Traditional Japan in Kamakura
Joined 2017
Kamakura is known as an old town but how old the town is? The answer is about 800 years. This town is built by the first soldiers' government and has been strongly influenced by soldiers' mentality and Buddhism. In this tour you will visit major tourist palaces and a unique place which is tea ceremony place with a master.
If you wish to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and history. please join to this tour.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Tokyo or Yokohama area
Kita-Kamakura station
This is a JR station. It takes about one hour from Tokyo station
Kencho-ji temple
This temple is recognized as the highest ranked temple in Kamakura and belong to Zen sect in Buddhism. Once you get into the precincts of this temple, you can feel a sense of Zen sect which is simplicity. Buildings are very simple and not decorated by statues or colorful items.
Tea ceremony in nice silent atmosphere
At this place you can experience a real tea ceremony. There are many places to experience tea ceremony but most of them are for tourists. Therefore many things are too simplified and price is a tourist price. The place you will experience is not that one. It will take about 1.5 hours but the master explaines every details and you can understand that tea ceremony is not only for tea drinking but also containing all eccence of Japanese culture. And, in the lesson you can make your own tea. I recommend this experience very much..
lunch
Many kinds of foods are available in Kamakura
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu which is a landmark of Kamakura
This is a big shrine and a landmark of Kamakura. From shrine main building you can see whole Kamakura city and I will explain story of Kamakura history.
Walk through Komachi dori which is very popular shopping street among tourists
From Tsurugaoka Hachimangu to Kamakura station, we will go through this small but long shopping street. You may find unique gifts in here.
Big Buddha which can not be missed
This big Buddha is a symbol of Kamakura. This Buddha sit outside and if the weather is good, the contrast of blue sky and dark gray color of Buddha attracts everybody. An unique thing of this big Buddha is that inside is hollow and you can go inside of the Buddha. This Buddha was made in middle of 14th century and since then it keeps original shape.
Hase-dera temple
This temple is another tourist spot you can't miss. It is famous for flowers and its garden expresses paradise in Buddhism world.
Kamakura station
This is the end of today's tour
Ending Point
At your hotel in Tokyo or Yokohama 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
Tea ceremony cost ( 2500yen/Person),
Transportation cost ( guide and guests)
Guide's commuting cost ( Home to hotel)
Meal
Tour Important Information
To book this tour, I have to ask availability of this tea ceremony place. Therefore, date and time of visit the place has to be decided in advance.
To experience tea ceremony, you will sit down on a tatami mat for a while. Also, you need to prepare extra pair of socks which you have to change your socks at an entrance of tea ceremony place to maintain cleanness of the place.
The place is not a big place. Therefore 4 adults are the maximum number of guests.
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 Hiroshi Y.
My name is Hiroshi Yasuo, but Hiro is good enough to call me.
I used to live in abroad total 8 years and visited more than 30 countries for business and pleasure.
And through my experience of visiting all over Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa, I am very knowledgeable about major tourist places. It means I can help you to make your visit to Japan a very enjoyable one. Also, I like Japanese history and it helps me to explain not only surface explanation of places, but also their background of stories or history of each place. Addition to that, I am very familiar with Japanese railway system. If you give me places you wish to visit, I can tell you the best way to reach those places.
As of Mar 2021, I got Wildness First Aid certification which means I have knowledge of how to treat under emergency situation. Addition to WFA, I understand importance of LNT( Leave No trace) philosophy. It means I respect nature and can help you how to conduct less stress tour for nature.
I understand my role is to make your tour more valuable and enjoyable one.
I hope I can see many people from all over the world.
Reviews
Emily S.
“A Very Special Day Trip”
Hiroshi suggested this day trip for us after several days in Tokyo. And it did not disappoint. He selected several shrines and a temple and also arranged a visit or several hours to a woman who is a tea ceremony master. Fascinating. Hiroshi arranged all the details for us and we had the most marvelous time learning from Hiroshi and absorbing his Shinto and Buddhist spirit.
Hiroshi Y.
Emily Thank you for your good review. I am happy by knowing you enjoyed a day trip in Kamakura. I think tea ceremony experience in Kamakura was a special one and probably not possible by other guides. There are more places to attract you and give different atmosphere in Kamakura.
Emily S.
“Fascinating Tour with Hiroshi”
After three glorious days in Tokyo, we also had the joy of Hiroshi in Hakone! He planned a marvelous tour that included a stop at the most beautiful garden we saw in all of Japan; a trip to see and learn about how the geothermal energy of volcanoes power the 20+ springs that feed Hakone's onsens; a walk down a cedar allee and so much more. Hiroshi also recommended ways for us to spend our half-day before and art our full day with him. He's just a wonderfully knowledgeable, gentle soul who gets what guiding is all about.
Hiroshi Y.
Emily Thank you for taking time to write a review of our tour in Hakone. I like Hakone very much because it has nature, culture and history. The more you learn, the more you get interest. For one day it was not possible to introduce all enchantment of Hakone. Please come back again to Hakone.
Emily S.
“A kind, knowledgeable expert!”
I worked with Hiroshi over nine months to plan 2 days in Tokyo, 1 in Kamakura and 1 in Hakone. After 9 hours, I am so glad for the choice. Hiroshi is extremely knowledgeable about everything from food history to shogunate trivia, from garden design to specific neighborhood districts. He adjusted his plan to accommodate our every whim and he did so with a big smile. We love our day today and can't wait for tomorrow with Hiroshi.
Hiroshi Y.
Emily Thank you for your great comment about the first day in Tokyo. I will do my best in rest of our tour.
$300/ per group
More tours by Hiroshi Y.
Hakone: The wonderful world
Hakone attract many people because of great view of Mt. Fuji, volcanic activity in front of you, various transportation, hot spring, historical site and etc. If you want to enjoy everything, you need to stay in Hakone at least 3 days. But you can enjoy Hakone even one day by taking golden route.
Tsukiji( fishmarket) and Ryogoku(Sumo, Ukiyoe, History)
We will visit Tsukiji outer fish market and Ryogoku where is famous for Sumo , Ukiyoe and history. In Ryogoku we will visit 3 museums which are Sumo museum, Sumida Hokusai museum which is Ukiyoe museum, and Edo-Tokyo museum which is a history museum. Also, you can enjoy good food in Tsukiji or Ryogoku whichever you prefer to.
Delightful Kamakura
Kamakura is one of the most popular places for tourist because of its long history and many scenic spots . I will take you to 4 most popular places among foreigners which are Hohkoku-ji, Tsurugaoka-Hachiman-gu, Koh-Toku-In(Big Budda), and Hase-dera. But if you have any specific place wish to visit, please let me know. I will make a plan for you. We will take bus, train and walking in this tour.
Enjoyable Tokyo one day tour
This tour is designed for visitors who is the first time to Tokyo. I pick-up 4 places to visit; Meiji-Shrine, Omote-sando, Imperial Palace East garden, and Asakusa. Those are the most popular places for tourist from abroad. But if you have any specific place to visit, please feel free to tell me. I will try to arrange the tour for you.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kamakura
Hiro's Kamakura As-you-like One-day Tour
Kamakura, a home to samurai culture and Zen Buddhism, is neighborhood of where I live and one of my living rooms that I'd really love to invite you to. I am also happy to share some exclusive info that only local residents know, as I show you around the place. Let me customize your one-day tour based on your requests or preference adding my recommendation out of my experience regarding the season.
Explore the connection between the Samurai Government and Buddhism!
The Kamakura Shogunate, established by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1192, marked the beginning of feudal military government. This period was characterized by the rise of the samurai class and the establishment of a feudal system. It was also marked by both the patronage of Buddhism by the ruling class and the rise of new Buddhist movements that catered to the spiritual needs of the samurai and common people alike. We will explore these facts by visiting some temples and shrines.
One-day tour from Kita-Kamakura to Enoshima
Just over an hour from Tokyo, you can visit an ancient capital with a completely different history. Kamakura was a town that became the center of politics under Minamoto no Yoritomo in the 12th century. Kamakura is a town of samurai, and Zen was also loved by the samurai. Kamakura is also the city where Zen Buddhism was brought to Japan and widely spread. Why not walk me through Kamakura, a town nurtured by history and culture?
Golden Route of major sightseeing spots in Kamakura
Are you struggling with where you should go around the Kamakura? I will show you around 6 main spots in Kamakura! The tour will start at a huge Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Stroll down Komachi-dori for shopping and local delicacies. Visit Zeniarai Benten, where you can wash money for good fortune. Nearby, explore Sasuke Inari Shrine, known for its fox statues. Don’t miss the Great Buddha, an iconic symbol of Kamakura. Finally, head to Hase-dera for its beautiful gardens and panoramic coastal views.
