Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori
Joined 2019
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, making Kamakura unique place.
Winter Special, Enoshima Illumination is recommended. Please ask me before making booking! [Around the end of Nov to the end of Feb]
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards. Or Kamakura station.
- I can meet you at your hotel, or your choice in Tokyo 23 wards. Or Kamakura station start is possible. Let me know.
Arriving at Kamakura by train (1H train ride)
We take a train to Kamakura from the nearest station to your hotel. The line differs depending on your hotel location and visiting spots in Kamakura. It will cost something like 1,000 yen one way, about 1h from Tokyo.
For persons who want comfortable experience, Green Car seat +1,000 yen recommended to avoid packed train. System is a bit complicated. I'm happy to navigate you.
*We can decide on the spot if take green car or not (not reserved seat system).
Great Buddha (Kotokuin Temple)
Take a bus or taxi to Kotokuin temple, which houses the second tallest seated Buddha statue in Japan, with the hight of 11.4m. Tis amazing statue was cast in 1252 and originally housed inside a large hall. However, the hall was destroyed by natural disasters. So, the Buddha has been standing in the open air since the late 15th century!
Hasedera Temple
Walk to nearby Hasedera, one of the prettiest temples in Kamakura. Famous for its 9.18 meter tall, golden eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Boasting pretty nature and cute smiling Jiso statues in the precinct all year round (very photogenic!), especially popular in hydrangea season.
Enjoy Enoden train
Nostalgic local train often appears on TV drama, anime and manga comics.
Komachi Street (Lunch flexible)
Popular shopping street leads to Hachimangu Shrine. Various type food is available around here for lunch. Let me know your request if you have something you like to try.
Hachimangu Shrine
Kamakura's most important shrine founded by Samurai in the late 11C.
+ Choose one depends on your preferences. (Basic, Nature, Your choice)
Recommended!【Nature oriented】Houkoku-ji Temple (bamboo temple) + Sugimoto-dera Temple
Small serene temples with natural beauty. Good for photo lovers.
・Houkoku-ji - known as Bamboo temple. Maccha powered green tea in front of Bamboo forest can be enjoyed with 600 yen.
・Sugimoto-dera Temple - famous for its serene moss staircase.
*We might take a taxi if local bus is too packed. (approx. 1,000JPY/ taxi (up to 4 people)
【Zen-orientated】North Kamakura （Kencho-ji Temple or Meigetsuin Temple）
Enjoy Zen culture and Zen garden!
・Kencho-ji Temple - the number one of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Special features are a garden designed by Zen master Muso Kokushi and a famous dragon painting on its ceiling of the hall.
・Meigetsuin Temple - known as flower temple, especially Hydrangea and Irises. Also famous for its circular window in the main hall as photogenic.
【Your choice】Other spots upon your request.
Request me if you have specific ones.
(OPTION) Enoshima Island by Enoden train (+2 hours )
A small island connected by bridge with the mainland. Enjoy panoramic ocean view from Enoshima Sea Candle (observatory). With the Enopass, we can enjoy island's main attractions (garden, observation tower, caves) and use of the escalators. (adult 1,000 yen, child 500 yen.)
(Winter Special Option) Enoshima Illumination event [Nov 23, 2024 - Feb 28, 2025]
Enoshima Sea Candle lit-up event is my favorite in Kamakura visit. This illumination is one of the biggest in Tokyo & its surroundings. It is not as crowded as Tokyo's major illuminations.
We can enjoy the sunset (with Mt.Fuji if the weather permits) from observatory and beautiful lit-up after sunset.
Taka a train back to Tokyo
At your hotel in Tokyo 23 wards or any preferred place nearby tour area
Ending Point
At your hotel in Tokyo 23 wards or any preferred place nearby tour area
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 meet-up, send-off in Tokyo
transportation fee (you and guide), food and drink (you and guide), entrance fee (you and guide)
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【Main fee】
Transportation fee depends on your hotel location, as we have some ways to get to Kamakura. I'll choose the best transportation for you according to your hotel and our needs at the destination.
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Estimate : From Shinjuku to Kamakura
・If JR : 940 yen /one way
・Green Car seat 1000yen /one way *Green Car is recommended to avoid packed train.
・If Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass by Odakyu (inclusive) : adult 1,640 yen, child 400 yen（If take Romance Car, +700 yen /one way. Advanced booking is recommended for Romance Car.)
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●For JP-Pass holders,
No fee needed for regular JR trains with JR-Pass.
Green Car seat 1000yen /one way *Green Car is recommended to avoid packed train.
For guide, about 2,000 yen for round-trip. Small cash for Enoden or buses at the destination.
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Admissions
・Great Buddha of Kotokuin Temple : adult 300 yen, elementary 150 yen
・Hasedera Temple : adult 400 yen, elementary 200 yen
【Nature】Houkoku-ji Temple :300 yen（Maccha 600 yen）
【Nature】Sugimoto-dera : adult 300 yen, junior 200 yen, elementary 100 yen
【Zen】Kencho-ji Temple : adult 500 yen, elementary&junior 200 yen
【Zen】Meigetsuin Temple : adult 500 yen, elementary&junior 300 yen
【OPTION- Enoshima】Eno-pass: adult 1,000 yen, child (under 12) 500 yen
Tour Important Information
Kamakura is a very popular tourist destination for both Japanese and abroad travelers. It gets crowded on weekends and holidays.
We might want to take a taxi occasionally when local buses are too packed.
This tour is only available on Weekdays to escape from congestion in Kamakura.
Important message from the supplier
- Sorry, I'm BOOKED OUT on MARCH & APRIL this year.
- Please kindly make an inquiry only for my available days on my calendar on GoWithGuide.
- I do tours up to 4 people to maximize your experience.
- I'm Tokyo based. My tours basically start/end in Tokyo. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, kindly cover my transportation fee from/to there. Thank you for understanding.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Kaori S.
Kon-ni-chi-wa. Hello! I'm Kaori, having lived in Tokyo for more than 20 years since I got married to a photographer who lives here. Originally from Shizuoka prefecture which has Mt.Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I took 2 working-holiday-visa stays in my younger days. One is in Toronto, Canada, and another is Australia touring by motorcycle. One year respectively.
I love travel both international and domestic. That's why I love helping individual travelers rather than group tours, because I myself love travel freely. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love.
As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. We see what you like and talk what you are interested in. That's my style. If you don't know what to want, I can help you with that.
I'm happy to make tailor-made tours only for you (up to 4 people) upon your request.
・Half Day as you like (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY
・Full Day as you like (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY
・Extra hour over 8hours : 7,500 JPY/hour
I'm quite an outgoing person, ( but organized well! ), easy to get along with anybody, including small kids to teenagers. Can't wait to see you soon!
Reviews
Janine A.
“Awesome Day”
We had the best time touring the Nikko area with Kaori. Our day began with a hotel pick up and then a train ride to Nikko. Kaori planned our day in the best way possible. She is very well organized and communicates well so we spent our day and days leading up to the tour not having to worry about anything. Kaori’s knowledge about Japan’s history and customs helped us to understand and connect with the places we visited. We were in Nikko during a time with few tourists so not all restaurants were open, but Kaori was able to take us to a delicious place for lunch. We also enjoyed Kaori’s recommendations for snacks. Yum! Kaori truly goes above and beyond helping to make your experience and awesome one. This was our second tour with Kaori and we would definitely tour with her again.
Kaori S.
Janine-san, THANK YOU so much for your heart warming feedback on me. How wonderful we could meet each other so quickly since last time of first meeting last Nov. I’m so happy to be with and guide such Japan lovers like you to my favorite places. I already feel like you and Kyle-san are my family. Extraordinary kindness of both of you touches me sincerely every moment. I'm the happiese person to be a tour guide. I cannot wait to meet you again, also looking forward to guide your family and any relatives/friends when they come to Japan! See you soon again! Big hugs, Kaori
Eileen B.
“One day Tokyo tour”
We recently had 4 days in Tokyo, our first visit ever. One day was spent on an all day fabulous tour with Kaori san. She met us at our hotel in the Ginza area, we traveled by train all over the city seeing so many beautiful and interesting sites. Kaori is very professional, knowledgeable and so much fun to be with. She also took us to a very good restaurant for lunch and suggested a wonderful restaurant for lunch the next day. Book Kaori san for a Tokyo tour. We enjoyed her very much.
Kaori S.
Thank you so much Eileen san for an excellent review. Congratulations again for your 50th anniversary. Hope you enjoyed your memorable trip this time. So happy to hear you loved local lunch together, also beef lunch next day before your cruise ship! Will be always more than happy to guide your family, friends and relatives when they visit Japan. Of course, looking forward to seeing you again! Stay healthy and happy. Big hugs, Kaori
Stacy M.
“A fun day full of memories!”
Kaori is the best! She is very knowledgable and provided historical and cultural information on our tour. We experienced much more than we would have on our own. We had delicious sushi at Tsukiji Market that she made reservations ahead of time for us. We were able to communicate with her before the tour to help customize what we might want more time to experience. This was such a great experience. We hope to visit Japan again soon and hope to fit in another tour with Kaori. We highly recommend hiring her for your tour!
Kaori S.
Thank you so much for the warmest feedback, Stacy-san! It was great honor to be your guide for your memorable trip in your life. Congratulations again! Was so happy to see both of you enjoyed lunch at my favorite sushi restaurant. It was also such fun that we found out our chef had his honeymoon trip to your county. What a coincidence! Surely love to take you to another exploration on your next trip, maybe to off-the-beaten area or day trips from Tokyo! Looking forward to hearing from you again!! Big hugs, Kaori
$457/ per group
More tours by Kaori S.
Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori
This tour fits all, from first timers to repeaters who love local experiences. You can choose what you like from spots listed, or I can pick up for you if you don't have clue. Just let me know your preferences. I can make a good combination of old and modern, major and local. Tokyo has a lot more to experience besides the list. As full day tour, please pick up 3 or 4 spots. Or you can request specific spot not on the list. "Enjoy together with fun learning" is what you can expect with me.
Tokyo Half-day As You Like with Kaori
This tour fits all, from first timers to repeaters who love local experiences. You can choose what you like from spots listed, or I can pick up for you if you don't have clue. Just let me know your preferences. I can make a good combination of old and modern, major and local. Tokyo has a lot more to experience besides the list. As half day tour, please pick up 1 or 2 spots. Or you can request specific spot not on the list. "Enjoy together with fun learning" is what you can expect with me.
Tokyo Highlights for first timers with Kaori
If you have only one day for Tokyo, this is for you! Covering most major spots in your limited time. ・Asakusa - Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise ・Tsukiji Market (lunch) ・Meiji jingu Shrine ・Harajuku ・Shibuya (Or Ginza is possible) Basically walking tour, using public transportation, but we can take a taxi occasionally upon your request.
Western Tokyo Highlights -Shibuya,Harajuku,Meiji-jingu more!
If you have more than 2 days in Tokyo, exploring one day in East, one day in West would be recommended, since Tokyo is such a huge city. This tour is basically walking tour, using public transportation, but we can take a taxi occasionally upon your request. My Western highlights is more with modern, young, Kawaii culture, and Eastern one is more with tradition and samurai history. Both are making today's Tokyo. Don't forget to check my Eastern Highlights too!
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 .
Kamakura Joyful 8 hour-tour from Tokyo
Starting from your hotel at 9:00 we will in 1 hour time arrive at Kamakura where there are historical temples, shrines and a great Buddha statue surrounded by evergreen hills and a long crescent sand beach. From Enoshima Island on the shore you may probably see Mt. Fuji. As the seaside town Kamakura is famous for its fresh seafood cuisines.
Exploring temples and Shrine in Kamakura
Kamakura is adorable with a lot of old temples and shrines. You can enjoy seeing old structures, gardens, flowers every season and strolling around the town in the countryside. It is located west of Tokyo and accessible by train only for 40 minutes. You can learn Japanese cultural aspects a lot there.
The essence of Kamakura - A half-day trip to another world
From Tokyo, only one hour train ride takes you to another world, Kamakura, an ancient capital of samurais.Their spirit of "Zen" still remains anywhere. The passage of time is quite different from the one of megapolis Tokyo. I think three spots express the essence of Kamakura, Great Buddha (Kotoku-in Temple), Bamboo Temple (Hokoku-ji Temple) and First Shogun's Shrine (Tsuru-ga-oka Hachiman Guu).
