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Kōtoku-in

Kōtoku-in: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour

1. From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour

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!

From Tokyo: Kamakura, Hachimangu Shrine & Enoshima Day Tour

2. From Tokyo: Kamakura, Hachimangu Shrine & Enoshima Day Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo on a day trip to Kamakura where history, culture, mountains, and sea coexist. Visit the Great Buddha Hall and Tsuruhachimangu Shrine, take a seaside walk on the Shonan coast, and ride the Enoden Electric Railway. After a pickup from Tokyo, drive to Kamakura. Ride the cute little Enoden train that has been in operation for more than 100 years, passing by Kamakura's famous sights along the Shonan coast and a mosaic of colorful districts that boast their own seaside flavor. Next, pass through the railway crossing and road, down the stairs to the famous Shonan coast in Kanto. Take a stroll on the beach, listen to the sound of the waves, and relax under the sun. If the weather is good, you can even see Mount Fuji directly. Continue to the Enoshima Shrine built in in 552 upon the order of Emperor Kinmei. Admire the wooden colorful 8-armed seated Benzaiten statue, the Hizen country Fujiwara Masahirosakutachi, the Happo tortoise, the Enoshima origin, and the bronze torii – all nationally designated cultural properties. Then it’s time to discover Kamakura's must-see attraction, the Great Buddha. Standing at 13.35m, this majestic bronze statue embodies Japan's rich Buddhist culture and is the second tallest bronze Buddha in the country (tickets at your expense). Head to the Shinto shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangū in Kamakura to embrace Japan's spiritual essence. Explore a symbol of samurai heritage and prosperity with a look at majestic torii gates, beautiful gardens, and historic structures. Immerse yourself in traditional rituals and serene surroundings. Finally, walk down Komachi Street, a lively old street in Kamakura that stretches from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine to Kamakura Station. Soak in the ambiance of this peculiar strip of modernity in the center of an ancient city.

From Tokyo: Kamakura Temples Private Guided Tour

3. From Tokyo: Kamakura Temples Private Guided Tour

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Tokyo and travels to Kamakura by train. After a 1-hour train journey arrives in Kamakura and head to the first stop of the day, Hase Temple, also known as the Temple of Flowers. At the temple admire the incredible architecture of Hase Kannon, which houses the Buddhist statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Learn about this eleven-faced Goddess and she represents the different phases in search of enlightenment. Outside, you can wander through the pretty gardens and see the Jizo-do Hall which boasts hundreds of small Jizo Bodhisattva statues. Continue the tour to the Kotokuin Temple next where you will find Japan’s famous Great Buddha. Marvel at the imposing 13-meter-high Great Buddha statue while you learn about its significance and history, which dates back to 1292. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, replenish your energy and enjoy lunch at one of Kamakura’s finest Japanese restaurants. After lunch, head to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which was built in 1063 and dedicated to Emperor Ojin, also known as the God of War. The shrine is the most important Shinto Shrine in the city and sits at the geographical center of Kamakura. As you explore the complex, soak up the tranquil atmosphere and listen to your guide’s fascinating insight into the shrine’s history. At the end of an unforgettable day in Kamakura, travel back to Tokyo by train, arriving at around 4 or 5 pm.

From Tokyo: Day Trip to Coastal Kamakura

4. From Tokyo: Day Trip to Coastal Kamakura

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.

Kamakura: Great Buddha, Hase Temple, & Komachi Street Tour

5. Kamakura: Great Buddha, Hase Temple, & Komachi Street Tour

Kamakura was the ancient capital of Japan and now a major day trip spot both for Japanese and foreign tourists. Start your tour in Tokyo so you do not need to worried about transportation from/to Tokyo! Take the JR train forabout 1. 5 hrs and Eno-den, the local lovely train in Kamakura. The Great Buddha is the second largest Buddha in Japan and surprisingly it is located in open air! Hase temple is famous for flowers especially hydrangea so you can enjoy various flowers in season. There are also many interesting Budda, Kannon, and gods of wealth so you can make a wish to be rich! For lunch, you can eat typical local foods there. Kamakura is famous for seafood but if you do not like it, other food can be arranged based on your request. Then visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and enjoy shopping at Komachi street. If you would like to stay longer for shopping after the tour, you can. If you would like to visit other places like Hokokuji temple with its bamboo forest or Enoshima island, plans can be changed.

Kamakura: Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw

6. Kamakura: Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw

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.

Other Sightseeing Options in Kōtoku-in

Want to discover all there is to do in Kōtoku-in? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Kōtoku-in

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 53 reviews

I had a lot of questions not only about the tour but japan in general. Take my guide was knowledge and always went the extra mile. Really appreciate how smooth everything went, thanks so much Take !