Kamakura is a cozy seaside town with many historical sites and just one hour train-ride from Tokyo. It is an important city in the Japanese history because the first samurai warrior's government was established here in the 12th century and had been the political center for about 140 years. In this tour, we'll visit four popular religious sites, each with its own unque attractions.
at your hotel in Tokyo.
take a train to Kamakura, an hour train-ride from Tokyo. After getting to Kamakura, we take a local train to Hase.
Built in the mid-13th century, this is the second largest statue in Japan with 12 meters tall and 121 tons in weight.
The temple is famous for its large gilded statue of Kannon-Bosatsu and beautifully maintained garden with seasonal flowers. After visiting the temple, we stop by a nearby beach where people enjoy surfing and yachting if you like.
Kamakura is near the sea and agricultural area. You can enjoy fresh vegetables and seafood at local restaurants for lunch.
It's a Zen Buddhism temple and very popular with its beautiful bamboo grove. Zen Buddhism was introduced in Japan in the 13th century and had flourished here in Kamakura.
It was originally built in the late 12th century by Minamoto Yoritomo, the first shogun of Kamakura feudal government. Located in the center of the city, it's been a symbol of the area since then.
It's a popular shopping street for souvenirs and foods on the way to Kamakura station from the shrine.
take a train and go back to Tokyo.
at your hotel in Tokyo
1. Kamakura is an old city built by samurai warriors in the end of the 12 century. You can find its attractions which reflect samurai's spirits of simplicity and fortitude in the tour. It's interesting to find the difference between Kamakura and Kyoto that's also old city, however, built by emperors and aristocrats.
2. It is just one hour train-ride from Tokyo. You can relax for one day in a local city filled with history and nature to leave from hustle-bustle downtown Tokyo.
3. Kamakura is located near Sagami Bay. It's blessed with sea food and vegetables. You can enjoy local foods for lunch with reasonable price.
guiding fee, hotel pickup and drop-off
transportation fee for you and guide (3,000yen per adult, about $20), admissions for you (1,100yen per adult, about $8), lunch for you and guide (3,000yen per adult, about $20): Total $48
Direct bookings are not accepted. Please be sure to contact me in advance of your desired tour date.
1. Charges during the tour: Transportation fee is about 3,000 yen (about $20) per adult, including JR train, Enoden local train and bus in Kamakura. Admissions are 1,100 yen (about $8) per adult. Lunch fee is about 3,000 yen (about $20) per adult. (rate: 150 yen/$)
2.This is a tour enjoying walking around the sightseeing spots. You are recommended to wear shoes suitable for walking. We usually don't use a tourist taxi.
3.If you have any food restrictions such as vegetarians, gluten free, please let me know in advance.
4.The tour is not covered with any travel insurances. I'd recommend that you buy your own travel insurance in case of any unexpected accidents, losses, or breaking other's properties. Of course, I'll do my best to keep you away from such risks.
5. Your request of the tour is accepted 4 days before the tour.
It's a casual style Macha tea ceremony. You can select whether you sit on tatami mats or chairs. You can enjoy thick green tea and traditional Japanese sweets while watching a refined dry stone garden in the tea house. You usually attend the ceremony with other small groups. If you don't do it, we skip Jomyoji.
(1) Transportation fare for you and guide : about 3,000 yen per adult, including JR train, Enoden local train and bus in Kamakura.
(2) Attractions for you : about 2,200 yen per adult, including temples and tea ceremony. No need for the guide.
(3) Lunch for you and guide : about 2,000 yen per adult.
We booked Toru for a full day tour of Hakone and I am so glad we did. With his military and logistics background he will get you to the destination efficiently and on time. With his guidance we are positive we saved hours of time, which led to us having a more enjoyable trip. Toru is full of wonderful historical facts and interesting pieces of information. He is a true professional who gets our highest recommendation.
Hi Layla, thank you very much for your warm comments about the tour. I was so happy to share a pleasant time with both of you in Hakone. We were able to finish the tour smoothly thanks to you. Unfortunately, we couldn't see the shy Mt. Fuji this time, but let's hope for next time! Enjoy your trip in the Kansai region for the remaining days in Japan.
Toru is very friendly, knowledgeable & helpful. He gave us a wonderful introduction to the history & culture of Tokyo & also the practicalities of negotiating the city. A highlight was the delicious lunch we enjoyed at an authentic sushi bar. We would highly recommend this tour. Thank you Toru! Simon & Heather
Thank you very much for your warm comments about the Tokyo tour. It was unusually hot for this time of the year yesterday and I suppose it was tough for the two of you who had just arrived from the country in the spring. However, I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. The temperature is expected to drop a bit next week, so it will be a little easier to spend the day. Enjoy your trip in Japan for two more weeks.
I highly recommend a tour with Toru. His English is exceptional and his knowledge was vast. He was friendly, generous and found a vegetarian friendly cafe for us to eat at. We learnt alot and enjoined discovery a little of Tokyo. Thank you Toru for providing ann amazing tour and making the start of our trip to Tokyo so enjoyable.
Thank you very much for your high evaluation of the tour and warm comments for me. I know you must have been tough with the heat exceeding 30 degrees, but I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Please be careful of heatstroke during the rest of your stay in Japan and enjoy your trip. Say hello to your lovely daughter, too.
One of there best guides we had in Japan. Toru was warm, insightful and attentive to our family of 6 as we explored Hakone and the surrounding area. He made sure we experienced the beauty and history of the region. Highlight of the day was an incredible meal at Itoh and a visit to the open air museum. Toru is unbelievable and highly highly recommended.
Hi Oz and Yael, thank you very much for your warm comment and high rating on the tour. I'm very glad to get it. I was also happy to share a pleasant time with you and your family. I'm looking forward to seeing you again in another season in Japan. At that time, I'd like you to see the majestic view of Mt. Fuji. Please give my best wishes to your lovely children.