Kamakura Historical Walking Tour with the Great Buddha
Active
5h
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
We'll start our journey by strolling along the tranquil paths of Kamakura, heading to a shrine renowned for its numerous torii gates and fox statues. Our local guide will delve into cultural insights, explaining the connection between shrines and foxes, Shinto philosophy, and the art of shrine worship.
Next, we'll explore a temple nestled within a cave, where you'll discover a fascinating tradition of cleansing money at the temple.
Following our exploration of local shrines and temples, we'll embark on a 30 to 40-minute hiking adventure through the enchanting forest, immersing ourselves in the unique terrain and the beauty of nature. This journey will lead us to the awe-inspiring Great Buddha of Kamakura, an iconic monument with an 800-year history.
To conclude our adventure, we'll guide you to a restaurant operated by the temple and try Kamakura's local dishes like Udon, vegetable curry.
Available options
Kamakura Historical Walking Tour with the Great Buddha
What's included
Entrance fee of the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple
Temple Lunch (Vegetarian, vegan menu is available.)
Photos
Food samplings on Komachi street
Detailed itinerary
1
Start Kamakura Walking Tour
2
Enjoy sampling Japanese snacks and street foods on the Komachi shopping street
From the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station, this street runs parallel to Wakamiya-Oji Street to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and you can enjoy a wide range of shopping, eating and drinking, from traditional souvenir shops to fashion goods and restaurants.
3
Stop 3
Learn Japanese culture and history
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Yukinoshita, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is also called Kamakura Hachimangu. It was founded in the latter half of the 11th century as the guardian deity of the Minamoto clan. Since then, it has become the guardian deity of the Kamakura samurai. Today, among the Hachimangu shrines throughout Japan, it is well known in the Kanto region as the shrine associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate.
4
Check out Hasedera Temple, with it's beautiful scenic views of the coastline and hidden little cave.
It is said to have been founded in 736 during the Nara period, and it is one of Kamakura's oldest temples, having been designated as a temple for imperial prayers during the reign of Emperor Shomu. The main object of worship is a statue of the eleven-faced Kannon.
It is called “Kamakura's Western Pure Land of Sukhavati”, where flowers never cease to bloom throughout the four seasons, and the colors of the flowers and trees soothe the hearts of visitors.
5
Stop 5
Meet the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
A must-see on your sightseeing tour of Kamakura is the Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in Temple. It has been enshrined on the grounds of Kamakura for over 750 years, and is the only national treasure in Kamakura designated as a Buddhist statue
6
Pass by Enoshima Island
7
Pass by Enoshima Island
8
Take photos with a beautiful beach in Kamakura and with Mt.Fuji across the ocean.
Yui-ga-hama Beach, which is characterized by its beautiful sandy beach and shallow waters, is a popular destination for many beachgoers during the summer season. In the off-season, the beach takes on a different atmosphere, and it becomes a place where people come to enjoy marine sports such as surfing.
In the area around Yuigahama, there are a number of stylish shops and restaurants that make the most of the beach atmosphere, as well as tourist attractions and scenic spots with great views of the sea. It is an area that can be easily accessed from the city center, and is a great place to enjoy a day trip or an overnight stay.
9
Take photos with a beautiful beach in Kamakura and with Mt.Fuji across the ocean.
What's not included
Additional foods (Available for purchase)
Transportation fee (440 yen)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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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
Please wear suitable hiking clothes and shoes because the hiking trail is slippery on some parts
Routes are subject to change if hiking trails are unusable due to weather conditions
In case of rain, we use train to see the Great Buddha statue instead of using hiking trail
Please bring water and towel because it's around 5 km walking & hiking tour (Hiking trail is about 2.5km)
Because most Japanese restaurants are not fully ready for providing vegetarian menus, choices of vegetarian foods in our tour is available but limited.
Out of respect for other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.
The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.
Meeting point
In front of the Clock Tower located in JR Kamakura Station West Exit
Your guide will be holding an orange sign saying "Magical Trip"
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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