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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.

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.

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

4. 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.

From Tokyo: Kamakura Sightseeing Private Day Trip & Temples

5. From Tokyo: Kamakura Sightseeing Private Day Trip & Temples

Set off towards the Kamakura area after being picked up at your hotel / your home. Your first tour destination is Kamakura station area including Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Kamakura's most important shrine and Komachi Street, a popular shopping street where you could enjoy local food, snacks, and souvenirs. Next up is a visit of the Hasedera, where you could see the famous eleven-headed statue of Kannon that measures 9.18 meters tall and this makes it one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan. Moving on from Hasedera, go to one of the most iconic places in Kamakura, the Kotoku-in Temple with its huge bronze statue of Buddha which is called Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura). It is 11.3 meters tall and weighs around 121 tons. The last step of the tour is Enoshima, a small island located west of Kamakura. We recommend accessing it by riding the Eno-den train, an iconic single track train. On clear days you could enjoy stunning views. Enjoy sightseeing sopts, visiting shirines and shopping in Enoshima. -------------------- 【COVID-19 Safety Measures】 ・Safety screen installed between driver's seat and passengers' seats in vehicles. ・Vehicles regularly sanitized. ・Vehicles regularly ventilated for fresh air circulation. ・Regular temperature checks for all drivers. ・Drivers wears a face mask. ・Drivers regularly sanitize/wash hands. ・Drivers have a hand sanitiser for passengers.

From Tokyo: Kamakura Day Trip with Private Driver & Temples

6. From Tokyo: Kamakura Day Trip with Private Driver & Temples

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.

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

The tour is very good, in general it has good times of stay in the temples and in Kamakura, which gives freedom to be in the places that arouse the most interest. But in the case of Enoshima, the time seems a bit exaggerated (3 hours), fundamentally because, at least in my case, the purpose is to visit the temples, and Enoshima has more of a spa character, it is a nice place, but 3 hours I thought it was a bit excessive

A worthwhile day trip

A worthwhile day trip with a very personable, competent guide, who moved safely through the entire jungle of trains and stations. Apart from the well-known temples and the big Buddha, she led us to a typical Japanese restaurant with excellent food and explained many details to us, but was still talking non-stop. The nice weather made the trip a highlight.

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 !

Was good way to spend an day, see the old capital of Japan .

The guide was fluent in English and had excellent knowledge of the city. We travelled by metro and bus. She joined us for lunch, guiding us through the meal.

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