Kamakura Temples Private Guided Tour from Tokyo

Tokyo , Japan

Kamakura Temples Private Guided Tour from Tokyo

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

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About this experience

Your guide will take you on a concise tour of Kamakura, a delightful, historical city with many important and famous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. It will take about one hour from Tokyo to get to Kamakura. Once you arrive, you will visit three of the most impressive places in Kamakura: the Great Buddha, the Hase Temple and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. You will also have the chance to eat a Japanese lunch as well.
Also, this tour is able to customize.
We recommend Hokoku-ji temple(it is famous for bamboo groove)

Available options

Number of people

Pickup included

What's included

Private, professional English-speaking guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Great Buddha

The Kotokuin was constructed in 1252. It has a bronze statue “Great Buddha Statue” that stands 13 meters high, sitting cross-legged, robed with drapes in the classical lines reminiscent of ancient Greece, cast in 1292. It sits outside against wooden hills.

This temple is famous for housing a Buddhist statue of Kannon, Goddess of Mercy, with eleven faces and a thousand arms. Each of the eleven faces represents a different phase in the search for enlightenment. The 9.18 meter tall, gilded wooden statue is regarded as one of the largest wooden sculpture in Japan.　You can also enjoy the pretty garden with ponds and the Jizo-do Hall with hundreds of small statues of the Jizo Bodhisattva who helps the souls of dead children to reach the paradise.

Stop 3

This shrine was originally built in 1063 and dedicated to the Emperor Ojin (God of War) and the Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo among others. An interesting fact of this shrine is that it was not only a Shinto "Hachimangu" shrine, but also a Tendai Buddhist temple for most of its history.

Between Tsurugaoka hachimangu Shrine and Kamakura station there is a pretty street with a lot of restaurants and shops selling traditional Japanese souvenirs. You can enjoy eating or shopping there.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Train (both guests and tour guide), 1400 yen (approx. $12USD) per-person (one-way)

Gratuities

Hase-dera Temple

Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The remaining hours are allotted for the travel time.

Important notes

• Local supplier telephone is only available between 12pm - 8pm from Monday to Friday (excl. National Holiday).
• We can also be reached by e-mail: webmaster@nipponplus.com

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.