Kamakura Exploration: An Intriguing Journey into Japan’s Ancient Samurai Culture
4.8
25 Ratings
Kamakura
Embark on a captivating journey through Kamakura, Japan's ancient capital, and delve into the rich samurai culture. Explore temples, learn about history, and capture memories with souvenir photos.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Wakamiya Main Street - Scenic walk to the main shrine
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - One of Japan’s three most important Shinto shrines, built by the first shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo in the 12th century
  • Kamakura Komachidori - Kamakura’s famous shopping street, lined on both sides by shops and stalls selling all sorts of sweets, snacks and souvenirs
  • Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura) - Centuries-old giant bronze statue of the Amida Buddha dating back to the 13th century
  • Hase-dera Temple - Popular Buddhist temple sprawled over multiple levels, with beautiful gardens, ponds, caves, and an ancient 11-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Tour escort/host
  • Professional photography guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Lunch
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

My name is Peter, a passionate writer, keen photographer, and experienced tour guide, originally hailing from the UK, but now a proud resident of Kamakura, Japan for almost three decades. I have four published books to my credit, two of which - Matsuri Call of The Gods and Kamakura Mon Amour, discuss Japan and are accessible online. I am more than eager to guide you through this ancient city that served as Japan’s unofficial capital between 1185 and 1333, where the military shogunate was born, samurai culture bloomed, and Zen Buddhism gained popularity. Our expedition includes the exploration of the temples and shrines as I narrate the evolution and traditions of the Kamakura period along with a discourse on assorted facets of Japanese life - both ancient and present. To make your trip memorable, I will also take your photographs during the tour, which will last around 4 hours. The time of commencement can be opted for in the booking form. If Japan’s on your travel list, Kamakura should not be missed. There’s much to learn and admire in this charming, historical city!

Location
Kamakura Station
Outside the East Exit ticket gate
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(25 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rita
May 30, 2024
Great tour, outstanding guide - This tour was exactly what I was looking for. Tours that I previously took at different locations were big group tours that were enjoyable, but limited in information provided due to group size. This was one on one with just my husband and I. Virgil is very knowledgeable about the history of the locations that we visited. He also told us about little known details that we wouldn’t have known from any brochures. We visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, the great Buddha, and Hasedera temple. He also suggested a small soba restaurant for lunch where they make their own soba noodles. Delicious and worth a visit on its own. If you are unsure whether you want to book this tour, book it. You won’t be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alan_r
May 24, 2024
Great day! - I can see why Virgil gets only 5-star ratings - he is the best! Super guide, fascinating personal story, flexible in handling our slow walking, great lunch - a perfect day!
Review provided by Viator
Anne_h
May 6, 2024
Fun and fascinating! - My young adult son and I did indeed have a fun and also fascinating afternoon with Virgil in Kamakura. We were also blessed with sunshine and although the town was packed as it was a Sunday and during a long weekend, Virgil expertly navigated us to the main attractions and shared his expert knowledge. He was professional, personable and kind.
Review provided by Viator
James_c
May 4, 2024
Kamakura Magic - This tour was the highlight of my trip to Japan. Incredibly informative history and background on Kamakura, and we hit all the highlights. Virgil is one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met and has become a close friend. You should not miss this tour as this is a hidden gem!
Review provided by Viator
R434rytatianar
Apr 8, 2024
A fun and informative day exploring Kamakura - We had an amazing day exploring Kamakura with Virgil. He is very knowledgeable and made the tour very interesting and informative not only for us but for our boys (ages 12 and 10) as well. They said it was the best tour they have ever had. We would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y7230cfianf
Jan 13, 2024
Great immersion into Kamakura history and lore - I could not rave more highly about the tour with Virgil. Virgil has immersed himself in the history of the temples and shrines found in Kamakura and knows some hidden gems (where most tourists don’t go). You may need to book him for 2 days, if you want to have the time to explore all he has to offer. He is able to reveal some of the stories of rivalry and bloodshed that were part of ongoing struggles for power through the eras of Japanese history and shed light on the transitions that led to modern Japan. He’s a lovely human on top of it all. Virgil was also a godsend in helping us navigate other aspects of our Japan journey to Kamakura - so he helped keep my stress low. 5 stars. We had trouble booking through the TripAdvisor site. Nothing to do with Virgil. So if you have issues getting payment methods accepted by TripAdvisor, I recommend persevering by calling them, and, if necessary, having them give you Virgil’s direct email contact.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiffany_v
Oct 21, 2023
Amazingly satisfying tour. - Thank you so much for the tour. My guide was very informative of Japanese history. I loved my Kamakura tour and highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Jlw2001
Oct 6, 2023
Highly recommend day in Kamakura - Virgil was an excellent guide and showed us so many things we would never have discovered on our own. The historical background he provided for every site we visited was very meaningful. Also, he shared his life story, which was multilingual and multicultural and fascinating. Be sure to ask him about it when you book this trip! Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlotah568
Oct 4, 2023
Wonderful Guide to explore the beauty of Kamakura temples - I highly recommended it. Culture and beauty with a wonderful guide. Fun day to explore the back streets with their vibrant shops and atmosphere guided with not only rich knowledge but with a good sense of humor. Thank you ! Domo arigato!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanff9062di
Sep 28, 2023
A Truely Wonderful Day Out in Kamakura - This tour in Kamakura was the thing we were looking forward the most to doing and we were so impressed with our tour guide Virgil. He was so knowledgeable on all the different sights we went to, nothing was too much trouble and one could see he wanted to please. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone thinking of visiting Kamakura.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 13 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today