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Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

An outstanding bronze statue of Amida Buddha. The second tallest seated Buddha in Japan, with 11.3m in hight.

Kamakura Private Tour - Hasedera Temple : One of the oldest and prettiest temples in Kamakura, housing eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy (9.18m) .

Hasedera Temple : One of the oldest and prettiest temples in Kamakura, housing eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy (9.18m) .

Bamboo groove

【OPTION】Enoshima Island to enjoy panoramic ocean view from Enoshima Sea Candle, lighthouse observation tower.

Hasedera : Popular for photo lovers. Healing atmosphere.

Hasedera : Hydrangea trail in June. You can see something beautiful all year round.

Hasedera : Hydrangea trail in June.

Kannon Bodhisattva of Hydrangea

Iris in Hase temple in June

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine : The most important shrine in Kamakura, founded by Samurai in 1063.

【Nature-1】Houkoku-ji Temple, known as Bamboo temple. You can enjoy Maccha green tea while watching bamboo grove.

【Nature-2】Sugimoto-dara, moss stair

【Zen-1】Kencho-ji Temple. Top rank of 5 Zen Buddhist temples of Kamakura, holding many important heritages.

Kencho-ji in spring

【Zen-2】Meigetsuin Temple. Famous as flower temple, especially hydrangea. Circular window is also popular as photogenic.

【OPTION】Enoshima Island locates at one of the closest beaches to Tokyo.

Sunset with Mt.Fuji from Enoshima

Enoshima Sea Candle observatory

Sunset with Mt.Fuji from Enoshima

[Summer Option] Enoshima Toro Lantern Festival

【Winter OPTION】 Enoshima illumination

【Winter OPTION】Enoshima Illumination

Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

Day Trip

Joined 2019

Kaori S.

4.98 / 5

(128 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kamakura

Japanese (Native), English

9 hours

Private tour (only you and Kaori S.)

Up to 4 people

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.

Seasonal OPTION【 Enoshima Island Lit-up Events 】, check the details on itinerary. Summer Aug 01 - Sep 23, 2026, Winter (TBA)

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:30 AM

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. Basic tour takes 9H to 10H depending on the starting time selected.

10:00 AM

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 2,000 yen one way with green car seat, about 1h from Tokyo.

Green Car seat system on regular trains is a bit complicated. I'm happy to navigate you for the most comfortable ride for Kamakura to avoid standing on packed trains.

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.

Lunch (flexible)

Various type of nice food is available around here for lunch. Seafood is famous in Kamakura as near to sea. Let me know your request if you have something you like to try.

Enjoy Enoden train

Nostalgic local train often appears on TV drama, anime and manga comics.

Hachimangu Shrine

Kamakura's most important shrine founded by Samurai in the late 11C.

Komachi Street

Popular shopping street leads to Hachimangu Shrine. Enjoy nice souvenirs and unique street food on the way back to Kamakura station.

+ 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). We might view Mt.Fuji if the weather permits.

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.)

05:00 PM

Taka a train back to Tokyo

06:00 PM

At your hotel in Tokyo 23 wards or any preferred place nearby tour area

【 Summer Night OPTION】 Enoshima Island Toro Lantern Festival (Late July to Sep)

Summer Aug 01 - Sep 23, 2026

Approx. 1,000 lanterns will be set up at various locations on Enoshima Island. The entire island is enveloped in warm light, making distinct atmosphere.

Event period: Late July – end of August every year

Event Time: 18:00- around 20:30-21:00 (depends on year)

We'll visit it around the evening time for sunset after some Kamakura sightseeing.

Total duration would become approx. 12H. Guide Fee : 87,000JPY

Please kindly send me message before booking if you take this option.

【 Winter Night Option 】 Enoshima Illumination event [Late Nov to end of Feb]

2025 Winter Season : November 22, 2025 to February 28, 2026.

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.

Total duration would become approx. 12H. Guide Fee : 87,000JPY

Please kindly send me message before booking if you take this option.

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

What‘s included

Guide fee (up to 9-10h)

Guide's transportation fee

Hotel meet-up, send-off in Tokyo

What‘s not included

transportation fee (you), food and drink (you and guide), entrance fee (you and guide)

【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.

Estimate : From Shinjuku to Kamakura

・If JR : 940 yen /one way

・Green Car seat 1000yen /one way *We take Green Car 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.)

●For JP-Pass holders,

No fee needed for regular JR trains with JR-Pass.

Green Car seat 1000yen /one way *We take Green Car to avoid packed train.

・Small cash for Enoden or buses at the destination. Or we might take taxi occasionally.

For guide, about 4,500 yen for round-trip.

Admissions

・Great Buddha of Kotokuin Temple : adult 300 yen, elementary 150 yen

・Hasedera Temple : adult 400 yen, elementary 200 yen

【Nature】Houkoku-ji Temple :400 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

- Seasonal OPTION【 Enoshima Island Lit-up Events 】available to add exceptional experience (Summer & Winter). Check the tour price and details on itinerary.

- 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

NOT AVAILABLE for next spring season (March to April 2027). Sorry for inconvenience.

- Kindly make an inquiry only for open days on my Calendar.

- I offer tours UP TO 4 people.

- I'm Tokyo based. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, kindly cover my transportation fee and accommodation fee (if need).

- For Mt.Fuji / Hakone, refer to the map of location on my gallery.

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

Kaori S.

4.98 / 5

(128 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

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. I myself love travel freely. That's how I love helping individual travelers like you. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love and sharing my seasonal favorites.

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 : 6,000 JPY/hour

I often spend multiple days with the same group to accommodate itinerary for multi days by including my seasonal favorites.

I often do Mt.Fuji or Hakone tour. In many cases, the locations are mixed up between Mt.Fuji Five Lakes area and Hakone area, which are not the same place. Please refer to the map I uploaded on gallery to check the sites you are interested in. Also my blogs will help your understanding both areas - "The location difference of Mt.Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes) and Hakone".

As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. But more than that, I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. 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

Alexei M.

5 / 5

Sep 20, 2026

Sep 9th, 2026 : Private Mt.Fuji by Car from Tokyo for Alexei-san & Irina-san

Sep 20, 2026

Mount Fuji

12 hours

Customized

“10 star experience! if you only do one thing - do the.”

If we could give 10 stars, we would. The Mt Fuji trip with Kaori (and her husband Ichiro) was the highlight of my wife and mine trip to Japan. When booking, I asked Kaori for very specific trip, and she tailored the day trip for us. Despite the weather (torrential rains), it turned out to be the best experience. The most important part – this did not feel like a tour – it felt like a couple showing another couple the place where they live (Kaori is from Mt. Fuji area) and giving us a personal view of their world.

Kaori S.

Thank you so much for your heartwarming and wonderful comments. My husband Ichiro and I are delighted to hear you felt time with us more than a tour. That is what we exactly value most on our car trip - personal tie as person to person. We were so happy to be able to help each of you fulfill your dreams. Standing on Mt.Fuji for Irina-san, and Ice cave for you. A photo of us all together on Mt.Fuji 5th station in the heavy rain is a memory we will never forget. We recently made your local dish you introduced us and loved it!! We appreciate this wonderful encounter with you. Big hugs, Kaori and Ichiro

Renee K.

5 / 5

Sep 14, 2026

Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

Sep 14, 2026

Kamakura

9 hours

“Kaori's Kamakura Tour Was Pure Magic — Don't Miss the Lantern Festival!”

We booked an 8-hour private tour to Kamakura with Kaori and it was hands down one of the best days of our trip! She took us to see the Great Buddha, which was even more impressive in person, then on to Hasedera Temple for some gorgeous views. One of our favorite stops was Houkoku-ji Temple — sitting in the bamboo grove sipping matcha was such a peaceful, magical experience. We took our time exploring everything without ever feeling rushed, and Kaori's knowledge of the history and culture made every stop so much richer. The best part? We stayed out until after dark to catch the Enoshima Island Toro Lantern Festival, and it was absolutely stunning — definitely a highlight we wouldn't have known about without her. Such a perfect mix of history, culture, food, and a little bit of magic. Highly recommend Kaori and this tour if you're headed to Kamakura!

Kaori S.

Thank you for writing a wonderful review on my Kamakura tour. Great to hear you enjoyed whole day in Kamakura, including Toro lantern festival in Enoshima island. Kamakura itself has a lot to appreciate in great nature near the ocean. Full of samurai history and Zen culture. Enoshima’s seasonal lit-up event is one of my favorites. I appreciate you gave me the opportunity to share this wonderful experience together. As evening falls, every site of island has become impressive with calm lantern light. Thank you for choosing me your guide for two days. Hope to see you again in the future. Big hugs, Kaori

Renee K.

5 / 5

Sep 14, 2026

Extension from Half Day to Full Day on Aug 28, 2026

Sep 14, 2026

Tokyo

Customized

“WELL PLANNED AND SAW SO MUCH”

Had such a great time exploring Tokyo with our guide, Kaori! She gave us a awesome overview of the city and clearly knew her stuff — history, culture, little details you'd never pick up on your own. We went to Asakusa and checked out some beautiful temples and shrines, wandered through Yanaka (such a cool, low-key neighborhood), strolled down Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs, and grabbed some amazing street food at Tsukiji Outer Market. Through it all she was so much fun to be around — funny, easy to talk to, and just genuinely smart about the city. Kaori made the whole day feel effortless. Highly recommend her if you're visiting Tokyo!

Kaori S.

Dear Renee san, thank you very much for taking your time to give me such a warm review. Your recommendation means a lot to me. So happy to hear you felt effortless during the tour with me. It is my pleasure to show around Tokyo with good navigation so that visitors can explore more of Tokyo on their own without any concern. Thanks to your extension from half day to full day in advance, we really did a lot in a day in shopping, eating, and strolling around! Hope to see you again in the future! Big hugs, Kaori  