Private Tour of North Kamakura Temples with licensed guide
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Private Tour of North Kamakura Temples with licensed guide

Active
(2 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour will mainly visit beautiful temples that are popular among the locals, not the usual tourist spots.

Different from touristy and crowded temples, you will be able to relax and enjoy the quiet temples with the flowers, moss, greenery, and in late fall, the autumn leaves.

The guide is not a guide sent from Tokyo. The guide is a local who has lived near the Kamakura area for about 40 years, loves the tour course, and has a government certification.

The guide's explanation of Kamakura's history and traditions will bring you even closer to the people of that time. For example, 800-year-old cut-through and the tragedy of the princess enshrined in the Jizo Hall. The guide's explanations can be reduced on request.

This is a private tour where only you or your couple walk around together. This means that you can enjoy this tour without being bothered by other guests.

It will end before 1:00 p.m., even if delayed, so you can make your afternoon plans as you wish.

Available options

2024 Meigetsu-In route

2024 Meigetsu-In route

Meigetsu-In or Chouju-Ji route

Meigetsu-In or Chouju-Ji

Meigetsu-In route

Chouju-ji is closed

What's included

Professional Local Tour Guide
Entrance fees of temples for the guide

Detailed itinerary

1

Walk 7 minutes. (see remarks) Meigetsu-In, known as "Hydrangea Temple" is famous nationwide with approximately 2,500 hydrangea varieties with beautiful blue colors from the end of May to the end of June. It is a Zen temple built in the late 14th century and there is a dry landscape garden, an inner garden (closed to the public), and a teahouse.
Remarks) After the course briefing at the tour start, if you select Chouju-Ji Temple (open only from April to June, and October to early December) instead of Meigetsu In, this tour will not visit Meigetsu-In Temple rather go direct to Jouchi-Ji Temple then Chouju-Ji Temple.

2

Walk three minutes. Jochi-ji Temple is a very serene Zen temple. The temple is famous for its moss-covered approach, a building that houses an old Buddhist image, and Hotei Son (one of the seven gods of good fortune), who is located on a rock ledge carved out of the cliff, Yagura. It is said that if you stroke Hotei Son's belly, you will gain virtue, popularity, and energy.

3

Walk 9 minutes. Chouju-Ji Temple is a hidden Zen temple as it is almost inaccessible on the Web and has a limited open schedule for general tourists and is a beautiful temple that is a strong favorite among the locals. Visitors can relax on the porch, immerse themselves in flowers, moss, and green (or autumnal foliage), and enjoy the silence. Conversation is not recommended. There is no explanation in English. Only open on Friday to Sunday in April to June, and October to early December. Temporarily close to the public on days of rain.

4

After walk over Kamegayasuzaka slop, 800 year old cut-through for 8 minutes, you will see small wooden building, related to tragedy in 12th centry samurai princess.

5

Walk 9 minutes. Kaizo-ji Temple is a Zen temple where beautiful flowers can be seen all year round. It is not so famous in terms of tourism, but is very popular among the locals. A tunnel behind the temple grounds leads to a cave with 16 round wells, dag in the early 14th century.

6

Walk 12 minutes. The tour stops at Jufuku-ji Temple's main gate and walks nearly 80 meters along the beautiful path to the middle gate. This will be an excellent photo opportunity. The temple grounds are not open to the public.

7

Walk 9 minutes. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is dedicated to the Hachiman God, the god of war who protects the Genji clan that founded the Kamakura Shogunate. This huge shrine was built under the patronage of the Kamakura Shogunate and remains a must-visit place for tourists in Kamakura.
Today, the shrine is popular among Japanese people, with 2.5 million people paying homage to the shrine on New Year's Day. It has interesting facilities such as Torii gates, Maiden (dance hall), and Honden (main hall). Shirahata Shrine, a shrine of the Minamoto clan, is also located on the same site. It is an interesting place to learn about customs of Shintoism that is still widely believed in by the Japanese people today.

What's not included

Coffee and/or Tea
Bottled water
Comfortable walking shoes for three hour walk
Gratuities
Insurance for guests such as accidents, theft
All spots to visit in this course

Available languages

Guide guide
JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

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

Meeting point

At the East Exit of the station. If you come from Tokyo, it is one station before Kamakura Station. That Exit is at the end of the platform you just got off. (Unfortunately mark in the below map is incorrect in detail) A guide with a "Viator" paper will be there 5 minutes before the tour starts.

Important notes

Please show your tickets to your guide at start.

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.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-85
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 2
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Free cancellation available
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