Add dates

Kamakura Culture & history

Our most recommended Kamakura Culture & history

From Tokyo: Kamakura Temples Private Guided Tour

1. 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 or Yokohama: Kamakura & Enoshima Private Day Tour

2. From Tokyo or Yokohama: Kamakura & Enoshima Private Day Tour

Discover Old Town, Kamakura, Japan's historic sightseeing destination, on a day trip from Tokyo & Yokohama. Explore highlights of Enoshima Island, known for it's picturesque views which was often depicted on Ukiyo-e, or paintings made of woodblock prints . Visit them both as part of this private experience that can be designed to fit the wishes of your group. Example itinerary: Set off from Tokyo or Yokohama and head to Hokoku-ji Temple known as a bamboo temple in which visitors can enjoy powder tea at the café inside. Continue to Kencho-ji Temple which is the most prestigious zen temple in Kamakura clan. Walk down to Tsurugaoka-Hachimangu Shinto Shrine established by Minamoto Yoritomo, the first shogun of samurai government. Finally pay respect to the Statue of Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in Temple. Enjoy some food at a local restaurant. Seafoods or rice& curry is local specialty. Admire the Enoshima Island's scenery with Mount Fuji in the background. Enjoy selecting suvenior along with the shopping arcades leading to Enoshima Shrine Because each temple garden has flowers that bloom in each season, the visiting spots might be changed depending on the season. Other requests, including alternative pickup & drop-off points or vehicle type for your group, can also be accommodated. Please refer to remarks on "Important Information".

Frequently asked questions about Kamakura Culture & history

What are other things to do than Culture & history that are worth visiting in Kamakura?

The other unmissable things to do in Kamakura are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Kamakura

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

What people are saying about Kamakura

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 51 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.

A great day at the Japanese seaside with Patrick. Temples, shrines, local food and Black Kites behaving like Seaguls. Amazing.