxes are on the shrine grounds. Can you find them all?
B4:The Great Buddha (11m high) - Kotokuin Temple (30mins)
Most popular sightseeing spot in this area.
Entrance = 300 JPY / person
B5:Hasedera Temple (1 to 1.5hrs)
Only time allows. In case our pace is slow, we are not able to visit.
A lot of stairs. Japanese garden; statue of Buddha with 11 heads; a unique cave shrine.
Entrance = 400 JPY / person
Vegetarian cafe in the temple grounds.
The tour ends at JR Kamakura Station
Optional - You can exchange the spots.
Option A: Enoden train ride (between Hase/Kamakura and Fujisawa station 35 mins)
The tour will end at JR Fujisawa Station. We can get a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean and Enoshima Island.
Train fare = 500JPY/person
Option B: Tea Ceremony at Jomyoji Temple (30 mins)
Matcha green tea is served at a beautiful traditional room where we can appreciate a beautiful garden.
Entrance and Tea = 1,300JPY/ person
Option C: Bamboo Temple -Houkokuji ( 0.5 to 1hr)
Savor a cup of matcha green tea while enjoying the serene sight of the bamboo forest.
Entrance: 300 JPY / person, 600 JPY matcha
Option D: Meigetsuin Temple (30 mins)
Well-known for seasonal flowers and fall foliage on the temple grounds.
Entrance = 500 JPY / person
Enoshima island
Part of Enoshima & Kamakura tour on my tour page.
NOT INCLUDED in this tour.
Ending Point
JR Kamakura Station or at a pre-agreed place (in Tokyo, Yokohama and Fujisawa)
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
The following are PAID IN CASH on the day/s of the tour.
= Transportation (you & guide) = approx. 2,000++JPY/person (Tokyo round trip)
= Lunch / food / drinks (you & guide)
= Entrance fee (you & guide) = Guide has a pass for most temples.
=tour extension = 5,000JPY/hour
Tour Important Information
(1) Since some are located a little far from the train station, we would have to walk or take a bus/taxi. (2)JR Train fare (round trip from Tokyo) = approx. 2,000JPY. (3)The area is crowded on weekends, holidays, and the peak season (for cherry blossoms & fall foliage). (4) Only walking tours and H1 hiking tour are conducted during GW period (April.28 to May 5) to avoid the heavy holiday crowd.
Important message from the supplier
Multiple-day bookings are encouraged. I might have greater flexibility in opening closed slots in this case. Let's talk about it. Send me a message! :‑)
MORE INFO:
= We use public transportation (train, subway, bus and/or taxi) in my tours as it's the best way to see the city.
= A custom tour = Please book at least SIX HOURS = 50,000JPY
= The meet-up time marks the official start of the tour.
= Hotel pick-ups = only in Central Tokyo, Yokohama, and a few hotels in Kawasaki.
= Four-hour tours available = Tokyo, Harajuku & Shibuya, Odaiba, Shinjuku, Ueno, Yokohama, and antique flea market. Please check out the corresponding tour pages.
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 2017
About Tour Guide Toshi H.
"If my tour is not available on your preferred date, no worries! Just send me a message and I might be able to open up a slot for you."
Hi, I am Toshi.
I love traveling! It gives me a chance to get to know how other people live, their culture, and discovering new places (usually off the beaten track). This is why as a guide, my goal is to give guests a real "local experience"--the kind that I like when I travel.
I've been a licensed tour guide since 2008. I've conducted tours for international guests from the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Kuwait, Mexico, Singapore, the Philippines, Italia and so on. In fact, I conducted 120 tours (one day tours and a-week long tours) in 2023.
I also speak a little Spanish (un poquito).
In my spare time, I give back to the community as a volunteer: tsunami clean-up activities, entertainment at evacuation camps, guide for foreign visitors in affected areas, and at various cultural events.
Let me show you "My Tokyo"! Enjoy the city like a local and maximize your time in Tokyo!
See you soon!
Reviews
“Tsukiji Market Morning Tour for Food Lovers”
Our group of five from the states recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Tsukiji Market Food Lovers tour with our fantastic guide, Toshi. This tour was an incredible journey through the heart of Tokyo's culinary and cultural heritage, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide or a more enriching experience. Our first stop was Uogashi, the bustling wholesale market where locals come to buy the freshest fish. The sheer variety and quality of seafood on display were astounding. We learned about the different types of fish and seafood, their origins, and how they are prepared. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way, with the sights, sounds, and smells of the market creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Next, we visited the Namiyoke Shinto Shrine, a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the market. This shrine, dedicated to the gods of the sea and safe voyages, provided a peaceful contrast to the lively market. Toshi explained the significance of the shrine and its role in the lives of the local fishermen and market workers. Next stop, the Tsukiji Outer Market was a food lover's paradise. Here, we wandered through narrow alleys lined with stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to exotic fruits, pickles, and traditional Japanese snacks. Toshi guided us to some of the best vendors! We stopped for a quick lunch at Mawaru Sushi Zanmai, a renowned sushi restaurant. The sushi was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and we enjoyed a variety of nigiri, maki, and sashimi. Our final stop was the Tsukiji Honganji Buddhist Temple, a stunning architectural marvel with its unique Indian-inspired design. Toshi shared the history of the temple and its significance in the local community. Overall, the tour was an unforgettable experience. Toshi's expertise, enthusiasm, and friendly demeanor made the tour truly special. If you're a food lover visiting Tokyo, this tour is an absolute must. Thank you, Toshi, for an amazing tour!
Toshi H.
Arigato, Brian! I also had a wonderful time with you. I'm so glad we were able to see so much of Tsukiji in just 3 hours! You tried a variety of foods and drinks. Did you make Japanese soup at home? You can try to see a tuna auction in Toyosu Market next time. It will be another interesting experience. Please come back as Tokyo has more local food you must try. See you again soon!
Neha M.
Customized tour (two days, 12 hours in total)
Customized
“Great tour”
Toshi spent 12 hours with us and did a wonderful job orienting us to Tokyo. We changed our itinerary and she was very flexible. We really enjoyed our time with her
Toshi H.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review, Neha. I am truly delighted to hear that you had a positive experience exploring Tokyo together. I appreciate your kind words about my flexibility in accommodating your itinerary changes. Hope to see you again.
“Shinjuku, Cherry Blossoms, and Shopping!”
If you're looking for a customized tour, reach out to Toshi. She was flexible, organized, and very pleasant company. I had a day to myself in Tokyo while my husband was at a conference. I booked a custom tour with Toshi, and am so glad that I did! Our trip was at the tail end of cherry blossom season, so weren't seeing very many blossoms near our hotel. Toshi took me to the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden where there were other varieties in full bloom. It was beautiful! I'm an artist and had scouted out a couple of art supply stores before our trip. Toshi advised which ones would be feasible to visit during our timeframe, and then offered suggestions of other things we could do/see in the area near the shops. We saw some 'hidden gems', including a local Shinto shrine, Godzilla, and Omoide Yokocho. Toshi was constantly sharing information about the area and its history as we explored. She made sure I was comfortable, filled the role of interpreter, and ensured I had a great day. Thank you, Toshi!
Toshi H.
Arigato, Annie! I also had a wonderful time with you. So glad that we managed to hit the places you wanted to visit - shopping, cherry blossoms and sightseeing. Please come back here in late November to see the fall foliage. I'm sure it will give you a lot of inspiration for your paintings. Hope to see you again.
$306/ per group
More tours by Toshi H.
My Tokyo – the modern & the traditional (7hrs)
Ready for a Tokyo adventure? This is a wonderful blend of the old and new that Tokyo has to offer. It's the perfect one-day tour to see Tokyo's past, present, and future. There's something in it for everyone. (This is a fixed itinerary.) Asakusa (a Buddhist temple, a Shinto shrine and shopping streets), Odaiba(a 20-year old human-made island with futuristic buildings. Beautiful views of Tokyo skyline.)The Imperial Palace: former samurai castle. Shibuya : a good vantage point of the crossing.
Harajuku & Shibuya Half Day Walking Tour (4 hrs)
Harajuku is Kawaii Town! (Kawaii = cute) It's a mecca for those into kawaii culture, particularly young ladies. This includes popular sites: the Meiji Jingu Shrine (largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo), Takeshita Street for kawaii fashion, Omotesando for its unique shops and cafes, and Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest intersection). These and many more await you on this tour! (Please note that we can modify the time and add destinations to the packaged itinerary below.)
Scenic Yokohama Walking Tour - 4 hours
Yokohama is a beautiful harbor city with mix of historical and modern buildings, and Chinatown with its genuine Chinese flavors .Excellent views and plenty of photo opps. It's just only 30 minutes away from Tokyo by train. Tour A is a walking tour with some options. Tour B (Sankeien Garden) is highly recommended if you're not going to either Kamakura or Kyoto. Additional options D, E , F, G & H are very unique, too. Combination of A & B (7 hours tour) is available. See you in Yokohama!
Haneda Layover Tour (30 mins train ride to Central Tokyo)
Feel free to send a message if you want to book this tour on another day. I may open up the slot for you. Scenic spots and good food are just 30 minutes away from Haneda Airport (HND). Perfect for all ages with a lot of photo opps. You have some choices - sample sushi at the historic Tsukiji Fish Market, the biggest Shinto shrine in Tokyo, the hot spot called Shibuya (the Times Square of Japan), the Imperial Palace (outside only). [NO NARITA meet-up for this guide]
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Kamakura
Kahoko's Excursion from Tokyo to Kamakura
Kamakura is an old enchanting city which used be a capital of Kamakura shogunate , the first shogunate in Japan. There are beautiful and tasteful spots . The most famous and handsome giant Budda, Daibutsu comes first, then Hase temple with an elegant garden and unique cave. After lunch, you'll visit Hokokuji temple famous with wonderful bamboo forest,lastly Tsurugaoka Hachiman shrine with a great view. Also , you can enjoy shopping in Komachi shopping street. You can enjoy a memorable day .
Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
A private Kamakura with flexibility. Kamakura is one of the most popular day-trip destinations, located just one hour south of Tokyo. This coastal city used to be the center of Japan during the 12th to 14th century, where first Samurai government ruled. Zen (meditation) Buddhism flourished here with Zen style rock gardens, consist of only pebbles and rocks to represent nature, making Kamakura unique place.
Highlights of Kamakura Customized as you like
Kamakura is an ancient city, once a politic center of the first military (Samurai) government of Japan, established in 1185. It’s an ideal place to getting and back in a day, as only one hour away from Tokyo by train. We visit several must-see places in Kamakura according to your request. The next itinerary is a recommended sample tour. We meet at your Hotel in Tokyo or in Yokohama. (Hotel pick up) Or at JR Kamakura station.
Kamakura tour of fantastic, historical and magnificent spots
This tour include the "Daibutsu" the traditional Japanese craftsmanship skill applied, Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine whose deity is the founder of the Kamakura Shogun established in 12th Century, Hasedera Temple which is the Paradise of the Pure Land with beautiful flowers and the biggest wooden sculpture of Hase Kannon and Hokoji-temple by enjoying beautiful bamboo forest and powered tea.
