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Best Memories of Kamakura
Kamakura used to the capital of Japan during 12th to 14th century. It was the first period governed by the samurai warriors; Shoguns.Since samurai practiced Zen Buddhism, there are many Zen Temples which were built before those in Kyoto.
Yuki K.
Meeting Point
At your hotel
The following is a standard plan with optional places you can choose. Approximate time durations are also shown.
10:00-11:30 Hotel pick up and Transport to Kamakura by JR train
I will pick you up near the reception.
12:00-12:30 The Great Buddha in Kotoku-in Temple
The Great Buddha in Kotoku-In Temple; The Buddha was built in the 13th century, which is the most popular site in Kamakura. It is a statue of Amida Buddha who helps everyone in need to be reborn in the Heaven (Admission: 300 JPY except the guide)
12:30-13:30 Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera Temple; It is about 10 minutes walk from the Great Buddha, this temple was established in 8th century, which has a nice Japanese garden, various statues of Buddha, a deck to overview the Pacific Ocean, and a unique cave shrine. It is also famous for its hydrangea trail which is very crowed in June. (Admission: 400 JPY except the guide)
13:30-14:30 Lunch
Lunch; We will have a casual Japanese lunch such as vegetarian dishes for monks, or tempura with noodle, steamed rice, grilled eel over steamed rice, sushi, or pork cutlet from 1,500 JPY. If you have any restrictions on foods, please let me know before the tour.
15:00-16:00 Your choice of one place from the following options.
You can find pictures of these places from the following link by clicking (>) in the left window.
Option A. Hachiman-gu Shrine
This shrine was established in 1063 for Minamoto Family who governed Japan in the 12th century. This shrine is very big and popular among local Japanese people to visit in new year days. (Admission free)
Option B. Hokoku-ji Temple
This temple was estalished in 1334 to commemorate Ashikaga Ietoki who was the grandfather of Takauji who started Muromachi period. The bamboo forest in the temple is something different from other places (Admission: 300 JPY except the guide). You can drink a cup of Japanese power green tea with sweets with the view of the bamboo forest. (Extra fee: 600 JPY except the guide)
Option C. Kencho-ji Temple
This temple was established in 1253 which ranked as No.1 Zen temple in Kamakura. You can see and take pictures of the marvelous Cloud Dragon in the ceiling which is as good as the one at Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto. (Admission: 500 JPY except the guide)
Option D. Enkaku-ji Temple
This temple was established in 1282 which ranked 2nd highest Zen temple in Kamakura. You can see and take a picture of the statue of Shaka in the main worship hall and a garden nearby. (Admission: 300 JPY except the guide)
Option E: Komachi street
Enjoy shopping and foods while walking along the long streets with unique shops of Japanese products and sweets. This street is very popular among local Japanese women.
Option F: Inamura-gasaki beach
If it is very fine, you can see Mt. Fuji from this beach.
If you come here, you will find a cozy restaurant for lunch and may try an Onsen (hot bath) next to the restaurant.
Option G. Meigetsu-in Temple
This temple was established in 1160 to comfort the sprit of the samurai who died in the first battle between Heike and Genji families. This temple is very famous among local Japanese for its Hydrangea garden. So it's too busy to visit in June but is good to visit in other seasons for quiet and well maintained gardens. (Admission 500 JPY including the guide)
Option H. Tokei-ji and Jochi-ij Temples
Tokei-ji Temple was established in 1285 as a temple of nun i.e. convent. This temple had been offering the refuge for poor wives escaping from their husband until 1902.
Jochi-ji Temple was established in 1281 for Hojo family who governed the later part of Kamakura period and was the rank No. 4 Zen temple in Kamakura.
These temples are not popular yet among foreign tourists but are old hidden authentic temples. I'd recommend these temples, if you are getting tired of crowded popular places. (Admission 300 JPY in Jochi-ji except the guide, No photo allowed in Tokei-ji Temple)
16:30-18:00 return to your hotel by JR train
At your hotel
End of the tour
Ending Point
At your hotel
What to Expect
1. Memorable Tour; I can show you around the most memorable places in Kamakura based on my experience.
1. Easier to Go; I will choose the most efficient and comfortable transportation so you don't have to be bothered by how to visit them efficiently within a day.
3. Flexible Plan; My tour is very flexible with time and places with many options according to your interest.
4. Delicious Foods; Japanese food is very important part of my tour, I will take you to my favorite restaurant for lunch during the tour.
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee, hotel pick up
Transportation cost of you and the guide (3,000 JPY per person)
Lunch of you and the guide (about 1,500 JPY per person)
Entrance fee of you (Big Buddha: 200 JPY, Hase-Dera: 400 JPY, Hokoku-Ji: 300 JPY, Kencho-Ji: 500 JPY, Enkaku-Ji: 300 JPY)
Important Information
There is little restriction due to COVID 19 in 2023. I was vaccinated six times with the Pfizer one.
Not available on Mondays.
Most of the temples close about 16:00 to 17:00.
- The tour guide is not available on Monday.
- Please, send a direct message to the tour guide for confirming the availability before booking
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Reviews
Sandi A.
“ Yokohama with Yuki ”
We had a wonderful experience in Yokohama with Yuki. He was very informative being a native of Yokohama and took special care of me, by slowing down the pace because I was recovering from Respiratory illness. My pace was slow and I would often stop for a picture of nature and he would patiently wait on me. We enjoyed his kindness the most. Recommend highly. Sandi & Chip from Hawaii
Yuki K.
Dear Sandi Thank you very much for your review. I'm very happy to know you appreciated my tour. Thank you for taking my tour of Yokohama. Yuki
Rachel H.
“ Gardens and More! ”
Thanks Yuki for a great first day in Tokyo. Yuki picked us up from our accommodations and clearly explained where we’d go and how we would get there. We visited Happo-En, the Imperial Palace Gardens, Asakusa and at the end Yuki delivered us to the SkyTree where our tour concluded. We had a delicious lunch which he recommended and everything went smoothly. It was a good introduction to Tokyo and using the train system. Yuki’s enthusiasm and knowledge was valuable. Highly recommended. Thanks Yuki!
Yuki K.
Dear Rachel Thank you for your review You described it quite well so nothing to add Thank you again for taking my tour And enjoy your trip in Japan Yuki
Carlos selinam G.
“ Limited time but incredible experience ”
Even though I had limited time, I had an incredible experience with Mr. Yuki as my tour guide in Tokyo. His deep knowledge of the city's history and culture made each site visit fascinating. Mr. Yuki's enthusiasm and passion for his work were evident, and he went above and beyond to ensure a memorable and enjoyable tour. His friendly demeanor and excellent communication skills made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. I highly recommend Mr. Yuki to anyone looking to explore Tokyo or other cities with an expert guide.
Yuki K.
Dear Carlos Thank you for your review I m glad you have enjoyed your stay in Japan Thank you for taking my tour Yuki
Petr
“ Kyoto, 7fh of June ”
A beautiful journey to an ancient city with a great history. A tour of the places of our choice, an amazing experience of Shinkansen bullet train travel. Yuki had prepared detailed information for each stop with pictures, which he presents on a tablet. Great, very clear. Thank you, Petr and Eli
Yuki K.
Dear Petre Thank you for writing the great reviews on all of the tours you took. Food is very important in my tour and you are a perfect guest for my tours. You ate ramen, sushi, Kobe beef, Chinese dishes, pork cutlet, and cooked Fugu with excellent sake. I'll take you to taste raw Fugu next time. Yuki