Kamakura, a historic city just outside of Tokyo, is home to some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. This tour takes travelers on a journey through the former capital, showcasing the captivating Great Buddha, the serene Hase Temple, and the charming Komachi Street. With included transportation and lunch, it’s a hassle-free way to take in Kamakura’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this excursion promises to unveil the city’s hidden gems and leave you eager to uncover more.
Key Points
- The tour offers an 8-hour excursion to explore Kamakura’s top attractions, including the iconic Great Buddha, Hase Temple, and Komachi Street.
- Guests travel from Tokyo to Kamakura by train and the tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a local restaurant lunch.
- The tour highlights include the 13-meter-tall bronze Great Buddha, the serene Hase Temple, the Enoden local train, and the historic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
- The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish, with hotel pickup from the Tokyo 23 ward area.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking-intensive tour, and travel insurance is highly advised to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Tour Overview
The Kamakura one-day tour with a professional guide provides visitors an opportunity to explore the historic city’s top attractions over the course of an 8-hour excursion.
The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish, and includes hotel pickup from the Tokyo 23 ward area.
Guests will travel by train from Tokyo to Kamakura, taking in sights like the iconic Great Buddha, Hase Temple, and the charming Komachi Street.
Optional stops at Hokokuji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine are also available.
The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a local restaurant lunch, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free experience for participants.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a train journey from Tokyo to Kamakura, which takes approximately 1 hour.
Upon arrival, guests will visit the iconic Kotoku-in, also known as the Great Buddha, where they can admire the impressive 13-meter-tall bronze statue.
Next, the tour proceeds to the serene Hase Temple, where participants can explore the tranquil grounds and learn about the temple’s rich history.
Following the temple visit, the group will stroll along the charming Komachi Street, browsing the local shops and soaking in the town’s traditional atmosphere.
Depending on time, there may also be an optional visit to the Hokokuji Temple, famous for its stunning bamboo forest, and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Highlights
Highlights of the tour include seeing the iconic Great Buddha, strolling through the serene Hase Temple, and taking the charming Enoden local train.
Visitors will also have the chance to visit the historic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and browse the traditional shops along Komachi Street.
The Great Buddha, standing at an impressive 13.35 meters tall, is one of Kamakura’s most renowned landmarks.
Hase Temple, with its beautiful gardens and pagoda, offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city.
The Enoden train, a historic local line, provides a scenic journey through the coastal town.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Komachi Street round out the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy Kamakura’s rich cultural heritage.
Inclusions
The tour package includes the guiding fee, transportation for guests, entrance fees for guests (and the guide when needed), as well as a local restaurant lunch for both your and guide.
Visitors don’t have to worry about arranging or paying for these components separately. The included transportation fee covers the train ride from Tokyo to Kamakura and back, making the tour hassle-free.
The entrance fees ensure access to the key sights like the Great Buddha, Hase Temple, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Lunch at a local restaurant allows guests to savor authentic Japanese cuisine as part of the experience.
Important Information
Comfortable shoes are recommended for this Kamakura tour, as visitors will be doing a fair amount of walking to explore the various sights.
Travel insurance is also highly advised, as the tour proceeds as planned regardless of any delays caused by participant actions.
Children under 5 years old can join the tour free of charge. However, availability of non-English guides may be limited during peak seasons.
- Comfortable shoes are a must for this walking-intensive tour.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
- Tour times are fixed and won’t be extended due to participant delays.
Train From Tokyo
Guests begin the Kamakura tour by taking a train from Tokyo, which takes approximately 1 hour to reach the historic city. The train ride is a relaxing way to travel, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic countryside along the way.
| Train Options | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Local Train | 1 hour | Every 15 minutes |
| Express Train | 45 minutes | Every 30 minutes |
| Shinkansen | 30 minutes | Every hour |
The train station in Kamakura is conveniently located near the tour’s first stop, the iconic Great Buddha at Kotoku-in. From there, guests can easily explore the city’s other renowned sites, including Hase Temple and Komachi Street.
Visit Kotoku-in and Hase Temple
Upon arriving at Kamakura, the tour begins with a visit to Kotoku-in, home of the iconic Great Buddha. Towering over 13 meters tall, this impressive bronze statue dates back to the 13th century and is one of Kamakura’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can marvel at its sheer size and intricate craftsmanship up close.
From Kotoku-in, the group then proceeds to the serene Hase Temple, known for its beautiful wooden structures and picturesque gardens. Guests explore the temple’s historic halls and shrines, learning about its rich cultural heritage and the significance of its Buddhist artworks and statues.
The tour highlights include:
- Admiring the colossal Great Buddha statue
- Exploring the serene grounds of Hase Temple
- Discovering the temple’s historic architecture and artwork
Optional Visits
After visiting the iconic Great Buddha and serene Hase Temple, the tour offers optional excursions to further immerse guests in Kamakura’s rich cultural heritage.
The first optional stop is Hokokuji Temple, known for its stunning bamboo forest that provides a peaceful and meditative atmosphere.
Guests can also visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in the area, featuring impressive architecture and lush gardens.
These additional stops allow visitors to experience more of Kamakura’s significant landmarks and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s spiritual and historical significance.
With these optional visits, the tour provides a comprehensive and enriching exploration of this captivating Japanese city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Take This Tour?
The best time to take this tour is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and comfortable. Crowds are smaller, and you’ll avoid the heat and humidity of summer or the cold of winter.
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can likely accommodate dietary restrictions if notified in advance. The guide and local restaurant staff should be able to provide options that meet guests’ dietary needs, such as vegetarian, kosher, or halal meals.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Yes, the tour offers discounted rates for seniors aged 65+ and students with valid ID. Seniors receive a 10% discount, while students get a 5% discount on the tour price. These discounts must be requested at the time of booking.
How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, as guests will explore Hase Temple, Komachi Street, and potentially Hokokuji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the tour’s duration of approximately 8 hours.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit Our Specific Interests?
The tour can be customized to fit your’ specific interests. Guests can select optional visits to Hokokuji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine based on their preferences. The guide will work with guests to tailor the itinerary.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
Recap
The Kamakura: Great Buddha, Hase Temple, & Komachi Street Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Kamakura’s top attractions.
Travelers can experience the iconic Great Buddha, the serene Hase Temple, and the charming Komachi Street, all while enjoying the convenience of transportation, entrance fees, and a local lunch.
This tour offers a hassle-free way to discover the cultural highlights of Kamakura from Tokyo.
