KamakuraJapanese Cultural Experience

Experience

The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotoku-in)
Booking
  • Tour

Private Guided Tour in Kamakura | Fully Customizable(half-day)

Private Guided Tour in Kamakura — Customized with a Local Guide

Our private guided tour in Kamakura is fully customized to your interests, pace, and time.
Walk with a local guide through iconic temples and quieter lanes, with stories and tips you won’t find in guidebooks.



A surprisingly fun half-day tour!

Discover the hidden gems of Kamakura on a guided half-day tour. Visit the Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The tour is flexible and fully customizable!

This customized Kamakura half-day tour with a local guide offers both famous landmarks and quiet local spots—perfect for travelers looking to experience authentic Japan near Tokyo.

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Balance of Famous & Hidden Spots
    Enjoy Kamakura’s iconic sights like like Engakuji Temple or Hachimangu Shrine, also discovering places away from the crowds.
  • Local Insight
    Hear stories and tips from a Kamakura-born guide.
  • Flexible Style
    Explore on foot or arrange transport for comfort.

This customized Kamakura half-day tour with a local guide offers both famous landmarks and quiet local spots—perfect for travelers looking to experience authentic Japan near Tokyo.

Customizable Tours(Examples)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

The following are example itineraries.
You can customize your own tour based on these routes.

Tour A: Zen Temple & Learn History of Kamakura

・Kita-Kamakura Station(Meeting Point)
・Engakuji-Temple
・Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine & Komachi Dori Street
・Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura)

Tour B: Highlights & Local Crafts

・Kita-Kamakura Station(Meeting Point)
・Engakuji-Temple
・Lunchtime at a local restaurant
・Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine & Komachi Dori Street
・Local artisan shop and swordsmith’s workshop

Tour C: Visit Highlights of Kamakura

・Kamakura Station(Meeting Point)
・Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine & Komachi Dori Street
・Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
・Hasedera Temple

Vegan-Friendly Lunch Options

Lunch Option

Special Vegan-Friendly Lunch Box
Special vegan-friendly lunchboxes are available upon request.

We also offer vegan-friendly meals.
Of course, we can arrange a restaurant to suit your preferences—whether that’s soba noodles, a hearty pork cutlet, or vegan-friendly options.
You can also skip lunch to focus on sightseeing.

Example Spots You May Visit(flexible choice)

Kamakura Daibutsu (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.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine & Komachi Dori Street

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.

Engaku-ji Temple

One of Japan’s most important Zen temples. Step inside and you’ll find yourself immersed in a serene world of silence. Your guide will share fascinating insights into Buddhist rituals and traditions as the tour begins.

Komachi Dori Street

Komachi Street

Explore Komachi Dori Street, lined with gourmet treats, traditional sweets, and unique local shops.

Hase-dera Temple (Hase Kannon)

長谷寺の竹林

Known as the “Temple of Flowers,” home to a majestic Eleven-Headed Kannon statue and panoramic views of sea and city.

Amanawa Shinmei-gu Shrine

Considered the oldest shrine in Kamakura, this hidden gem offers serenity among bamboo groves and ancient trees.

Local Artisan Shops, Sword Shop

菊一 kikuichi

Visit a local crafts shop and a swordsmith’s workshop that has been passed down through 22 generations.
Stroll through quiet streets to discover traditional cutlery stores, small galleries, and cozy cafés tucked away from the crowds.

Kamakurabori Museum of Art and Craft

Kamakurabori

Discover Kamakura’s signature woodcarving tradition, passed down for centuries.

Customize Your Journey

Takumi is Talking with Guests

This is not a fixed route—it’s your Kamakura.
Would you like to explore more temples and history? Prefer hidden alleys and cozy cafés?
Or are you curious about local crafts and food culture?
Just share your interests, and we’ll design the perfect balance for your personalized Kamakura experience.

Your Guide: Takumi Ikeda

Takumi Ikeda, Project Lead and Local Guide at Kamakura Experience

Born and raised in Kamakura, Takumi knows both the famous landmarks and the hidden corners of his hometown. With professional hospitality experience across Japan and aboard an international cruise ship, he combines insider knowledge with a global perspective—making each journey unique, personal, and memorable.

Join Takumi for a local Kamakura sightseeing tour near Tokyo and discover a side of Japan only locals know.

See more of our cultural experiences and guest moments on
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamakura_experience/

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?

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.





Experience Private Guided Tour in Kamakura | Fully Customizable(half-day)
Date
Time 8:00〜,9:00〜,10:00〜,11:00〜,12:00〜
Required time 4 hours 30 minutes
Capacity/1time 6people / time
Price
Instructor
Takumi Ikeda
Venue Kamakura Station East Exit
Notes Explore Kamakura\'s rich history and culture on a customizable half-day tour. Guided by a Kamakura-born local expert, visit iconic sites like Engaku-ji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, while enjoying the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to your interests.

Savor traditional Japanese cuisine, including vegan options, and uncover hidden gems along Komachi Dori Street. This private experience ensures personal attention and a relaxed pace, making it perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers seeking a unique adventure in Kamakura.

- Flexible 4-hour private tour tailored to your interests
- Discover famous temples, shrines, and local artisan shops
- Optional lunch at a local restaurant or vegan bento, with the flexibility to skip lunch if you prefer
- Learn about Kamakura\'s history from a knowledgeable Kamakura-born guide

〈Not included〉
・Transportation fees
・Meals and drinks
・Entrance fees

〈Pick-up Services〉
Optional hotel pick-up service is available:
Yokohama / Kawasaki area — 8,000 JPY per group
Tokyo area — 10,000 JPY per group
(Advance reservation required)
Experience Request