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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!

Tokyo: Kamakura Buddha, Hachimangu Shrine, Enoshima Day Tour

2. Tokyo: Kamakura Buddha, Hachimangu Shrine, Enoshima Day Tour

Start your beautiful journey. Pick-up time and location: 8:00 JR Marunouchi, Tokyo station 8:30 SMBC Bank Shinjuku Nishiguchi ▼10:00 Enoden experience (10 to 15 minutes)experience fee included Enoden is a streetcar that connects Fujisawa to Kamakura. The route includes most of Kamakura's famous sights, and you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Shonan coast. ※You will take Enoden between Kamakura High School and Enoshima . This fee is a gift item. If you cannot ride due to force majeure, the fee will not be refunded. ▼10:20 Kamakura High School or Shonan coast walk about 40 minutes) Passing through the railway crossing and road, down the stairs is the famous Shonan coast in Kanto, Japan. It is a paradise for surfers and those who love seaside activities. You can stroll on the beach, listen to the sound of the waves, and relax your heart. If the weather is good, you can even see Mount Fuji directly. ▼11:00 Enoshima (about 120 minutes) Regarding the first formation of Enoshima, it is said that in April, the 13th year of Emperor Kinmei Tennō(552), sand began to flow from the seabed, and after 21 days, the sand island was formed. While there is a moving legend about the initial formation of the island in Mount Hiei Enryakuji Temple. It is said that in the past, there was a large lake around 40 miles around Tsumura (now Kamakura City), and in the lake lived a five-headed dragon. It is said that the dragon is the incarnation of Benjaten. Even Tokugawa Ieyasu came to pay homage. During the Edo period, it became one of the sightseeing spots for people in Edo (now Tokyo). Enoshima Shrine Enoshima Shrine was built in the 13th year of Emperor Kinmei Tenno(552). The routine sacrifice is in every early April. The wooden colorful eight-armed seated Benzaiten statue, the Hizen country Fujiwara Masahirosakutachi, the Happo tortoise, the Enoshima origin and the bronze torii are all precious nationally designated cultural properties. At the same time, with Benjaten as the god of wealth, many worshippers and tourists come here. ▼13:30 The Great Buddha of Kamakura (about 30minutes) Discover Kamakura's must-see attraction, the Great Buddha! Standing at 13.35m, this majestic bronze statue embodies Japan's rich Buddhist culture. A profound and unforgettable experience for all visitors! (Tickets are at your own expense: JP¥300, JP¥20 inside the Big Buddha). ▼14:20 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (90 minutes stay) Welcome to Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura! Embrace Japan's spiritual essence at this historic shrine, a symbol of samurai heritage and prosperity. Immerse yourself in traditional rituals and serene surroundings. Unforgettable cultural encounter! ▼Komachi Street Komachi Street, which stretches from Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, is a fairly famous and lively old street in Kamakura. ▼16:00 Return to Tokyo.

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 or Yokohama: Kamakura & Enoshima Private Day Tour

5. 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".

From Tokyo: Day Trip to Coastal Kamakura

6. 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: Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw

7. 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.

From Tokyo: Kamakura Day Trip with Private Driver & Temples

8. 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 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 !