TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in ourĀ privacy policy.
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
This private tour is a walking day tour. Travel time between Tokyo and Kamakura is approx. 70 min via train. 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 book our Kamakura Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Tokyo. Read more ā¼
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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.
30 minutes
Zeniarai Benten Shrine (éę“å¼å¤©) is a popular shrine in western Kamakura, which people visit to wash their money (zeniarai means "coin washing"). It is said that money washed in the shrine's spring, will double. Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura government, ordered the shrine's construction after a god appeared in his dream and recommended him to build the shrine in order to bring peace to the country. Because the dream occurred on the day of the snake, in the month of the snake of the year of the snake, the shrine was later also dedicated to Benten, a Buddhist goddess associated with snakes.
30 minutes
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 (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
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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
4.8
71 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviewsWe perform checks on reviews
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 63 reviews with 5 stars
Clear filterHighlight of our Japan trip!
Published on Apr, 2024
Taka was very helpful to me and my 70 yr old mom. My mom cannot eat gluten and he went out of his way to find a restaurant that served a gluten-free dish--it was delicious! He was very thoughtful, patient, and ensured that we saw everything that we wanted to see. He also took a ton of pictures for us and air dropped them so we didn't have to worry about taking pictures. I would definitely recommend this trip with Taka! Kamakura was the highlight of our 10 day trip to Japan! Beautiful!
Shrines and temples
Published on Mar, 2024
We had a fun and educational experience. Taka was friendly and knowledgeable. We learned about Japanese religion and culture. We tried excellent food. We were late meeting our guide and he was very accommodating.
Fantastic day in Kamakura with Shinji
Published on Mar, 2024
Great way to see the most interesting locations in Kamakura. Shinji was an excellent guide. I booked the tour several months prior and he contacted me by mail to ask me what I wanted to see in Kamakura. I gave him the names of five locations and he set up everything so that we could see everything in one day in the most efficient manner possible. If this is your first time in Japan, I would recommend hiring a guide to show you around because if you decided to do everything on your own, you would waste a lot of time figuring out what train or bus to take at what time and so on. Be careful, the price indicated on Viator doesn't include transportation, entrance fees to the temples and shrines or food. Still worth it though, as having a Japanese guide allows you to ask any questions you might have about Japanese culture. It's a good way to learn more about the country. As for Kamakura itself, it is absolutely worth a visit: great atmosphere, beautiful temples and shrines, the Great Buddha of Kamakura and the island of Enojima,... Very touristy though so be aware of that before you set off.
An exceptional day, trip, outside of Tokyo
Published on Feb, 2024
Our guide Kenji Was excellent. We had a very enjoyable day in Kamakura. The weather was definitely in our favor as we had a beautiful sunny day with a breeze and that afforded us perfect view of Mount Fuji. The Buddhist temples that we visited were lovely, and we were even fortunate enough to see some blooming cherry trees. We did not expect to be here at the right time for that, so it was very exciting for us. Kenji was so accommodating in meeting our needs and we appreciated all of the information he gave us about Japan. We would highly recommend this tour.
Donāt hesitate, book this tour!!
Published on Jan, 2024
We had a great tour time with Hiroshi Kojima. He was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to show us the scheduled sites. We had a great lunch and a lovely tea at the bamboo forest. I highly recommend this tour. Thank you very much for showing us around.
5 hours
Free Cancellation
30 minutes to 2 hours
Free Cancellation
4 hours
Free Cancellation
3 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
8 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
11 hours 50 minutes
Free Cancellation
2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
6 hours
Non Refundable
1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
1 hour 50 minutes
Free Cancellation
3 hours
Free Cancellation
30 minutes to 3 hours
Free Cancellation
12 hours 35 minutes
Free Cancellation
Assemble your Viator Booking Number or Itinerary Reference Number and the proof of the lower price you found.
Email connect@travelone.io with the documents, your name, and your home address.
We'll examine your materials and get in touch as soon as we can.
If everything checks out, we'll refund you the difference between the two prices.
