Kamakura Tour With Pro Photographer: Tsurugaoka Shrine

Kamakura, the former medieval capital of Japan, is a treasure trove of historical wonders. One such gem is the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a revered Shinto shrine that has stood as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage for centuries. Set out on a captivating 2-hour tour led by a seasoned photographer, where you’ll explore the shrine’s iconic landmarks, uncover its fascinating history, and capture stunning, professionally-guided portraits – a true feast for the senses. Enjoy the serene beauty of this sacred site and discover why Kamakura continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Key Points

• 2-hour guided tour of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, led by a professional photographer.
• Explore the shrine’s historical significance and capture stunning portraits at the best photo spots.
• Group size limited to 8 participants for personalized attention and an intimate experience.
• Receive a collection of 30+ professionally edited digital photos showcasing the shrine’s beauty.
• Tour includes guidance on posing for natural, flattering portraits but excludes transportation and entrance fees.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts for 2 hours, allowing participants ample time to explore the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and capture stunning photographs with the guidance of a professional photographer.

The group size is limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate experience. This small group size enables the photographer-guide to provide individualized assistance with posing and framing, helping each guest achieve natural, flattering portraits.

The limited group size also allows for more interaction with the guide, who can share insights into the local stories and historical significance of the shrine.

Tour Starting Point and Route

The tour starts at Kamakura Station’s East Exit, which is a 15-minute walk from the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the main destination. Participants will explore the shrine grounds, taking in its historical significance and cultural insights from the photographer-guide.

After the guided tour, the group will walk back to Kamakura Station along the Komachi-dori, a lively street lined with shops and restaurants. Throughout the route, the professional photographer will capture a series of portraits, ensuring participants leave with a collection of flattering and memorable photos to cherish.

Visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

As participants arrive at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the photographer-guide provides a rundown of its historical significance and cultural traditions.

This iconic Shinto shrine is renowned for its striking architecture, which blends ancient Japanese styles with influences from China and Korea. The guide highlights three key facts about the shrine:

1. It was founded in 1063 and dedicated to the kami (Shinto deity) Hachiman, the patron god of the samurai.
2. The shrine complex features multiple buildings, including the main hall, a noh theater stage, and various pagodas and torii gates.
3. The shrine is a popular destination for weddings, festivals, and other cultural events throughout the year.

Professional Photography Services

With the shrine’s historical backdrop in place, the photography component of the tour now takes center stage. A professional photographer accompanies the group, capturing portraits at the best photo spots within the shrine’s grounds. Participants receive personalized guidance on posing for natural, flattering photos.

The photographer-guide also provides insights on the historical significance of the shrine, enabling visitors to incorporate these elements into their shots. Within 72 hours, tour-takers receive a collection of 30+ professionally edited digital photos, showcasing both candid and stylized portraits against the shrine’s iconic backdrops. This personalized photography experience elevates the tour, ensuring participants leave with high-quality keepsakes to commemorate their visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

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Capturing Portraits at Best Spots

A professional photographer accompanies the small group, guiding participants to the shrine’s most photogenic locations. They collaborate with each person, offering personalized advice on posing, lighting, and composition to capture their best portraits.

The photo session includes:

1. Capturing natural, candid shots as the group explores the shrine grounds.
2. Arranging stylized poses at iconic backdrops, such as the vermilion torii gates and serene ponds.
3. Providing detailed guidance on how to stand, tilt the head, and angle the body for the most flattering results.

The photographer’s expert eye and hands-on assistance ensure each participant leaves with a collection of high-quality portraits that showcase the beauty of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Stories and Historical Insights

The professional photographer-guide not only captures flattering portraits but also weaves in captivating stories and historical insights about Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. As you explore the shrine, you’ll learn about its significance as the spiritual and political heart of medieval Kamakura.

The guide shares tales of the shrine’s founding in the 12th century and its role in the rise and fall of the Kamakura Shogunate. You’ll discover the meanings behind the elaborate architectural features and the importance of rituals and festivals celebrated here. These engaging narratives enrich the experience, providing a deeper understanding of the shrine’s enduring cultural and historical legacy.

Personalized Guidance on Posing

Throughout the portrait session, the photographer-guide provides personalized posing advice to help participants look their natural best. They offer tips on:

1. Angles – Suggesting slight tilts of the head or body to flatter facial features and create more dynamic compositions.
2. Hand Placement – Guiding participants on where to position their hands for a relaxed, effortless look.
3. Expressions – Encouraging natural smiles and subtle facial adjustments to bring out each person’s unique personality.

With this individualized guidance, the portraits capture the genuine essence of each participant, resulting in flattering, authentic images that they’ll cherish.

Deliverables and Exclusions

Participants receive a collection of 30+ professionally edited portraits from the photo session, delivered digitally within 72 hours. These photos capture candid and stylized moments, showcasing the beauty of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and the tour participants. The personalized guidance from the photographer-guide ensures natural, flattering poses for the portraits.

However, the tour doesn’t include transportation to and from Kamakura Station, nor the entrance ticket to the Peony Garden, which costs JPY 500. Participants are responsible for these additional expenses. Plus, the tour doesn’t provide insurance coverage, so participants should consider their own travel insurance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Tours Run Daily or on Specific Days?

The tours run on specific days, not daily. The tour details indicate the group size is limited to 8 participants, suggesting the tours are offered on select dates rather than continuously.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement?

There’s no age limit or minimum age requirement for this tour. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the small group experience, as long as they can comfortably walk the 2-hour itinerary.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Cameras During the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras during the tour. The professional photographer will provide guidance on posing and capturing the best shots, ensuring everyone gets fantastic photos to remember the experience.

Is There an Option to Add More Photography Time?

Yes, extra photography time can be added for an additional fee. Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras, but the professional photographer will provide personalized guidance and capture the best portraits during the included session.

How Long Will Participants Have to Wait for the Digital Photos?

The digital photos will be delivered within 72 hours. The tour includes a professional photographer who will capture portraits at the best photo spots, and the edited photos will be provided to participants digitally.

Recap

This Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine tour offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning photos of the shrine’s iconic locations while learning about its rich history and cultural significance. With personalized guidance on posing and a collection of professionally edited photos, participants can cherish the memories of this immersive experience. The small group size ensures ample time to explore the shrine and receive personalized attention from the professional photographer.

You can check if your dates are available here: