If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, join one of our guides on an 8-hour day trip to Kamakura! On this trip, take a breath of fresh sea air and see Kamakura’s temples and shrines’ beautiful gardens. View the ocean from the highest point of Hasedera temple and write your wish on an oyster shell. The over 11 meters tall Great Buddha is an icon of the area residing in Kotokuin Temple. Stop by the old Komachi shopping street and try some Hatosabure, dove shaped biscuits. Each trip is customizable and private. Once you place a reservation, your personal guide will be in touch with you to tailor your trip to you. You can view 3 to 4 sights on this trip. If you wish to extend your time to see more, please contact us directly for extensions. Transportation time is included in the 8 hours. We hope to guide you soon!
Highlights
Explore Kamakura in 8 hours!
Choose 4-6 sites to customize your own itinerary!
Guided by english speaking guide!
Duration
8 hours
Offered in
English
What is included
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 4-6 sites from list
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Tokyo
What is not included
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Spend 8 hours exploring at your own pace, with the freedom to select 4-6 sites from a diverse list to create a personalized itinerary. Whether you're drawn to serene temples, stunning landscapes, or historical landmarks, this flexible journey lets you immerse yourself in the locations that spark your interest. Enjoy a day of discovery, where you can take your time to fully experience the unique charm and beauty of each chosen spot, ensuring your adventure is perfectly tailored to your preferences.
You can choose 3-4 sites from the list below!
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin who has been identified with Hachiman, Hime-gami and Empress Jingu are enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
The Great Buddha of Kamakura (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu) is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 11.4 meters, it has long been the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, surpassed only by the statue in Nara's Todaiji Temple and some recent creations.
Hasedera
Hasedera (長谷寺) is a temple of the Jodo sect, famous for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The 9.18 meter tall, gilded wooden statue is regarded as one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan and can be viewed in the temple's main building, the Kannon-do Hall
Enoshima Island
Only a short train ride west of Kamakura, Enoshima (江の島) is an island just off the coast but connected by bridge with the mainland. The island offers a variety of attractions, including a shrine, park, observation tower and caves. Views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed on days with good visibility. Several shrine buildings, collectively known as Enoshima Shrine, are found around the island and are dedicated to Benten, a popular goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge. Benten is believed to have created Enoshima before subduing a five headed dragon that had been terrorizing the area.
Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple)
Meigetsuin Temple (明月院) is a temple of the Rinzai Zen Sect founded in 1160 in Kamakura. It is also known as Ajisaidera ("Hydrangea Temple") because hydrangea bloom in abundance on the temple grounds during the rainy season around June. 95% of the hydrangea here are of the Hime Ajisai ("Princess Hydrangea") variety; they are thus named because of their pretty blue colors.
Hokokuji Temple
Hokokuji Temple is best known for the beautiful, small bamboo grove found behind the temple's main hall, which lies thick with over 2000 dark green bamboo stalks. A few narrow pathways lead through the bamboo to a tea house where, for a small fee, you can sit and enjoy a cup of matcha tea while enjoying views into the bamboo grove. Also located behind the temple are a series of shallow caves carved into the hillsides, which are believed to hold the ashes of some of the later Ashikaga lords.
Engakuji Temple
Engakuji (円覚寺) is one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the number two of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Engakuji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in the year 1282, one year after the second invasion attempt by the Mongols had been reverted. One purpose of the new temple was to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian soldiers. Engakuji is built into the slopes of Kita-Kamakura's forested hills. The first main structure encountered upon entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, which dates from 1783. Behind it stands the temple's main hall, the Butsuden, which displays a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. The Butsuden was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building was lost in an earthquake.
Jufukuji Temple
Jufukuji Temple (寿福寺) is the number three of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. It is a branch temple of the Rinzai sect's Kenchoji school.
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