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Hase-dera

Hase-dera: 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!

Kamakura: Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide

2. Kamakura: Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide

Discover Kamakura’s historical sites, favorite local spots, and hidden gems on a private walking tour with nationally licensed guide. Choose from a 6 or 4-hour tour, whose itinerary can be customized to fit your interests. Located 1 hour from Tokyo, be introduced to some of the best spots, restaurants, and shops in Kamakura, which is home of the samurai and of great cultural importance to Japan. Visit and enter the interior of the huge Great Buddha statue, a symbol of great importance for Kamakura. Admire the is famous gardens of Hase-dera. During the rainy season (around June), 2500 colorful hydrangeas of 40 varieties bloom all at once to create a wondrous spectacle. Go to the Zeniarai Benten Shrine where legend says that when money is washed in the holy water of the shrine’s spring you will earn more money. Head to the Hokoku-ji Temple known for its splendid bamboo forest garden. Here, sample matcha tea while admiring the view of the forest.

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

3. 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 Historical Hiking Tour with the Great Buddha

4. Kamakura Historical Hiking Tour with the Great Buddha

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!

Other Sightseeing Options in Hase-dera

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

What people are saying about Hase-dera

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 57 reviews

I really enjoyed the walking tour with my guide Mr. Suzuki. He was very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend him.