“Kogei Tour” and “Hidden Gems Tour”
Kamakura Kogei Tour -Discover Kamakura through the eyes of its artisans-
Step into hidden workshops, admire timeless crafts, and feel the heartbeat of local tradition.
Your journey begins at a quiet little gallery tucked away in Kamakura. As you open the door, shelves of beautifully bound books greet you—some with covers echoing Meiji-era elegance. After a short walk, you’ll step into the poetic world of paper collage, where the seasons of Japan are captured in color and texture…
Itinerary (Approx. 6 hours, including lunch)
Meet at Atelier & Gallery Ichirin → Masayasu Uchida Art Gallery → Hase-dera Temple (Hase Kannon) → Lunch → Kikuichi (knife and hardware store) → Kamakurabori Museum of Art and Craft → Tour ends at Kamakura Station
Atelier & Gallery Ichirin(meeting place)
We’ll meet at a charming gallery filled with beautifully reproduced editions of Japanese literary classics. Admire the elegant covers and timeless words of authors like Natsume Soseki and Yasunari Kawabata. It’s the perfect place to start your artistic journey through Kamakura.
Masayasu Uchida Art Gallery
Step into the warm, nostalgic world of Masayasu Uchida, where paper seems to breathe with the colors of Japan’s seasons. You might find yourself smiling at a scene that feels strangely familiar.You might recognize his charming designs from the iconic packaging of Nagatanien’s miso soups: Asage, Hiruge, and Yuge.
More about the gallery: Uchida Masayasu Official Site
Hase-dera temple(Hase Kannon)
A sacred site since the Nara period, Hase-dera is home to one of Japan’s largest wooden statues—the majestic Eleven-Headed Kannon. This “Temple of Flowers” offers breathtaking views year-round, especially during the hydrangea season.
Lunchtime Delights in Hase: Soba, Vegan, and More!
Lunch will be taken during this tour.
You can choose between soba or a vegan restaurant for lunch. There are some great restaurants in Hase, and we’ll be happy to guide you based on your preferences.
(Vegan-friendly options are available at the soba restaurant.)
Kikuichi — Cutlery and Craftsmanship Since 1902
Step into a 120-year-old knife shop where tradition is still alive. Founded in Yokohama and later relocated to Kamakura, Kikuichi offers everything from fine kitchen knives to delicate carving tools. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a craftsman hand-sharpening blades using whetstones and water buckets—an art in itself.
The Kamakurabori Museum of Art and Craft
Learn about Kamakura-bori, a unique lacquerware craft with origins in the Kamakura period. Ever wanted to try your hand at traditional Japanese carving? Here, you can! Under the watchful eye of a skilled artisan, you’ll shape your own piece of Kamakura history (Advance reservation required for workshops).
We’ll finish the tour near Kamakura Station—leaving you with a heart full of stories, and perhaps a handcrafted treasure or two.
Kamakura Hidden Gems Tour
Explore the Secret Soul of Kamakura
Step off the beaten path and into the heart of Kamakura’s lesser-known treasures. This tour invites you to discover tranquil temples, mystical shrines, and scenic spots that locals hold dear. Each location tells a story, offering a deeper connection to the city’s rich history and serene beauty.
Itinerary (Approx. 6 hours, including lunch)
Meet at Atelier & Gallery Ichirin→Masayasu Uchida Art Gallery→Hase-dera temple(Hase Kannon)→Kamakura Daibutsu(Great Buddha at Kotokuin-temple)→Lunch time→Amanawa Shinmei-gu and secret!
Atelier & Gallery Ichirin(meeting place)
Your journey begins at a quiet little gallery tucked away in Kamakura. As you open the door, shelves of beautifully bound books greet you—some with covers echoing Meiji-era elegance. After a short walk, you’ll step into the poetic world of paper collage, where the seasons of Japan are captured in color and texture…
Masayasu Uchida Art Gallery
Step into the warm, nostalgic world of Masayasu Uchida, where paper seems to breathe with the colors of Japan’s seasons. You might find yourself smiling at a scene that feels strangely familiar.You might recognize his charming designs from the iconic packaging of Nagatanien’s miso soups: Asage, Hiruge, and Yuge.
More about the gallery:Uchida Masayasu Official Site
Hase-dera temple(Hase Kannon)
A sacred site since the Nara period, Hase-dera is home to one of Japan’s largest wooden statues—the majestic Eleven-Headed Kannon. This “Temple of Flowers” offers breathtaking views year-round, especially during the hydrangea season.ns.
Kamakura Daibutsu(Great Buddha)
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a statue of Amida Nyorai enshrined in Kotokuin, a temple of the Jodo sect in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is one of the most representative Buddhist statues in Japan.
It is approximately 13.35 meters high (18.03 meters including the pedestal) and weighs approximately 121 tons. It was built in the Kamakura period (mid-13th century), and was originally a wooden statue, but was later replaced with the current bronze statue.
It used to be enshrined in a building called Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), but the building was destroyed by an earthquake and tsunami during the Muromachi period (1333-1573), and it has been sitting in the open air ever since.
The interior of the Daibutsu can be entered, and it is a very popular tourist attraction, attracting many visitors from Japan and abroad.
Lunch time：Soba, Vegan Restaurant and so on!
Lunch in Hase: Where Even the Locals Line Up
Lunch will be taken during this tour.
You can choose between soba or a vegan restaurant for lunch. There are some great restaurants in Hase, and we’ll be happy to guide you based on your preferences.
(Vegan-friendly options are available at the soba restaurant.)
Amanawa Shinmei-gu
Amanawa Shinmei-gu is considered the oldest shrine in Kamakura. It was founded in the year 710 (Wadō 3) and is dedicated to Amaterasu-ōmikami, the sun goddess in Shinto belief.
The shrine has deep historical ties to the samurai who established the Kamakura shogunate, such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Hōjō clan. It holds significant cultural and historical value.
The grounds of the shrine are peaceful and serene, surrounded by bamboo groves and ancient trees, allowing visitors to feel the natural beauty and historical atmosphere of Kamakura. For tourists, it is considered a hidden gem, slightly removed from the busier parts of the city.
And secret!
Of course, these tours are customizable!
You can customize your tour. So please feel free to request us! We’re happy to customize it for you!
Come for the history—leave with stories you’ll want to tell again and again.
Let’s explore the real Kamakura, together.
Guide
Takumi Ikeda(池田拓海)
Takumi Ikeda grew up wandering the backstreets of Kamakura, where every narrow path hides a story. With a background in hospitality across Japan and even on a cruise ship in Greece, he brings both insider knowledge and a traveler’s perspective. His tours are more like conversations—where he shares not just places, but his personal love for his hometown.
FAQ
Q: What happens if it rains on the tour day?
A: The tour runs regardless of weather conditions, but some parts of the itinerary may be adjusted depending on the weather.
Q: Can I join the tour if I don’t speak English?
A: The tour guide speaks English. If you need an interpreter, please let us know in advance.
Q: Is lunch included? What about transportation during the tour?
A: Yes, lunch is included in the tour price. Please note that any drinks you order will be charged separately.
As for transportation during the tour, any fares (such as local train or bus rides) will be paid individually by each participant.