Immerse yourself in the peaceful and scenic attractions of Kamakura with a knowledgeable local guide. Explore beautiful temples, away from the tourist crowds, and learn about the city’s history and traditions. Enjoy a private tour and have the afternoon free for your own plans.
Immerse yourself in the peaceful and scenic attractions of Kamakura with a knowledgeable local guide. Explore beautiful temples, away from the tourist crowds, and learn about the city’s history and traditions. Enjoy a private tour and have the afternoon free for your own plans.
- Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple) - Walk 7 minutes. (see remarks) Meigetsu-In, known as “Hydrangea Temple” is famous nationwide with approximately 2,500 hydrangea varieties with beautiful blue colors from the end of May to the end of June. It is a Zen temple built in the late 14th century and there is a dry landscape garden, an inner garden (closed to…
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Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple) - Walk 7 minutes. (see remarks) Meigetsu-In, known as “Hydrangea Temple” is famous nationwide with approximately 2,500 hydrangea varieties with beautiful blue colors from the end of May to the end of June. It is a Zen temple built in the late 14th century and there is a dry landscape garden, an inner garden (closed to the public), and a teahouse.
Remarks) After the course briefing at the tour start, if you select Chouju-Ji Temple (open only from April to June, and October to early December) instead of Meigetsu In, this tour will not visit Meigetsu-In Temple rather go direct to Jouchi-Ji Temple then Chouju-Ji Temple. -
Jochiji Temple - Walk three minutes. Jochi-ji Temple is a very serene Zen temple. The temple is famous for its moss-covered approach, a building that houses an old Buddhist image, and Hotei Son (one of the seven gods of good fortune), who is located on a rock ledge carved out of the cliff, Yagura. It is said that if you stroke Hotei Son’s belly, you will gain virtue, popularity, and energy.
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Chojuji Temple - Walk 9 minutes. Chouju-Ji Temple is a hidden Zen temple as it is almost inaccessible on the Web and has a limited open schedule for general tourists and is a beautiful temple that is a strong favorite among the locals. Visitors can relax on the porch, immerse themselves in flowers, moss, and green (or autumnal foliage), and enjoy the silence. Conversation is not recommended. There is no explanation in English. Only open on Friday to Sunday in April to June, and October to early December. Temporarily close to the public on days of rain.
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Iwafune Jizodo - After walk over Kamegayasuzaka slop, 800 year old cut-through for 8 minutes, you will see small wooden building, related to tragedy in 12th centry samurai princess.
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Kaizoji Temple - Walk 9 minutes. Kaizo-ji Temple is a Zen temple where beautiful flowers can be seen all year round. It is not so famous in terms of tourism, but is very popular among the locals. A tunnel behind the temple grounds leads to a cave with 16 round wells, dag in the early 14th century.
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Jufukuji Temple - Walk 12 minutes. The tour stops at Jufuku-ji Temple’s main gate and walks nearly 80 meters along the beautiful path to the middle gate. This will be an excellent photo opportunity. The temple grounds are not open to the public.
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Shirahata Shrine, Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine - Walk 9 minutes. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is dedicated to the Hachiman God, the god of war who protects the Genji clan that founded the Kamakura Shogunate. This huge shrine was built under the patronage of the Kamakura Shogunate and remains a must-visit place for tourists in Kamakura.
Today, the shrine is popular among Japanese people, with 2.5 million people paying homage to the shrine on New Year’s Day. It has interesting facilities such as Torii gates, Maiden (dance hall), and Honden (main hall). Shirahata Shrine, a shrine of the Minamoto clan, is also located on the same site. It is an interesting place to learn about customs of Shintoism that is still widely believed in by the Japanese people today.
- Professional Local Tour Guide
- Entrance fees of temples for the guide
- Professional Local Tour Guide
- Entrance fees of temples for the guide
- Not included : Entrance fees of temples and shrines for guests, total 700 yen/guest as of March 2023
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Comfortable walking shoes for three hour walk
- Gratuities
- Insurance for guests such as accidents, theft
- Not included : Entrance fees of temples and shrines for guests, total 700 yen/guest as of March 2023
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Comfortable walking shoes for three hour walk
- Gratuities
- Insurance for guests such as accidents, theft
This tour primarily focuses on visiting stunning temples that are favored by locals, rather than the typical tourist destinations.
Unlike the busy and crowded temples, you will have the opportunity to unwind and appreciate the serene temples surrounded by flowers, moss, lush greenery, and in late autumn, the vibrant fall foliage.
The guide is not…
This tour primarily focuses on visiting stunning temples that are favored by locals, rather than the typical tourist destinations.
Unlike the busy and crowded temples, you will have the opportunity to unwind and appreciate the serene temples surrounded by flowers, moss, lush greenery, and in late autumn, the vibrant fall foliage.
The guide is not dispatched from Tokyo. Instead, the guide is a local resident who has lived near the Kamakura area for approximately 40 years, is passionate about the tour route, and holds a government certification.
The guide’s insights into Kamakura’s history and traditions will deepen your connection to the people of that era. For instance, the 800-year-old cut-through and the poignant story of the princess commemorated in the Jizo Hall. The guide’s commentary can be shortened upon request.
This is an exclusive tour where only you or your partner will explore together, ensuring you can enjoy the experience without the presence of other guests.
The tour concludes before 1:00 p.m., even if there are delays, allowing you to plan your afternoon activities freely.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.