Get on the bus from one of the several departure locations in central Tokyo (shuttle bus service) and head towards Japan’s former capital city between the 12th and 14th-century: Kamakura. Start the tour of this coastal town by walking along the famous Wakamiya street towards Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine. If you still have some time after the visit, have a look around the nearby Komachi Street, a popular shopping street where you can enjoy local seafood, snacks and souvenirs. Next up is a visit of Hase-dera (Hase temple), home to the famous eleven-headed statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy, which is considered one of the biggest wooden statues in Japan. The scenic view from the observation platform on the upper ground is recognized as one of the most picturesque spots in Kamakura. Moving on from Hase Temple, walk to one of the most iconic places in Kamakura, the Kotoku Temple with its huge bronze statue of Buddha, designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government. The statue is 11.3-meters tall and weighs around 121 tons. The last stop of the tour is Enoshima, a small island located west of Kamakura. Many Shrine buildings can be found around the island and are dedicated to Benten, a popular goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge. On clear days you can also enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji from the island!

Important: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed, and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences/requests. Meet your guide in Tokyo and take the train to the laid-back beach town of Kamakura. Just an hour south of Tokyo, this beach-side town offers ample opportunity to learn more about Japan’s heritage and feudal history. Be paired with a local host who are passionate about the place they call home and who choose to spend their free-time sharing it with like-minded travelers. Follow your host as you navigate through the intricate architecture of the area, past flame-colored torii gates marking entrances to shrines, and magnificent Buddhist temples. See the most notable attractions, including the spectacular Great Buddha and Hokokuji Bamboo Forest. Kamakura was the ancient feudal capital of Japan and had a vital role in spreading Buddhism across the country. The crown jewel of the town is the Amida Buddha at Kotoku-in, forged from bronze. See the modern side of the town by heading over to the local surf shacks and eyeing up the waves. Finish your day with a hike up to the peaceful local forest.

Just one hour from Tokyo, Kamakura is the home of the samurai and is of great cultural importance to Japan. To start your day, meet your guide at your hotel, or the closest station. You will then set off to combat the Daibutsu Trail, which is 3.7 miles (6km) in length.  The Daibutsu hiking trail runs between the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) in the south and the Jochi-ji Zen temple towards the north. The trail passes by the unique “money washing” shrine at Zeniarai Benten, where you can branch off the trail and head to Jufuku-ji, the first of the 5 important zen temples in Kakamkura. Nearby, the temples of Engaku-ji and Kencho-ji can also be visited. From Kencho-ji it’s possible to continue on the Tennen trail by foot, for a longer hike which ends near the 5th and last of the five temples. The tour can be personalized according to your wishes. Just let the local partner know what you would like to experience, what time you would like to start your tour, and where you are staying. Your nationally-licensed guide will customize your six-hour tour according to your interests.

Explore Kamakura’s extraordinary past on a private tour of its temples and heritage sites. Choose from 4 different tour durations to suit your schedule, and discover this fromer Samurai capital.  On the 45-minute tour your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the center of the town, passing Otori Gate and the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Return to the station through quaint side streets, past temples with expansive grounds. For a more in-depth experience, the tour of 1 hour and 10 minutes includes a stop at the Hokokuji Temple, where you can wander through the famous gardens.   With the tour of 2 hours and 10 minutes, climb all the way up to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and enjoy the views over the city. This option also includes a visit to the Daibutsu, the Great Buddha Statue. For the most comprehensive tour of Kamakura, select the tour of 3 hours and 10 minutes, that includes all of the sights listed above.

Take a day trip from Tokyo with a private driver to the ancient coastal city of Kamakura. Discover the wooden statue in Hasa-dera temple, before traveling on to Kotoku-in to see The Great Buddha of Kamakura. Stroll in Kencho-ji, think of the spirit at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, and finish at Hokokuji. Get picked up from your accommodations in Tokyo and watch the beautiful scenery of the Japanese countryside pass by your window on the drive to Kamakura. Go over the itinerary with your driver and request any extra stops. Arrive at the temple of Hasa-dera, famous for its eleven-headed stature of the merciful goddess Kannon. Take your time to explore the grounds and admire this gilded wooden statue, one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Come face to face with Buddha at your next stop in Kotoku-in. Walk around the Great Buddha of Kamakura bronze statue and take some photos or meditate with lush, green trees all around. Take a deep breath as the big Buddha statue disappears over the horizon and immerse yourself in the ancient peace of Kencho-ji, the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. Explore the first ranked Great Zen Temple of Kamakura from the bottom of the valley to the forested hills hidden behind. Travel from an ancient Zen temple to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura. Imagine local life in this cultural center of the city, serving as the venue to many of its most important festivals. Finish your trip with a stroll through the small but beautiful bamboo grove in the temple of Hokokuji. For a small fee, enjoy a cup of traditional matcha tea as bamboo shoots sway in the wind. It is believed the shallow caves carved into the hillside hold the ashes of the Ashikaga.

Kamakura is a beautiful city where history and nature harmonize. With its esteemed status as an ancient capital, Kamakura exudes a tranquil and serene atmosphere. The charm of Kamakura is diverse, with numerous temples, shrines, and historic buildings scattered throughout the area. The iconic symbol of Kamakura is undoubtedly the Great Buddha of Kamakura, along with many other historic structures. Additionally, the natural environment surrounding Kamakura's mountains is also a captivating feature. Through walking trails and hiking routes, visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery and experience the ever-changing beauty of the seasons. Exploring the streets and alleyways of Kamakura is also highly recommended. Discovering historic buildings and traditional shopping streets allows one to appreciate the unique atmosphere that Kamakura offers. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in local cuisine and savor the famous dishes and craft beers that Kamakura has to offer. ⚫︎ Embark on a leisurely walk along Kamakura's charming local pathways, leading to a shrine known for its foxes and a temple with intriguing money-related customs. 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, adding another layer of richness to your Kamakura experience. ● Immerse yourself in the stunning nature of Kamakura, away from the bustling city, and enjoy a relaxing hiking experience 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. ● Enjoy the beautiful nature, gardens, and scenery of the temple Following our delectable lunch, we'll meander through temples that offer an array of attractions, including scenic vistas, lush gardens, and intriguing caves. We'll head to a revered shrine, the "God of Samurai Victory," worshipped by the Kamakura Shogunate and countless warriors. To wrap up our tour, we'll leisurely stroll along the bustling Komachi-dori Street, home to an array of souvenir shops and restaurants!