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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

(119 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 Special OPTIONs【 Enoshima Island Lit-up Events 】, check the details on itinerary. Winter : November 22, 2025 to February 28, 2026

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 end of Aug)

July 19 to August 31, 2025

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 : 76,000JPY

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 : 76,000JPY

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 Special OPTIONs【 Enoshima Island Lit-up Events 】available to add exceptional experience. Check the details on itinerary.

Winter : November 22, 2025 to February 28, 2026

- 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

- I'm FULLY BOOKED on 2026 MARCH & APRIL. Sorry for inconvenince. Kindly make an inquiry only for my available days.

- I offer tours up to 4 People to maximize each person's 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.

- For Mt.Fuji or Hakone, refer to the map of location on 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

(119 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. 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

Jessica F.

5 / 5

Dec 22, 2025

Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori

Dec 22, 2025

Tokyo

8 hours

“Exciting and informative tour of East side Tokyo!”

We could not have chosen a better tour guide for our first ever family trip to Tokyo! Kaori-san is very nice, funny and felt like a part of our family for the day! She lets you set the pace and gives lots of insight into Japanese history and culture. We strolled through Tsujiki market and sampled many delicious street foods, enjoyed playing with animals at a cafe is Asakusa, got our fortunes at a Buddhist temple and browsed anime in Akiba! We recommend Kaori to everyone ! You will not be disappointed and might even wish she could stay with you longer!

Kaori S.

Thank you very much for taking your precious time during your stay in Japan to give me the warmest review. Also THANK YOU for sharing the wonderful photos here! We had a fun introductory tour like a family while navigating Tokyo’s public translation for your own travel later. It was great pleasure to talk with each of you who had much love in Japan and Japanese culture. I was happy to see your kids were delighted to do and buy what they had wanted. Wishing you a memorable fun journey ahead for all of you! Arigatou gozai mashita (the past sentence of "arigatou gozai masu") Big hugs, Kaori

Mark P.

5 / 5

Dec 18, 2025

Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori

Dec 18, 2025

Tokyo

2 days

“Wonderful second trip”

This is my second time going for tour with Kaori-San while learning about the history and culture of Japan was wonderful. Ill always book Kaori-San when I come to Tokyo area for tour. Its most recommended.

Kaori S.

Thank you for taking time to write the excellent review and kindest recommendation, Mark-san! It was the great pleasure to meet you again since we had 4 days together in 2023. Next time, maybe Kamakura and other places! Japan has lots to offer! Can’t wait to speak with you more in Japanese! Arigatou gozaimashita. Matane! ありがとうございました。またね! Big hugs, Kaori

Barbara B.

5 / 5

Dec 3, 2025

Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

Dec 3, 2025

Kamakura

12 hours

“Fabulous Tokyo discovery with Kaori”

I had a delightful tour with Kaori who willingly changed the itinerary to accommodate my desire to focus on art and architecture. So we visited beautiful, tranquil Nezu Museum and stunning teamLab Borderless interactive digital art museum. Kaori was a joy to be with, she is very knowledgeable, friendly, super flexible and took very good care of me. Thanks for a brilliant last day of my trip in Japan. Barbara

Kaori S.

Thank you so much for taking your precious time while you are still in Japan to give the warmest review for me. I’m delighted to hear you had a brilliant day as the last day of your one month trip to Japan. Also, THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the seasonal beauty of my favorite museums and Christmas illumination. It made a memorable moment on me too to share the special moment with you. Can’t wait to see you again on your next visit to Japan! Big hugs, Kaori