Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and step back in time to Kamakura, a historic coastal town known as the birthplace of the samurai government. On this one-day tour, you will explore majestic temples, serene shrines, and the iconic Great Buddha. Stroll through beautiful bamboo groves, taste local specialties, and enjoy the peaceful seaside atmosphere.
Kamakura is often called the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan” and offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and nature.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Travel from your hotel to Kamakura
Take a JR train to Kamakura, a historic town that was the first capital of the samurai government, the Kamakura Shogunate. Along with Nara, Kyoto, and several other cities, its historical landscape is legally protected.
To avoid crowded trains during rush hour, you can reserve a seat for an additional fee. The fee varies depending on the station where you board the JR train. If you depart from Tokyo Station, you can reserve a seat for the one-hour ride to Kamakura Station for 1,000 yen.
Hokokuji Temple
Hokokuji is a Zen temple in Kamakura, famous for its beautiful bamboo grove behind the main hall. Visitors can walk through the serene grove and enjoy matcha tea in a traditional tea house.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, founded in the 12th century by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of Japan. It is dedicated to Hachiman, the god of warriors, and is famous for its long approach, grand stairway, and seasonal festivals.
Komachi Street
Komachi Street is a lively shopping street in Kamakura, lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a popular spot to stroll, enjoy local snacks, and buy traditional crafts.
Hasedera Temple
Hasedera is a Buddhist temple in Kamakura, famous for its 11-faced statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, one of the largest wooden statues in Japan. The temple is also known for its beautiful seasonal flowers, a scenic garden, and a terrace with a wide view of Kamakura and the sea.
*Have lunch at a hilltop restaurant.
Kotokuin Temple
Kōtoku-in is a Buddhist temple, famous for housing the Great Buddha — a monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amitābha Buddha, originally cast around 1252 during the Kamakura period. The Great Buddha of Kamakura, along with the Great Buddha of Nara, is considered one of the two most famous giant Buddha statues in Japan.
Shichirigahama Beach
Shichirigahama Beach is a scenic seaside area along the Shonan coast in Kamakura. It is famous for its beautiful ocean views, especially sunsets, with Enoshima Island and Mt. Fuji visible on clear days. The beach is also popular for surfing and relaxing walks.
Travel back to Tokyo from Kamakura
We will take the JR train from Kamakura Station at 15:43 to return to Tokyo. The ride takes about one hour, though the exact time may vary depending on where you are staying in Tokyo.
Ending Point
At your hotel or any place of your choice
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee and hotel pick-up within 23 wards in Tokyo
Transportation fee (for you and your guide)
Food and drink (for you and your guide)
Entrance/ Admission Fee (for you and your guide)
<Costs>
*The transportation fare from your hotel to Kamakura varies depending on your hotel’s location. For your reference, if you depart from Tokyo Station and return to Tokyo Station, the round-trip fare is 945 yen × 2 = 1,890 yen per person.
*Transportation fare for getting around inside Kamakura (local bus and enoden train) is 1,120 yen per person.
*To avoid crowded trains during rush hour to travel between the Tokyo area to Kamakura, you can reserve a seat for an additional fee. The fee varies depending on the station where you board the JR train. For your reference, if you depart from Tokyo Station, you can reserve a seat for the one-hour ride to Kamakura Station for 1,000 yen per person. The fee for reserving a seat on the return trip from Kamakura to Tokyo Station is also 1,000 yen per person.
*The entrance fee to Hokokuji Temple is 400 yen per person (1,000 yen per person if you wish to have macha tea at the cafe), to Hasedera Temple is 400 yen per person, and to Kotokuin Temple is 300 yen per person.
*The cost of lunch is usually less than 2,000 yen per person, but it may be more depending on your choice.
*Pick-up service will not be provided for those staying outside Tokyo, including Yokohama.
Hello. I am Keiko, a nationally licensed tour guide for English-speaking tourists. I love traveling to new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people. When I was young, I embarked on a long journey to explore more about my life. I settled in a small town in Illinois, USA, enjoying a new life while studying at the state university, and then moved to Florida to work for a while.
After coming back to Japan, I have been working in downtown Tokyo since 2008, mainly as a translator and sometimes as an interpreter in various fields, including central government offices, TV stations, and a university. Seeing the increased opportunities around the Tokyo Olympics 2020, I transitioned into the tourism industry and am currently working as a tour guide, basically giving day tours of downtown Tokyo, Fuji & Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko.
I love meeting people from different backgrounds, talking with them, and learning new things. That's why I enjoy hosting guests from abroad who want to explore Japan. Many local people helped me during my journey, and now it's time for me to give back. Come and meet me here; I will show you around amazing places in Japan.
Kathy C.
“Tokyo overview”
Keiko was an excellent guide on our first full day in Tokyo. Very knowledgeable with excellent English. Very flexible and helped us learn to navigate the train system. She helped us with knife purchase as she could translate directly with shop owners
Keiko T.
Kathy, thank you so much for your kind review. I really enjoyed showing you around. You are such a kind, fun, and cooperative person, and your positive attitude created a pleasant atmosphere that made my job easy. I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of your trip!
Sherri C.
“Keiko T...you are the best”
Our guide Keiko went above and beyond..This is our first trip to Japan and she made things easy and informative our first 2 days in Tokyo. Thank you so much helping us learn how to navigate the metro system. She even went over in detail how to do it tomorrow without her guidance. If we ever come back we will call on her again.
Keiko T.
Sherri, thank you so much for your kind review. I truly enjoyed showing you around. It must have been quite an intensive tour, trying to see and experience as much as possible. Now that the busy part is over, I hope you both can relax and enjoy the rest of your time in Tokyo together at your own pace. I also wish you a wonderful journey with the other tour members as you continue exploring beyond Japan.
Mechelle I.
“Fantastic Guide”
Keiko T. was a wonderful guide. She met us at our hotel and was prepared and ice packs for an our tour in the hot, but beautiful Tokyo. Keiko spoke perfect English and was knowledgeable, funny, and provided insights and information beyond the requisite touristy info. She taught us how to use the subway for example. She provided guidance on navigating Tokyo Station to purchase tickets and travel to Kyoto on the bullet train. She is an excellent guide - would hire her again and again. ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu).
Keiko T.
Michelle, thank you for your kind review. I also truly enjoyed spending time with you. It was a really hot day during our tour, but I'm glad you enjoyed visiting some of Tokyo’s must-see spots and experiencing the city. If you ever have a chance to come back, please let me know — I’d be happy to show you around even more!
$268/ per group