A Fun and Insightful Tour!
Discover the best of Kamakura on this customized 1-day tour with a local guide — a fun and insightful journey into authentic Japanese culture, history, and craftsmanship, just a short trip from Tokyo. From the delicate artistry of handmade crafts to the spiritual calm of hidden shrines, this experience blends the best of both worlds — the creative heart of Kogei and the quiet magic of Kamakura’s hidden gems.
Why choose this tour?
- Personalized itinerary with a local English-speaking guide
- Flexible schedule & hotel pickup
- Visit Kamakura’s must-see spots and hidden gems
- Perfect day trip from Tokyo
Itinerary Options
The tour lasts about 6 hours, and we offer two suggested routes.
Choose your favorite — or mix and match!
PLAN A — Culture & Temples
1.Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
2.Komachi Street (shopping & sweets)
3.Kotoku-in Temple (The Great Buddha)
4.Hase-dera Temple
5.Engakuji Temple
1.Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Founded in 1063, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the spiritual heart of Kamakura and a symbol of its rich samurai heritage—a place where history, culture, and faith come vividly to life.
2.Komachi Dori Street
A lively shopping street lined with local boutiques, cafés, and sweet shops, Komachi Dori is the perfect place to taste Kamakura’s local flavors. Try handmade daifuku or freshly baked rice crackers while enjoying the warm atmosphere of this charming pedestrian street.
3.Kotoku-in Temple (The Great Buddha)
One of Japan’s most famous Buddhist statues, this 13-meter bronze Amida Buddha has sat in the open air since the 15th century. A must-see highlight of Kamakura.
4.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.
5.Engakuji Temple
Founded in 1282 by the regent Hojo Tokimune, Engaku-ji stands as one of Kamakura’s most important Zen temples. Surrounded by tranquil cedar forests, it invites visitors to experience the calm spirit of Zen and centuries of samurai history.
Lunch Options — Enjoy Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Savor a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant offering real Japanese flavors. Choose from traditional soba or tonkatsu, or enjoy a tailor-made vegan bento specially prepared upon request. Each dish reflects the care and seasonality of Kamakura’s cuisine.
Please note: Lunch cost is not included in the tour price.
PLAN B — Culture & Temples
1.Engaku-ji Temple
2.Kamegayatsu Kiridoshi Pass
3.Authentic Kimono Shop Katsura
4.Zeniarai Benten Shrine
5.Yuigahama Beach Walk
6.Amanawa Shinmei-gu Shrine
1. Engaku-ji Temple
Begin your journey at Engaku-ji, one of Kamakura’s most important Zen temples. Founded in 1282, this tranquil complex surrounded by cedar forests invites calm reflection and introduces the spiritual roots of the samurai age. From here, your walking adventure through old Kamakura begins.
2. Kamegayatsu Kiridoshi Pass
Follow your guide through Kamegayatsu Kiridoshi Pass, a narrow, centuries-old trail connecting Engaku-ji to central Kamakura. Carved directly into the hillside, it once served as a natural fortress protecting the city from invasion. As you walk this quiet, historical path, you’ll hear stories of samurai strategy and the landscapes that shaped their world.
3. Authentic Kimono Shop Katsura
Emerging near Kamakura Station, stop by Katsura — a genuine kimono shop with over 50 years of history. Learn about real kimono craftsmanship, from intricate fabrics to seasonal patterns, and meet the owner who shares the artistry and spirit behind each design. It’s a warm cultural stop before continuing deeper into Kamakura.
4. Zeniarai Benten Shrine
From Katsura, enjoy a 20-minute walk through quiet residential streets to Zeniarai Benten Shrine, hidden inside a cave surrounded by lush greenery. Legend says washing your money in its sacred spring brings prosperity. The candle-lit tunnel and gentle sound of water make this one of Kamakura’s most mystical and photogenic spots.
5. Yuigahama Beach Walk
After Zeniarai Benten, take a 30-minute walk toward the sea and finish with a refreshing stroll along Yuigahama Beach. Feel the ocean breeze, watch locals and surfers, and enjoy the slow rhythm of coastal life — the perfect way to close your walking tour before heading to the final sacred site nearby.
6. Amanawa Shinmei-gu Shrine
End your walking tour at Amanawa Shinmei-gu, the oldest Shinto shrine in Kamakura, founded in 710. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, it remains a quiet sanctuary surrounded by bamboo and ancient trees. Few visitors find their way here — a true hidden gem where history and nature meet in harmony.
Lunch Options — A Variety from Japanese Classics to Vegan Meals
Pause your walk for a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant serving genuine Japanese flavors. Enjoy classic soba or crispy tonkatsu, or request a tailor-made vegan bento crafted specially for you. Each dish reflects Kamakura’s care for detail and the warmth of its seasonal ingredients.
Please note: Lunch cost is not included in the tour price.
Of course, these tours are customizable!
Of course, these tours are customizable!
Every traveler is different, so feel free to tell us what you love — we’re happy to tailor the itinerary just for you.
— History, culture, food, or traditional crafts and so on.
〈Example〉
・Start earlier or later(8:00〜11:00)
・Add local lunch or tea ceremony
・Visit Local Authentic Kimono Shop & Explanation
・Visit seasonal spots (cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, etc.)
Example Spots You May Visit(flexible choice)
Discover the craftsmanship, spirituality, and heritage of Kamakura through local artisan shops and sacred sites — from Kamakura-bori woodcarving studios and traditional sword or knife makers to historic temples, each stop offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s timeless culture and artistry.
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).
Come for the history—leave with stories you’ll want to tell again and again.
Let’s explore the real Kamakura, together.
Guide
Join Takumi for an authentic Kamakura 1-Day Tour and discover the real spirit of this historic city through the eyes of a local 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.
Join Takumi for an authentic Kamakura day tour with a local guide and discover the real spirit of this historic city.
We’ll Pick You Up at Your Hotel!
Enjoy the convenience of a private pick-up service directly from your accommodation.
If you’re staying in Yokohama or Kawasaki, the service is available for 8,000 JPY per group.
For Tokyo hotels, the fee is 10,000 JPY per group.
Please request this option in advance when booking your tour.
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: Do you offer hotel pick-up service?
A:Yes, we do.
Pick-up is available from hotels in the Yokohama or Kawasaki area for 8,000 JPY per group,
and from Tokyo hotels for 10,000 JPY per group.
Please let us know in advance if you would like to add this option.