Private Old Temples Guided Tour in Kamakura

Kamakura , Japan

Private Old Temples Guided Tour in Kamakura

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(2 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Yourself or with your partner/ a friend only
Government licensed tour guide
Stroll the temples, shrine and Kamakura backstreets while avoiding over-tourism.

The old temples, shrine and backstreets offer different perspectives the whole year round as the weather and foliage change
Talk with your guide and leave a lasting impression
Early-morning start time allows you to plan other sightseeing plans in the afternoon

Available options

Couple

or two guests

Solo

four

追加：荏柄天神社<br/>最大4名様

What's included

Professional Local Tour Guide

Entrance fees of temples for the guide

Detailed itinerary

A ten-minute taxi ride will take you to this temple. Michelin three-star, famous for its bamboo grove. You will enjoy exploring the temple grounds, garden, and bamboo grove. You could sit down and relax while trying a cup of Matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets if you like (optional, with tea charge).

A five-minute walk will take you to Sugimoto-dera temple. Michelin two-star. This is the hidden, and oldest temple in Kamakura, founded in mid 8th century. You will enjoy Deva Kings, the moss-covered stone steps, main hall. Good to check the Buddhist statues deep inside the main hall (in a bit of distance).

A twenty or thirty-minute walk to Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine. This will be a peaceful stroll in the backstreets. You may enjoy learning some of daily life in Kamakura residential area. A few minute stop at the first site of the Samurai Shogunate. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a spiritual pillar of the Kamakura shogunate enshrines the god of war. Probably for around twenty minutes, you will enjoy the guided walking tour of grounds, garden, and main building of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine until the end of the tour time.

What's not included

Matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets for guests, 600yen/person as of January2023

bus fare (around 300 yen) Kamakura station to Houkokuji Temple

Bottled water

Gratuities

Comfortable walking shoes for 2-3km walk

All spots to visit in this course

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 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

only for over 18 year old

The total duration is travel time included

Meeting point

At the entrance of Starbucks Coffee Kamakura, open from 7AM. The tour guide with a paper "Viator" will be there five minutes before the tour begins. If any concerns about how to get to Kamakura station from downtown Tokyo, please get our advice via e-mail when booking.

Important notes

Please show your tickets to your guide at start.

If no-show, the guide can delay the start time by thirty minutes in maximum while the tour end time is unchanged, in other words shortened tour time. Should more than a thirty-minute no-show regardless of any kinds of contacts such as e-mails, the tour is subject to cancellation without a full refund.

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.