Kamakura Bamboo Forest and Great Buddha Private Tour

Kamakura , Japan

Kamakura Bamboo Forest and Great Buddha Private Tour

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(12 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

You can enjoy a guided sightseeing tour only with your family and friends.
This tour is a tour using public transportation.

This is a guided private tour that includes Kotokuin (Great Buddha Statue) and Hokukuji Temple Bamboo Forest on your itinerary.

Hotel pick up in Tokyo 23 wards.

Hokoku-ji Temple is very famous for its Bamboo Garden, and is a Michelin Green Guide, a three-star tourist attraction with only two locations in Kamakura.

You can also drink matcha while watching the fantastic approximately 2,000 bamboo groves.

The Big Buddha, which is synonymous with Kamakura, will be even more fun if you look at it while listening to the detailed historical explanations of the guides with national qualifications.

For details of the destination, you can look at the what to expect section of this web page.

Available options

Kamakura Bamboo Forest and Great Buddha Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private tour

English speaking professional guide

Detailed itinerary

Hase temple is a sightseeing spot which is as famous as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Kenchoji temple. Flowers are colored every seasons and it has been known as a temple of flowers since ancient times. You can experience traditional Japanese culture in this place

Stop 2

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is an outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha located on the grounds of Kotoku-in Temple in Kanagawa Prefecture. Standing at the height of approximately 13.35 meters, it is one of the largest and the most renowned bronze Buddha statues in Japan. Once housed in a huge hall, the Great Buddha today sits in the open air because the building was washed away by a tsunami in 1498.

This is a famous tourist site as Bamboo temple in Kamakura.

There is a large and splendid bamboo garden in the precincts of the temple.

We can feel cool and mysterious atmosphere on it.

Stop 4

The shrine situated in the middle of the city centre is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. For centuries, it was venerated as the home of gods of war.

Stroll the street for food and unique shops of Komachi Dori

What's not included

Food and drinks

Admission fee(customers)

Public transportation to/from (customers)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Kamakura

Kamakura is a historic city known as the ancient capital of Japan, rich in Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and traditional architecture. Its coastal location and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for both cultural and nature lovers.

Top Attractions

Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine

A significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)

Home to a massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha, one of Kamakura's most iconic landmarks.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Komachi-dori

A bustling street filled with traditional shops, restaurants, and souvenir stalls.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Hasedera Temple

A beautiful temple complex with stunning ocean views and a history dating back to the 8th century.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Zeniarai Benten Shrine

A unique shrine where visitors can wash money for good fortune, located in a serene forested area.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free (donations appreciated)

Kamakura Beach

A popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, offering beautiful ocean views.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (rentals available)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shirasu Don

A bowl of rice topped with fresh whitebait, a local delicacy.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish

Kamaboko

Fish cakes with various shapes and flavors, often served as a snack or part of a larger meal.

Snack Contains fish

Houtou

A hearty vegetable and noodle soup, often made with local produce.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Matcha Sweets

Traditional sweets made with matcha (green tea), a specialty of the region.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding hills Beach activities Onsen (hot spring) visits Scenic walks Temple and shrine visits Traditional crafts workshops Swimming Surfing

Best Time to Visit

April (cherry blossom season), November (autumn foliage)

These periods offer the most pleasant weather and stunning natural scenery, attracting large crowds of tourists.

15-25°C (April), 10-20°C (November) 59-77°F (April), 50-68°F (November)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kamakura is a very safe destination with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night, especially in less touristy areas.

Getting there

By air

Haneda Airport • 50 km from Kamakura
Narita Airport • 100 km from Kamakura

By train

Kamakura Station

By bus

Kamakura Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The JR Yokosuka Line connects Kamakura to Tokyo and Yokohama, while the Enoden Line offers a scenic route along the coast.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Komachi-dori Hase Yuigahama Zaimokuza

Day trips

Enoshima Island

10 km from Kamakura • Half day

A small island known for its scenic views, shrines, and caves, offering a mix of nature and culture.

Yokohama

30 km from Kamakura • Full day

A major city with a rich history, known for its Chinatown, museums, and waterfront attractions.

Hakone

50 km from Kamakura • Full day or overnight

A scenic onsen (hot spring) town known for its views of Mount Fuji, traditional ryokan (inns), and hot springs.

Festivals

Kamakura Festival • April (specific dates vary) Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai • September 14-15 Great Buddha Festival • December (specific dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Great Buddha early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Explore the Enoden Line for a scenic and historic tram ride along the coast.
Try local specialties like shirasu (whitebait) and kamaboko (fish cakes).
Combine a visit to Kamakura with a day trip to nearby Enoshima or Hakone.
Carry cash for small purchases and local markets, as not all places accept cards.