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Full Day Kamakura Key Sites #1 (9 Hours)
In the eastern Japan, Kamakura is one of the best (if not THE BEST) places to witness the deapths of Japanese history. While Kyoto is a capital established by aristocrats, Kamakura is a capital built and nurtured by samurai worrior class. Its culture is simple and dynamic. My guiding point is History, Culture, Natural Beauty and Zen spirit, not to mention authentic Japanese food of your preference (or choice in any ways)!! I would like you to see the unique historical sites of over 800 years.
Meeting Point
At your hotel or at JR Kamakura Station
Your hotel in Tokyo (The New Otani Hotel, etc.)
I will pick you up at your hotel in Tokyo but if you would like to start the tour at JR Kamakura Station to save your touring time, I would be happy to accomodate. It means you will come to JR Kamakura Station by yourselves (which is easy) and meet me there. That way, you will have 11 full hours in Kamakura. Or if you feel comfortable with me picking you up at your hotel and escort you to get to Kamakura, I can do that also. It will be your choice. Duration of time from any hotel in Tokyol to Kamakura using public transportation is 1.5 - 2 hours and one-way public transportation cost is approximately 1000 Japanese Yen (J. Yen) which is about US$8.
JR Kamakura Station
Start Kamakura Sight-seeing from JR Kamakura Station
Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine
Depart JR Kamakura Station and walk to one of Japan's most prestegious Shinto Shrines, Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine. We will see the magnificent facilities of The Shinto Shrine and I will walk you through Shinto rituals. (10:30 - 11:30) . Admission Free.
Minemoto Restaurant, Kamakura Headquarters
Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at this 100 year old restaurant. You could enjoy Tempura of all sorts, Soba (Buck Wheet Noodle) and variety of Donburi (Meats or Seafood or Vegetables cooked on top of seansoned rice in a bowl). Budget J. Yen 2500 (US$20)
Hokokuji Temple
700 year old Buddhist Temple - famous for its gorgeous bamboo forest (2000 bamboo trees). At this temple, you could enjoy Maccha (Powdered Green Tea) session viewing traditional Japanese Garden. Admission only→J. Yen 300 (US$2.50). Plus J. Yen 600 (US$4.50) if you sit and enjoy the green tea. This green tea session is available subject to seat availability.
World's famous Great Buddha Statue of Kamakura
Great symbol of Kamakura. Unlike its equivalent, the great Buddha of Nara, this sits in the open air, making it visible from afar as well as up close. I will take your pictures with this handsome great Buddha behind you. Admission J. Yen 300 (US$2.50)
Hase Temple
This is the only temple in Kamakura that commands a scenic beauty of the ocean (Pacific). The main hall enshrines Japan's largest carved-wooden statue - the 11-headed goddess of mercy. The pathway extends vertically for several levels of sites of interest, including gorgeous hydrangers (more than 2000 blossoms) in late spring to early summer. This temple is like a theme park with a hidden cave in which you could adventure finding secret small Buddhism statues and Japanese gardens. Admission J. Yen 400 (US$3)
JR Kamakura Station
Depart JR Kamakura Station heading back to your hotel in Tokyo at about 19:00. If you wish to finish the tour in Kamakura at 19:00, not at your hotel in Tokyo, you could do so which will give you the time to visit Enoshima Island with me. My #1 concern is your satisfaction, so we do not need to worry too much about some extra time. If we should visit Enoshima, the admission will be J. Yen 1,100 (US$8).
Your hotel in Tokyo (The New Otani Hotel, etc.)
Ending Point
At your hotel or at JR Kamakura Station
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, hotel pick-up
Transportation fee (you and the guide) (Public transportation fee for the guide is Yen 2,500 which is payable in cash at the end of the tour)
Any meals
Admission fees
Tour Important Information
We do lots of walking, so your tour guide would like to know when to rest. Your comfort and satisfaction is our #1 key. Also please note that the time schedule described above may fluctuate depending on the situation such as traffic and/or crowdedness of each site.
Important message from the guide
I can guide you if you pay my transportation fee.
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
Tokyo Tour Reviews
“Great guide showing the highlights of Tokyo.”
Tom was awesome. Very friendly, very knowledgeable, very flexible. Made our first full day in Tokyo amazing.
Tsutomu H.
(24 reviews)I was truly impressed by mutual love between father and son!! It really was a wonderful tour for myself thanks to two of you - I will continue to pray for your safe and pleasant journey!!
“A Great Guide ”
Tom was a great guide for our first day journey around Tokyo. He knows and loves the city and takes you through Tokyo with professionalism and care. Thank you, Tom!
Tsutomu H.
(24 reviews)John and Lauren, It truly was a pleasure being with you, a wonderful couple. Thank you for creating a special place in my heart with warm memories. I will continue to wish for the very best for two of you. If you need any support while you’re in Japan, you now have a good friend - I am always ready to help you. Sincerely, Tom
“Wonderful day #2 in Tokyo!”
We hired Tom for our first two days in Tokyo. Tom speaks fluent English, is communicative, kind and cordial. Our second day was excellent, with lunch at a delicious restaurant in Asakusa! Tom took care of booking a tea ceremony for us and it was an unique and immersive experience into the Japanese culture. We were able to visit several places in Tokyo calmly and peacefully! Thanks, Tom! Now we have a friend in Tokyo! We hope to return soon!
