Kamakura Highlights with Local Expert - from Tokyo
One day fun excursion to Kamakura, a small, coastal city just one hour south of Tokyo. Sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, Kamakura offers numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments as well as beautiful beach and forestry hills. Refer to this model plan, and I will customize your tour based on your tastes and requests. Count on me, Kamakura specialist!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or at any convenient spot for you in central Tokyo area
Your hotel or any place of your convenience in metropolitan Tokyo area
- meet and start the excursion
Kamakura station
- take enoden street car or taxi
Great Buddha of Kamakura
- a large bronze statue of Amida Buddha in Kotokuin temple
Hasedera temple
- a lovely Buddhist temple called as Kamakura's Western Pure Land full of seasonal flowers, famous for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy
Enoden ride
- fun street car ride along the seashore * we could walk to Gokurakuji temple before that
local restaurant for lunch
- based on your request
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine
Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine originally found in the late 11th century walking along Dankazura path, the street I used to walk to my junior high school in teens
Engakuji or Kenchoji temple
- the site Zen Buddhism started in Japan in the 14th century and where thousands of monks have trained
- the precincts are large and beautiful in every season perfectly maintained by the monks
Kitakamakura station
- You will find some other lovely ancient Zen temples when you walk to the station.
* We could extend the tour for Yokohama (China town and Minato Mirai area) for a couple of hours based on your request and our discussion
Tokyo station or any place of your convenience
- the end of the tour
Ending Point
At Tokyo station or any place of your convenience
Want to personalize this tour?
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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
■ hotel pick-up (in Tokyo metropolitan area)
■ transportation fee (you and guide): about 3000 yen/each in total, e.g. ① JR round trip between Tokyo and Kamakura(about 2,000 yen/adult) ②Enoden and local bus, etc.
■ lunch
■ admission fee: e.g. Great Buddha (300 yen/adult), Kenchoji temple (500 yen/adult), Hasedera temple (400 yen/adult), etc.
Tour Important Information
■ Please wear comfortable shoes and outfits for walking.
■ It takes about one hour from Tokyo area to Kamakura, so it is recommended to start the tour at 8:00 am (or even earlier.)
■ I'm usually flexible to put 1 or 2 extra hours and make the tour longer or to add Yokohama visit on the way back. Please consult me if you want even on the tour date.
It's my personal story, but I moved from a large city Nagoya to Kamakura with my family when I was 10 years old. Despite a little girl, I instantly noticed how historically interesting the town was and loved the milder climate there. It also surprised me there were so many atmospheric narrow winding streets and slopes. It was the best site for kids to have a little adventure! Since then, I have been walking around the city of Kamakura with friends, family, or even by myself. I know every corner of the city and its seasonal beauties. So, let me know your interests and tastes, and I will make the best itinerary for you.
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
About Tour Guide Tomoko H.
Hi everyone! Hearty welcome to Japan.
I’m Tomoko.
I am an English-speaking licensed tour guide, and a registered nurse as well.
“Fun Discovering Experience Walking like a Local!” – F-D-E-W-L!
That’s what I suggest.
【Experiences】
My work history is as follows.
1) high school teacher ---12 years
2) nurse--8 years + 2 years as operational manager for Kamakura city vaccination team (during COVID period)
3) tourism related jobs such as tour conducting, guiding, and backyard supporting---10 years
As a tour conductor, I’ve visited about 20 foreign countries (possibly yours?) as well as countless number of towns and villages in Japan.
I’ve enjoyed these jobs while being a mother.
Through these experiences with lots of people from different backgrounds, I've found it a great pleasure to share the joy of learning and experiencing something new!
【Guiding Areas】
<Basic> Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Fuji, Yokohama, Nikko, and other neighboring areas from Tokyo
I’m a specialist in Tokyo and Kamakura as I have lived and enjoyed walking a lot in those cities for decades. To be honest, even after all my years here, I still enjoy exploring like a tourist as Tokyo is such an enormous city with great diversity and is constantly changing.
Kamakura is a historical small city with nice beaches and hills and lots of hidden spots of beauty. Almost every time I go out, I feel I’m still making new discoveries. That’s why I cannot stop exploring.
I would take you to some neighboring areas like Hakone, Yokohama, Nikko, and Mt. Fuji area (Lake Kawaguchiko), etc.
<Based on Requests > *if my transportation & accommodation are covered
Nagoya, Kyoto, Nagano(Nagano city, Snow Monkey park, Kisoji trail, etc.), Hida (Takayama, Shirakawa-go), Kanazawa, Oita, Yamagata, Akita, etc.
My original family is from Nagoya, so I know their culture and even their language(dialect) well. Later in my life, I have lived in Oita, Kyushu(far south west of Tokyo) for nearly 10 years and traveled a lot in Kyushu. I love traveling Tohoku, the northern Japan area, too. I’ve planned and enjoyed visiting many of those local areas in the north, too. So, I could share those experiences with you even while having tours in Tokyo or online.
【Personality and others】
- I love meeting people, listening and talking to them.
- I'm friendly and caring, I hope:)
- I love nature and enjoy hiking and skiing.
- I love seasonal flowers and good local food.
- You will see a lot about Japanese culture, nature, and lifestyle with me.
What has made you decide to come to Japan, by the way? Is it its scenic beauties, exotic culture, history, food, anime, or what else? Is it your business that has brought (or will bring) you here? Let me have a clue and customize your tour. I will make the best tour suggestion for you.
Why don’t you contact me now? I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Thank you! Arigato-gozaimas!
Reviews
My L.
“Tour of Mt. Fuji/Hakone”
Because of a typhoon, we had to cancel our trip to Mt. Fuji, but we still had a great time with Tomoko in Tokyo. She was terrific! She helped us with our change of plans and we end up with a wonderful day in Tokyo. She is a joy to be around and I would highly recommend her as a guide! She has great communications skills and very personable. We hope to see her again when we come back to Japan!
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Tomoko H.
Hi My Le, Thank you for your lovely review. It was quite a nerve-wracking experience with the typhoon, wasn’t it? It was a shame you couldn’t visit Fuji and Hakone, but I’m relieved that we were able to change the itinerary to Tokyo and that you were able to have a safe and enjoyable time. After viewing Japanese paintings and doing some shopping, we were among the very last visitors at both the sushi restaurant and the Imperial Palace East Gardens, but I had a wonderful time with your three-generation family, who were full of humour, and it was a truly memorable day. Your parents and you both have taught me the secret to staying young: taking an interest in all sorts of things, enjoying life with an open mind, and laughing. With respect,- Tomoko
Laureen J.
“ A Perfect Day in Tokyo with Tomoko – Beyond Our Expectations!”
Our day in Tokyo was absolutely out of this world! We had a group of 11 and chose to hire a driver so we could make the most of our limited time in the city. It was one of the best decisions we made, and having Tomoko as our guide made the day truly unforgettable. Tomoko was outstanding from start to finish. She planned a wonderful itinerary that included the Imperial Palace and its surroundings, Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo Skytree Town, and the Harajuku and Shibuya areas. One of the highlights of the day was lunch that Tomoko arranged for us on the 30th floor of a skyscraper overlooking Tokyo. The views were incredible, and the sushi was outstanding. What made the experience so special was Tomoko herself. She was kind, knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely cared about making sure everyone in our group had a wonderful day. She walked with us through the shopping districts, helped us find the Onitsuka Tiger shoes that several members of our group were hoping to purchase, and never made us feel rushed. At the end of the day, Tomoko accompanied us all the way back to our cruise terminal, made sure everyone was safely back on the ship, and only then headed home herself. That level of care and dedication speaks volumes about the kind of person she is. Tomoko is truly one of a kind. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, caring, and exceptional guide for a perfect day in Tokyo, look no further. I cannot wait to return to Tokyo and see her again. Thank you, Tomoko, for a memorable day that our family will never forget.
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Tomoko H.
Dear Laureen, thank you for the wonderful review. You’ve been so generous with your praise that I feel like I could “crawl into a hole” (I’m a bit embarrassed), but I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Our exchange started in a very interesting way. I received an inquiry with almost the exact same details from another lady—whose name also starts with “L”—at around the same time. (She mentioned that you were traveling on a cruise ship and that your family consists of 11 members.) I immediately realized that you must be a very loving family.Even though we were both working and dealing with the time difference, I really enjoyed our detailed planning emails. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review despite your busy schedule after returning from your trip. I hope you and your family are all doing well. I look forward to seeing you again.‐ Tomoko
Josh K.
“Fun, full day tour with a true professional”
We spent a full day with Tomoko exploring Kamakura and Enoshima as a daytrip from Tokyo. Tomoko knows this area extremely well so she had everything planned out and adapted logistics as the day unfolded. She provided just the right amount and type of commentary on places visited and brought us to a very traditional soba&tempura restaurant for lunch. She is a natural conversationalist and will feel like a friend by end of the day. Her pre-tour communications are extensive as well. We had a great time with Tomoko and saw everything imagined and then some. We recommend Tomoko 100%, 10 out of 10, a top notch tour guide.
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Tomoko H.
Thank you for the wonderful review. The Kamakura tour with you and your family was so much fun. Even with jet lag, everyone walked so well! The beautiful bamboo temple, Hachimangu Shrine, lunch and shopping, the Great Buddha and Hase-dera Temple, and then the caves carved by the waves on the back side of Enoshima (where the dragon lives!)—I’d secretly worried we might not make it that far. Since you told me your family’s specific requests and preferences in advance, it made planning much easier. I appreciate your cooperation. Thank you, Joshi, Amy, Caroline, and Adelaide!
$414/ per group
More tours by Tomoko H.
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Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Kamakura
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Exciting Kamakura - One Day Tour from Tokyo
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A Day Excursion to Kamakura
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Discover the highlights of the Kamakura area, once the center of Japan’s samurai rule from the late 12th century to 1333. While relatively stable, this period also faced two Mongol invasions as well as earthquakes, epidemics, and famines, which shaped society. During this time, Kamakura Buddhism spread among both samurai and common people. Today, its legacy lives on in Zen temples, historic shrines, and spiritual traditions. Enjoy peaceful gardens, vibrant streets, and coastal views.
Discover Ofuna, Kamakura & Enoshima: Temples, Shrines & Scenic Coastal Views with a Licensed Guide
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