Free Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation
February 05100% refund
February 06No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experienceās start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experienceās start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experienceās start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experienceās local time.
This experience requires good weather. If itās canceled due to poor weather, youāll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
2 Adults x $194.73
$389.46
Approx Total
$389.46
Pickup included
Inclusions / Exclusions
Mobile ticket
Offered in: Japanese, English
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kamakura
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private transportation
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Overview
Just south of Tokyo, lays the beautiful and historical Kamakura.
Kamakuraās temples and shrines are home to gardens that are beautiful in any season. You can view the ocean from the highest point of Hasedera temple and write your wish on an oyster shell. The over 11 meters tall Great Buddha is an icon of the area residing in Kotokuin Temple. Stop by the old Komachi shopping street and try some Hatosabure, dove shaped biscuits.
Each tour is customizable and private. Once you place a reservation, your personal guide will be in touch with you to tailor your trip to you. You can view 2 to 3 sights on this trip. If you wish to extend your time to see more, please contact us directly for extensions. Transportation time is included in the 4 hours.
We hope to guide you soon!
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Gen Hotel Kamakaura1-8-36 Yukinoshita, 2 to 3F, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 248-0005
Hotel Izumi5-31 Onari-machi, , Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 248-0012
**Yokohama Pick-up is not available. Please book 6hr tour if you would like to start a tour from Yokohoma.** This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed ...
with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7. Read more ā¼
Itinerary
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin who has been identified with Hachiman, Hime-gami and Empress Jingu are enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
1 hour
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
The Great Buddha of Kamakura (éå大ä», Kamakura Daibutsu) is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 11.4 meters, it has long been the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, surpassed only by the statue in Nara's Todaiji Temple and some recent creations.
30 minutes
Hase-dera Temple
Hasedera (é·č°·åÆŗ) is a temple of the Jodo sect, famous for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The 9.18 meter tall, gilded wooden statue is regarded as one of the largest wooden sculpture in Japan and can be viewed in the temple's main building, the Kannon-do Hall
30 minutes
Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple)
Hokokuji Temple is best known for the beautiful, small bamboo grove found behind the temple's main hall, which lies thick with over 2000 dark green bamboo stalks. A few narrow pathways lead through the bamboo to a tea house where, for a small fee, you can sit and enjoy a cup of matcha tea while enjoying views into the bamboo grove. Also located behind the temple are a series of shallow caves carved into the hillsides, which are believed to hold the ashes of some of the later Ashikaga lords.
30 minutes
Kamakura Hiking Trails
Kamakura is surrounded by the ocean in the south and by wooded hills in all other directions. Attractive hiking trails lead through the woods along these hills and connect various atmospheric temples. They are a great way to travel between some of Kamakura's sights. Many of the trails do not take long to complete - typically between 30 to 90 minutes - and allow visitors to enjoy a mix of nature and cultural sights.
1 hour
Enoshima Island
Only a short train ride west of Kamakura, Enoshima (ę±ć®å³¶) is a pleasantly touristy island just off the coast but connected by bridge with the mainland. The island offers a variety of attractions, including a shrine, park, observation tower and caves. Views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed on days with good visibility.
Enoshima is divided into a yacht harbor accessible to motorized traffic and a forested hill which can only be explored on foot (and paid escalators) and contains most of the sights. Several shrine buildings, collectively known as Enoshima Shrine, are found around the island and are dedicated to Benten, a popular goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge. Benten is believed to have created Enoshima before subduing a five headed dragon that had been terrorizing the area.
30 minutes
Engaku-ji Temple
ngakuji (åč¦åÆŗ) is one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the number two of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Engakuji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in the year 1282, one year after the second invasion attempt by the Mongols had been reverted. One purpose of the new temple was to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian soldiers.
Engakuji is built into the slopes of Kita-Kamakura's forested hills. The first main structure encountered upon entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, which dates from 1783. Behind it stands the temple's main hall, the Butsuden, which displays a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. The Butsuden was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building was lost in an earthquake.
30 minutes
Kencho-ji Temple
Kenchoji (å»ŗé·åÆŗ, KenchÅji) is the number one of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. The oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, Kenchoji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era after which it was named. Its first head priest was Rankei Doryu, a Zen priest from China.
Although considerably smaller than during its heydays, Kenchoji still consists of a large number of temple buildings and subtemples, and stretches from the entrance gate at the bottom of the valley far into the forested hills behind. After passing through the Sanmon main gate, visitors will see Kenchoji's temple bell (Bonsho), designated a national treasure, on their right.
Meigetsuin Temple (ęęé¢) is a temple of the Rinzai Zen Sect founded in 1160 in Kamakura. It is also known as Ajisaidera ("Hydrangea Temple") because hydrangea bloom in abundance on the temple grounds during the rainy season around June. 95% of the hydrangea here are of the Hime Ajisai ("Princess Hydrangea") variety; they are thus named because of their pretty blue colors.
The temple was originally a repose built by a son in memory of his father who had died in the struggle for power between the Taira and Minamoto clans in the late Heian Period. It later became part of a larger temple complex called Zenkoji, which was abolished during anti-Buddhist movements soon after the Meiji Restoration, leaving only Meigetsuin to remain as an individual temple today.
30 minutes
Ankokuronji Temple
Ankokuronji (å®å½č«åÆŗ) is one of several temples of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism along the hills in the southeast of Kamakura. Nichiren himself founded Ankokuronji around 1253 when he first came to Kamakura, and he is said to have lived at the temple for several years.
Visitors can walk along a short hiking trail through the wooded hills around the temple buildings. A nice view of the city of Kamakura can be enjoyed underway. Some of the trail's passages are quite steep and should only be explored with good walking shoes and during dry weather.
30 minutes
Jomyo-ji Temple
Jomyoji Temple (ęµå¦åÆŗ, JÅmyÅji) is a Zen temple in the hills of eastern Kamakura. Ranked fifth among the five great Zen temples of Kamakura, Jomyoji was founded by the influential Ashikaga family and at its peak was made up of seven buildings and several pagodas. Over the centuries, however, many of the structures were destroyed by fire, and only its historic main hall, reception hall, main gate and warehouse remain today. The main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of Shaka Nyorai, the historical Buddha.
Jomyoji Temple also has a restored teahouse where visitors can sit and enjoy a cup of tea for a small fee while enjoying the view of a nice dry garden. On the hillside behind the main hall is the temple's spacious cemetery, while a path leads up the hill to a small western-style restaurant. The restaurant is operated by the temple and offers good views out over Kamakura from its patio.
30 minutes
Zuisenji
Zuisenji (ēę³åÆŗ) is a beautiful Zen temple in the far east of Kamakura, in the back of a narrow valley and surrounded by wooded hills. It is a branch temple of the Engakuji Temple.
Zuisenji was founded by Muso Kokushi, a leading Zen master of his time and one of Japan's most famous garden designers. The temple is known for its pure Zen rock garden behind the temple's main hall, designed by Muso himself. The temple furthermore attracts with its many flowers and blooming trees in the other parts of the temple grounds, including a large number of plum trees.
30 minutes
Myohonji Temple
Myohonji (å¦ę¬åÆŗ, MyÅhonji) is one of several temples of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism along the southeastern hills of Kamakura. The temple was founded by Hiki Yoshimoto in 1260, and features a statue of Nichiren to the left of the main hall.
The temple is connected via the Gionyama hiking trail with some other nearby temples and a shrine. It leads through the wooded hills of Kamakura, and should be explored only with good walking shoes and during dry weather, because there are a few steep and rough passages.
30 minutes
Jochiji Temple
Jochiji (ęµęŗåÆŗ, JÅchiji) is the number four of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. It is a branch temple of the Engakuji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Its head temple, the Engakuji Temple, stands just a few hundred meters away on the opposite side of the railway tracks.
Jochiji was founded in 1283 by members of the ruling Hojo family on the occasion of the premature death of a son. Once a large temple complex with many buildings and subtemples, Jochiji is now small and calm. In its main hall, the Dongeden, the temple's main object of worship, a Buddhist trinity of the Amida Buddha, Shaka Buddha and Miroku Buddha, is displayed.
30 minutes
Tokeiji Temple
Tokeiji (ę±ę ¶åÆŗ, TÅkeiji) is a small branch temple of the Engakuji school within the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Its head temple, the Engakuji Temple, stands just a few hundred meters away on the opposite side of the railway tracks.
Tokeiji was founded by the wife of the regent Hojo Tokimune in 1285 after Tokimune had died at a young age. Until the end of the Edo Period, the temple served as a shelter for women who suffered abuse by their husbands and sought a divorce. An official divorce could be attained by staying at the temple for three years.
30 minutes
Jufukuji Temple
Jufukuji Temple (åÆæē¦åÆŗ) is the number three of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. It is a branch temple of the Rinzai sect's Kenchoji school.
Jufukuji was established by the order of Minamoto Yoritomo's wife Masako after her husband had passed away. Its founding priest was none other than Eisai, the man responsible for introducing Zen Buddhism into Japan. Besides the often photographed pathway that leads towards the temple, Jufukuji is not open to the public.
30 minutes
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Free Cancellation
February 05100% refund
February 06No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experienceās start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experienceās start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experienceās start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experienceās local time.
This experience requires good weather. If itās canceled due to poor weather, youāll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
5 stars
37
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
Reviews by TravelOne travelers
Showing 1-5 of 37 reviews with 5 stars
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Kamakura day trip
Published on Nov, 2024
We had a great experience with Hiro. He adapted the tour to the destinations in Kamakura we wanted to visit and added in his own spots. He gave us context that we wouldn't have gotten if we went without a guide. Also very friendly and interesting to spend time with given his many experiences.
Extremely informative and personaized
Published on Oct, 2024
This was just what we needed- an informative, educational experience, as well as personalized based on our needs and interests. Going into Kamakura after being in Tokyo provided us with a chance to experience the stark contrasts between a very busy city and a more typical local environment. The train ride from Yokohama provided a glimpse of local, typical life, for example, observing students traveling home after school. In Kamakura we had a chance to see several historic temples, and learn about their history and importance. Our guide, Yumi, was quite knowledgeable, and also personable, answering our variety of questions relating to life in Japan, etc. She was very responsive to our needs and proved to be a fantastic guide for us!
Memorable full of information and memories
Published on Sep, 2024
Great tour with the amazing and knowledgeable Kappa .
She answered the smallest things with engaging answers
Every combo of questions we asked she answered in depth .
Historical , cultural and political.
Very unique guide , thanks a lot
From Jordan
Interesting Trip with Lots to See and Learn
Published on Sep, 2024
Our tour of Kamakuraās many temples, shrines and gardens was great thanks to our guide, Shinji Komiyama. He communicated with us prior to our visit to plan a personalized itinerary, He met us at our train and was very knowledgeable. We would highly recommend this experience.
Wonderful Experience with Hiro
Published on Aug, 2024
We loved the time we got to spend with Hiro in Kamakura. He was so personable and helped our son practice his Japanese that he has been studying on Duolingo. We loved hearing about Hiroās home, his family and his grandchildren.
Hiro met us at Kamakura station and he was prepared with materials he put together to customize the itinerary based on what we wanted to see. We all decided that we really wanted to see the beach and visit Enoshima island nearby. Hiro took the time to teach us a lot about Shinto and Buddhist practices in Japan. He also took us to a local Japanese restaurant where we sat at the floor-level table and had a traditional lunch. Overall out time with Hiro was a highlight of our family adventure in Japan and highly recommended!!
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