Explore Great Buddha and Temples in Kamakura Private Tour

Kamakura , Japan

Explore Great Buddha and Temples in Kamakura Private Tour

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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

Explore Kamakura's iconic landmarks on a customizable private tour, featuring the Great Buddha and Hase-dera Temple.

Travel aboard the scenic Enoden train, taking in coastal views and seasonal beauty with a local guide.

Discover the charm of Komachi Street, known for its vibrant shops and local treats.

This tour offers a unique glimpse into Kamakura's culture, tailored to your interests, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

- See the Great Buddha, Hase-dera Temple, and charming Komachi Street
- Ride the scenic Enoden train for stunning ocean views
- Stroll through Komachi Street and try local sweets
- Explore Kamakura’s culture and Enjoy a customizable itinerary with a local English-speaking guide

Available options

Explore Great Buddha and Temples in Kamakura Private Tour

What's included

Local English-speaking guide

Cashless medical treatment in case of injury or illness during the tour.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Second Torii Gate:
A grand entrance lined with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall — perfect for photos.

A popular photo stop — walk under the torii with a view leading straight to the shrine.

Stop 2

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Main Hall:
Explore the shrine grounds freely, with lotus ponds and iconic red bridges.

A sacred space filled with history — enjoy the seasonal beauty from cherry blossoms to lotus flowers.

A lively shopping street filled with cafés, souvenirs, and street food. Optionally skip if crowded.

Try local sweets like “Hato Sabure” and matcha ice cream as you stroll through the vibrant street.

Take the Enoden train from Kamakura station to Hase Station
Enjoy the scenic ride with ocean views — a nostalgic train loved by locals and visitors alike.

Stop 5

Great Buddha of Kamakura:
Japan’s iconic bronze Buddha, standing proudly under the open sky.

A symbol of Kamakura — capture the grandeur of this 13-meter statue that has watched over the city for centuries.

Hase-dera Temple:
Hillside temple offering breathtaking ocean views and seasonal flower gardens.

Known for its panoramic sea view and hydrangea path — one of Kamakura’s most photogenic spots.

Optional Café Stop
Before ending the tour, you may stop by a local café or souvenir shop near Kamakura Station.

☕ Unwind with a cup of matcha or browse handmade crafts — a perfect way to wrap up your Kamakura journey.

What's not included

Admission fees for temples/facilities (paid on-site). Total based on the current itinerary, which can be adjusted; fees may change accordingly.

Other personal expenses

Public transportation from Kamakura station to Hase Station (round trip: to be paid on-site)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour involves long walks and is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Meeting point

Guide will be waiting for you near the East exit of Kamakura Station.

We will contact you via the chat tool beforehand to connect you with your assigned guide and share the details of the meeting point.
The guide will also share his outfit of the day so you can easily recognize him.

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.