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Soul-Exploring Trip of Kamakura and Sutra Copying

Kamakura Private Tour - At the entrance of shakyo-jyo, or Buddhist sutra copying hall, of Hase Temple. In this hall, you can appreciate the serene atmosphere through copying a Buddhist sutra.

At the entrance of shakyo-jyo, or Buddhist sutra copying hall, of Hase Temple. In this hall, you can appreciate the serene atmosphere through copying a Buddhist sutra.

Kamakura Private Tour - In front of the gate of Hase Temple. In this temple, there is a cave where the image of Benzaiten, or the Goddess of Eloquence, Music, and Art, and those of sixteen Douji, or the attendants of Benzaiten, are laid along the path for visitors. At the end of the steps, a huge golden statue, Hase Kannon, or Hase Goddess of Mercy, stands overlooking visitors. The terrace on which the Goddess is located commands a wide open view of the Yuigahama Beach.

In front of the gate of Hase Temple. In this temple, there is a cave where the image of Benzaiten, or the Goddess of Eloquence, Music, and Art, and those of sixteen Douji, or the attendants of Benzaiten, are laid along the path for visitors. At the end of the steps, a huge golden statue, Hase Kannon, or Hase Goddess of Mercy, stands overlooking visitors. The terrace on which the Goddess is located commands a wide open view of the Yuigahama Beach.

Kamakura Private Tour - With the Great Buddha of Kamakura in Kotokuin Temple in Hase. You can get inside the statue. To the right of it, there is a big pair of straw sandals of the Buddha. Behind is a shady quiet place where a stone monument stands, on which engraved a poem about the Buddha by the famous poet Yosano Akiko.

With the Great Buddha of Kamakura in Kotokuin Temple in Hase. You can get inside the statue. To the right of it, there is a big pair of straw sandals of the Buddha. Behind is a shady quiet place where a stone monument stands, on which engraved a poem about the Buddha by the famous poet Yosano Akiko.

Kamakura Private Tour - Inside Brasserie, a restaurant on Komachi-dori Street in Kamakura. This restaurant features both sea food and meat dishes using local fish and Kamakura vegetables. The ingredients are fresh and the meals taste good. Komachi-dori Street is lined with various kinds of restarunts: sushi, ramen, soba, Japanese, French, etc., and confectionery shops: sweets, rice cakes, sticks of dumplings, etc., and even a rikshaw station. The street is always lively with strolling visitors.

Inside Brasserie, a restaurant on Komachi-dori Street in Kamakura. This restaurant features both sea food and meat dishes using local fish and Kamakura vegetables. The ingredients are fresh and the meals taste good. Komachi-dori Street is lined with various kinds of restarunts: sushi, ramen, soba, Japanese, French, etc., and confectionery shops: sweets, rice cakes, sticks of dumplings, etc., and even a rikshaw station. The street is always lively with strolling visitors.

Kamakura Private Tour - The elavated path called Dankazura leads to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Past the Torii Gate, while crossing the Taiko Bashi Bridge, you see the water of a pond on both sides. On the shrine ground, to the right, there's Kamakura Kokuhoukan, or Kamakura National Treasure Museum. I'm standing in front of Maiden, or court music pavilion of the shrine. We sometimes see wedding ceremonies held in the pavillion. Behind this building, steep stairs lead to Hongu, or the Main Shrine.

The elavated path called Dankazura leads to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Past the Torii Gate, while crossing the Taiko Bashi Bridge, you see the water of a pond on both sides. On the shrine ground, to the right, there's Kamakura Kokuhoukan, or Kamakura National Treasure Museum. I'm standing in front of Maiden, or court music pavilion of the shrine. We sometimes see wedding ceremonies held in the pavillion. Behind this building, steep stairs lead to Hongu, or the Main Shrine.

Soul-Exploring Trip of Kamakura and Sutra Copying

Unique Experience

Joined 2017

Takao M.

4.41 / 5

(22 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kamakura

English, Japanese (Native)

6 hours

Private tour (only you and Takao M.)

Up to 5 people

Through copying sutra in Hasedera Temple, you get the serenity of mind and feel ready to explore the secret world of Buddhism: Benzaiten in the cave and Hase Kannon on the hill. After watching the imposing Great Buddha, take train to Kamakura, where you can relax and have lunch at various kinds of restaurants to choose from. Then, visit Hachimangu Shrine. and enjoy shopping at Komachidori Street.

Itinerary

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

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Just outside the exit of Hase Station on Enoden railway line. There's only one exit.

Hasedera Temple, sutra copying

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

Lunch at Komachidori Street

Hachimangu Shrine

Shopping at Komachidori Street

Ending Point

Kamakura Station.

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

What‘s not included

tourist's transportation fee ￥190 (from Hase Station to Kamakura Station), guide's transportation fee ￥1600, tourist's meal, tourist's drink, tourist's entrance fee ￥1500 (￥2420, if Hase Temple museum ￥200, inside Great Buddha ￥20, Hachimangu Shrine museum ￥200 and garden ￥500 added), tourist's sutra copying fee ￥1000

Tour Important Information

For sutra copying, brushes, inks, and other things necessary for the activity are provided by the temple (not given) when you pay the fee. When copying, you can sit on a chair. Paying respect for Buddhas, you must be quiet in the hall. Photo‐taking is not allowed here. The sheet of paper in which you copy sutra is to be handled carefully with respect because it is considered to be a sacred thing.

(What To Expect)

①Sutra copying gives you peace of mind. When you grind the ink stick and trace the sacred scriptures in the quiet temple hall, you can relieve the stresses of modern life. ②Enter the neighboring cave and walk around, meeting the statues of gods within. In the darkness, pray to the gods to have your desires accomplished: Benzaiten, the goddess of eloquence, music, and art, of this temple, is said to have been carved by Kobodaishi, the 9th century great Buddhist saint, poet, artist and calligrapher, wishing for people’s success in life, and the power of this goddess is said to be miraculously wonderful. Beside her stand other statues, such as the god of enlightenment and salvation, the god of peace under law, the god of academic achievements, and so on. ③At the top of a small hill, Hase Kannon, the goddess of mercy, soar and gleam in gold. ④Seven minutes’ walk from Hase Temple will take you to the massive Great Buddha. This 13.4 meter-high statue is the image of Amida Nyorai, Buddha of infinite light and life, meditating on how to save people. ⑤Continue our trip to Kamakura, the third stop on the Enoden railway line, where we can take lunch at Komachidori Street, then visit the brightly colored edifices of Hachimangu Shrine. On our way back, enjoy shopping at Komachidori Street.

If it rains a little, the tour is still to be carried out.

Important message from the supplier

1. The fee doesn't include the tourists' transportation fees.

2. The fee doesn't include the tourists' meals or beverages.

3. The fee doesn't include admission charges for visiting places or charges for hands-on activities.

4. Tourists pay the guide's transportation fees.

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

Takao M.

4.41 / 5

(22 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Takao M.

Hi, I'm Takao. I like walking with my friends in the mountains, along rivers and beaches, and visiting historical places and museums. Usually, after enjoying these places, we take a dip in hot springs and drink beer.

As a guide, however, I'll take up places easy to walk around. I assume not many people from abroad are prepared for sweating activities.

If you like, though, I can modify my plan, connecting with a short hiking, hot bath and a drinking place.

Reviews

Frances H.

5 / 5

May 13, 2025

Hakone One-Day Trip

May 13, 2025

Hakone

7 hours 40 mins

“Good tour experience”

I have a good experience with the public transport tour with Takao. Takao provided valuable guidance especially for a first timer like me. I saw much of Hakone through the public transportation. I highly recommend Takao should you want such experience. Thank you Takao san, very much appreciate your great tour.

Takao M.

Dear Frances and Daria, Thank you so much for your kind cooperation and such a generous review of my guiding. I’m truly grateful for the wonderful opportunity to share and appreciate the beauty of Hakone, its delicious cuisine, and the joy of our friendly conversations. My wife placed your gift of sweets on our family’s Buddhist altar and offered thanks for your kindness as well. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. With warmest regards, Takao Mizushima

Owen I.

5 / 5

Apr 13, 2025

Hakone One-Day Trip

Apr 13, 2025

Hakone

9 hours 10 mins

“Great Tour of Hakone”

Excellent tour of Hakone! Would 100% recommend if you’re thinking about going on a tour of Hakone.

Takao M.

Dear Owen and Sarah. Your constant smiles moved me although it rained everywhere we went and nothing was visible from the ship, ropeway nor cable car. The Hakone Shrine deity surely thanked you for visiting in the rain. Have a nice trip! Best regards, Takao Mizushima

Paola M.

1 / 5

Mar 27, 2025

Hakone One-Day Trip

Mar 27, 2025

Hakone

7 hours 10 mins

“Poor English, not resourceful ”

The company itself or some AI must be the one that replied to my massages since Takao, even though a sweet gentleman, can barely speak English and is not resourceful or informed about the area.

Takao M.

Sorry, Paola. We lost about 90 minutes yesterday because the strong wind forced the ropeway to stop, and we had to return to our starting point. I chose that route because: 1. I wanted you to experience a cable car ride. 2. I wanted to minimize the use of buses that don’t accept the Hakone Freepass. The bus ride from the cable car terminal to the highest point of Owakudani Valley is the shortest option. 3. The only buses that reach the volcanic valley when the ropeway is stopped are the ones that don’t accept the pass. 4. There were so many people in line ahead of us that I couldn’t predict how many buses we’d have to wait for. 5. We called all the taxi companies, but none were available due to high demand. Despite this setback, we still managed to experience three out of the four attractions you considered a “must”—the ropeway, pirate ship, cable car, and open-air museum. Mt. Fuji wasn’t visible, and the ropeway was stopped, so we missed out on the great view from it. Unfortunately, that meant we lost two of the main highlights of the tour, and I didn’t have many opportunities to explain the scenery. Still, I did my best to make the tour worthwhile by sharing whatever thoughts came to mind. I truly enjoyed our conversations! I use AI to refine my written English, but I don’t rely on it for speaking. Improving my English is something I truly care about. I sincerely appreciate your understanding. Thank you. Best regards, Takao