1-Day Tour of Kamakura Buddha, Enoshima, Shrine From Tokyo

Exploring Japan’s rich cultural heritage can be a captivating experience, and this one-day tour from Tokyo promises to deliver just that. Visitors will embark on a journey to uncover the historic sites of Kamakura and Enoshima, where they’ll encounter the colossal Kamakura Great Buddha, enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the Enoshima Shrine, and admire the grandeur of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. With a scenic railway journey and inclusive admission to the Great Buddha, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that delves into the fascinating blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Indian influences that have shaped the region’s architectural and spiritual landscape.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Fujisawa.

Key Points

• Explore the historic sites of Kamakura and Enoshima, including the colossal 13.35-meter bronze Kamakura Great Buddha, on a 1-day tour from Tokyo.
• Visit the centuries-old Enoshima Shrine, featuring the elegant Benzaiten statue, and the significant Shinto sanctuary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
• Enjoy the scenic Enoden Electric Railway and air-conditioned vehicles, with your Enoshima Electric Railway ticket and Kamakura Great Buddha admission included.
• Enjoy the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of these iconic Japanese landmarks, admiring their serene expression and impressive size.
• This 10-hour tour is not suitable for pregnant women due to potential changes in the itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The 1-day tour from Tokyo offers visitors a chance to explore the historic sites of Kamakura and Enoshima. Over the course of 10 hours, travelers will visit the iconic Kamakura Great Buddha, a 13.35-meter bronze statue, as well as the centuries-old Enoshima Shrine and the significant Shinto sanctuary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Transportation is provided via the scenic Enoden Electric Railway and air-conditioned vehicles. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at designated points in Tokyo, an experienced guide, and admission tickets to the Great Buddha and Enoshima Electric Railway.

While the tour is generally enjoyable, some customers suggest allowing more time at the temples and shrines.

Key Attractions

Kamakura’s iconic Great Buddha, a colossal 13.35-meter bronze statue, stands as one of the tour’s key attractions. The awe-inspiring monument, cast in 1252, invites visitors to marvel at its impressive scale and serene expression.

Another highlight is the Enoshima Shrine, established in 552, which features the statue of Benzaiten, the Japanese goddess of music, poetry, and wealth. The tour also includes a visit to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a significant Shinto sanctuary known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. These cultural and spiritual landmarks offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage and provide a memorable experience for tour participants.

Kamakura Great Buddha

Standing tall in the heart of Kamakura, the colossal 13.35-meter bronze statue of the Great Buddha commands attention. Dating back to the 13th century, this iconic landmark is one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist icons.

Visitors can admire the serene expression and impressive size of the Great Buddha, which was cast using the lost-wax method. Though the original temple structure that housed the statue was washed away by a tsunami, the Buddha itself has weathered the elements for centuries.

Exploring this magnificent sculpture is a highlight for many visitors to Kamakura, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Enoshima Shrine

After exploring the imposing Kamakura Great Buddha, visitors make their way to the serene Enoshima Shrine. Established in 552 AD, this shrine is dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten and offers a peaceful respite from the crowds. Visitors can admire the elegant Benzaiten statue, wander through the shrine’s grounds, and take in stunning views of the Enoshima Island and the Pacific Ocean.

The shrine’s architecture blends traditional Japanese elements with influences from Chinese and Indian cultures. Visitors can purchase omikuji, or fortune-telling paper slips, to gain insight into their future. The shrine’s location on Enoshima Island provides a picturesque setting, with the nearby Enoshima Electric Railway adding to the scenic charm.

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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

From the serene Enoshima Shrine, the group proceeds towards the impressive Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, one of the most significant Shinto sanctuaries in Kamakura. Established in 1063, this shrine is dedicated to the Japanese war god Hachiman and features a grand, imposing entrance gate and a long, stone-paved approach.

Visitors can explore the shrine’s numerous buildings and enjoy the tranquil gardens, which provide a peaceful respite from the bustling city. The shrine’s elegant architecture and rich history make it a must-visit destination on the tour, offering a deeper understanding of Japan’s cultural and spiritual traditions.

Transportation Options

The tour’s transportation options provide an immersive experience for participants. Travelers embark on the scenic Enoden Electric Railway, a coastal train that winds along the picturesque shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding landscape.

The air-conditioned transportation ensures a comfortable journey, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the cultural and historical significance of the destinations. The provided Enoshima Electric Railway ticket and admission to the Kamakura Great Buddha further enhance the seamless and comprehensive nature of the tour’s transportation arrangements.

The key transportation options include:

• Enoden Electric Railway – a scenic coastal train
• Air-conditioned vehicles for a comfortable journey
• Included Enoshima Electric Railway ticket and Kamakura Great Buddha admission

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour’s inclusions provide a comprehensive and seamless experience for participants. Pick-up and drop-off at designated points ensure convenience, while the experienced driver and guide offer valuable insights throughout the journey.

The Enoshima Electric Railway ticket grants access to the scenic coastal train, immersing travelers in the region’s picturesque landscapes. Plus, the ticket to the Kamakura Great Buddha allows visitors to marvel at the impressive 13.35-meter bronze statue.

While the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, the overall inclusions cater to a wide range of travelers, creating an enjoyable and well-rounded exploration of Kamakura, Enoshima, and their renowned shrines.

Additional Information

While the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, the overall itinerary remains subject to potential changes due to factors like traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Despite these considerations, the 1-Day Tour of Kamakura Buddha, Enoshima, and Shrines from Tokyo promises an enjoyable experience for participants. Customer reviews indicate that the tour was well-received, though some visitors felt that more time could have been allocated at the temples and shrines.

The tour includes the following key attractions:

• Kamakura Great Buddha, a 13.35-meter bronze statue
• Enoshima Shrine, established in 552 and featuring a Benzaiten statue
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a significant Shinto sanctuary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour in a Language Other Than Japanese?

Yes, the 1-day tour of Kamakura, Enoshima, and shrines from Tokyo can be booked in languages other than Japanese. The tour operator likely offers the experience in multiple languages to accommodate international visitors.

Are Any Meals Included in the Tour Package?

The tour package doesn’t include any meals. It focuses on providing transportation, sightseeing tickets, and a guide to escort visitors through the key attractions of Kamakura and Enoshima without providing food options.

What Are the Best Times of Year to Take This Tour?

The best times to take this 10-hour tour are during the spring when the weather is mild, and the fall when the temples and shrines are adorned with autumn foliage, providing a picturesque backdrop for the historic attractions.

Is Photography Allowed at the Shrines and Temples?

Photography is generally allowed at the shrines and temples on this tour, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting ceremonies or other activities. Tripods may be restricted in some areas.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour for Participants?

The tour involves moderate physical activity, with some walking and stairs at the attractions. Participants should be able to comfortably navigate uneven terrain and handle moderate exertion throughout the day. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Recap

This one-day tour from Tokyo provides an immersive experience into Japan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Visitors can marvel at the colossal Kamakura Great Buddha, explore the Enoshima Shrine, and admire the grand Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The tour offers a scenic railway journey and includes admission to the Kamakura Great Buddha, making it a comprehensive and convenient way to discover these historic and culturally significant sites.

You can check if your dates are available here: