Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Great Buddha & Hase Temple

Kamakura , Japan

Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Great Buddha & Hase Temple

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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

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of one of Japan's must-see marvels, the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Your personal photographer will guide you and expertly capture your portraits against this majestic backdrop.

Also, explore the nearby Hase Temple, a charming hidden gem often overlooked by other tour guides. With panoramic views of the sea, lush gardens, ponds full of koi fish, and a majestic temple dedicated to the Buddha of Kindness, this place is perfect for a fun-filled portrait session with your personal photographer.

Within 72 hours, you will receive 30+ professionally edited portraits in a stylish online photo gallery, a fantastic souvenir of your unique travels in Kamakura for you to share and cherish forever.

Available options

Standard option

Portrait Photography Service<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Description: This option gives you 1.5 hrs Portrait Photography services

What's included

30+ professionally edited photos delivered digitally within 72 hours

90-minute guided tour of the Great Buddha and Hase Temple

A collection of candid and stylized portraits for a comprehensive set of photos

A beautiful online gallery of your photos for you to share with others

Relaxed portrait session with personalised guidance on posing for natural and flattering photos

A professional local photographer will take your photos during the tour

Fun stories and historical insights told by the photographer-guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour starts at Kamakura's Kotoku-in, the temple that houses the Great Buddha. Our highly skilled photographer-guide will warmly welcome you at the designated meeting point.

The photographer-guide will share with you fascinating facts about the Great Buddha, set a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, and guide you to spots that offer the best views and lighting for your portraits with the Great Buddha as a stunning backdrop.

Your journey will continue with a 10-minute walk to Hase Temple, a charming hidden gem often overlooked by other tour guides. Your photographer-guide will snap your portraits as you marvel at the panoramic views of the sea, the labyrinth of ancient caves, the lush gardens with seasonal flowers, the ponds full of koi fish, and the majestic temple dedicated to Kannon, the Buddha of Kindness.

What's not included

Customers must arrange transportation to and from the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Tickets to enter Kotoku-in temple (300 yen, about USD 2) and Hase temple (400 yen, about USD 3).

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

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 travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet us at the entrance of Kōtoku-in, the temple where the Great Buddha is located. As you approach the entrance, you'll notice a pair of impressive guardian statues standing at the gate. Your photographer-guide will meet you here. Please arrive 5 minutes before the start time of your tour.

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.