Kamakura offers the green mountains and the blue ocean. This is a personalized Kamakura tour, which features visiting shrines including Tsurugaoka Hachiman and temples such as Jyomyo-ji, the Great Buddha and Hase-dera, etc. These spots top the list of tourist's attractions in Kamakura. You will enjoy the historical heritages, while experiencing Japanese traditional customs and culture through strolling the path.
At your hotel in Kamakura
I will meet you at your staying hotel.
The original shrine was moved to the current location and rebuilt by Minamoto Yoritomo. Yoritomo was the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate (1185-1333).
The Kamakura Shogunate and his residence were originally situated at the foot of the hill in Okura. He was buried in a private hall called Jibutsudo, which was later called Hokedo.
Brilliant red shrine contrasts with the mountain greenery. Yoritomo, the first samurai shogun designated this shrine as a tutelar shrine for the protection of the northeast direction.
Walking up a flight of steps, you see the thatched hall in the serene precinct, which recalls ancient times. The temple was founded in the 8th century before the Kamakura Shogunate and is the oldest in Kamakura.
The beautiful front yard welcomes you! Try to listen to the sound of a breeze blowing among the bamboo leaves. The beautiful courtyard and the artificial tomb cave are good subjects for a camera.
Jyomyo-ji is ranked 5th among Kamakura's 5 Great Zen Temples. The beautiful copper-roofed main hall comes into your sight. It's a great experience to have 'Maccha', powdered green tea (700-1,100 yen), while sitting on the tatami mat floor and admiring the dry rock garden in front of you.
Enjoy the Japanese food.
The Great Buddha tops the list of tourist attractions in Kamakaura. He has been sitting outside for about 600 years. He was recently restored. He has a good shape of a nose, exotic face, realistic posture and wears a loose garment. Now he looks cool right after his face lift.
Hase-dera Temple is famous for the 9-meter-tall statue. The eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva has been worshipped as Goddess of Compassion. In the precinct you'll enjoy the beautiful garden and the magnificent view from the lookout platform.
This temple stands on the site of Ebisudo Hall which was built by Yoritomo. Buddhist priest Nichiren stayed here before travelling to Mt. Minobu.
The Hiki clan served Yoritomo but was crushed by Reagent Hojo Tokimasa. A survivor, Hiki Yoshimoto offered his mansion to priest Nichiren and today a temple stands on the site.
The tour ends at the either place.
At your hotel or Kamakura station
Hachima-gu Shrine, there are many spots of interest here! Walk on "Dankazura Approach", see the stump of the fallen big ginkgo tree of 1,000 years old and sprouting shoots, offer a prayer at the main hall, draw an oracle, write a votive tablet, look over the view of the downtown Kamakura and lots more.
We visit the grave of Yoritomo before Egara Tenjin. Sugawara Michizane was deified as Tenjin here. He was an esteemed minister and scholar in the 9th century.
After the old Sugimoto-dera, we visit Hokoku-ji temple, where you see the baboo forest and the artificial cave at the foot of the hill.
We enjoy powdered green tea at Jyomyo-ji temple. After enjoying lunch at the Japanese restaurant, we take a bus and tram to the Great Buddha.
Take a great snapshot with 13-meter-tall Great Buddha in the background.
Hase-dera Temple is famous not only for the 9-meter-tall statue called Eleven-Headed Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva), but the beautiful garden, revolving bookshelves, bell tower and cavern.
We take a bus or tram to go back to the center of the city to visit Hongaku-ji, then Myohon-ji, which is the historical site. On the approach to the temple,
there are many tall cedar trees which creates awe-inspiring atmosphere.
guide-fee
Public transportation fare for you
Taxi fare
Lunch (you and guide)
Admission to temples and exhibition hall (you and the guide)
I changed to at least three days notice.
Only available on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
*This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
*The order of itinerary is subject to change depending on operational circumstances, the traffic conditions and weather.
*Transportation fares such as bus, tram, train and taxi are not included. We may take a taxi if necessary.
*Admission to temples and exhibition hall (for you and guide) are not included.
*Lunch (for you and the guide) is not included.
*No insurance coverage
What an incredible day with Taka visiting so many shrines and temples. His knowledge is absolutely amazing. He is such a kind person and it made the day all the better. He is so welcoming that I felt I was touring Japan with an old friend. Thank you Taka for a wonderful day. Please book with Taka when you come to Kamakura!
Thank you very much for your words that surely encourages me to introduce my hometown to visitors from all of the world. I am very happy that you enjoyed the tour in Kamakura. Thank you again for appreciating my tour guide. Taka
Takayasu was an excellent guide! His explanations were clear we, enjoyed the historical information he presented. He adjusted the day at our request, because of rain and our need to be at the airport for our return home. He made sure our bags were taken care of appropriately, walking us in to the counter . I would recommend him wholeheartedly !
Hi Lorraine, Thank you very much for your great words appreciating my guiding. It is a geat honor for me to have such warm review on my Kamakura tour. It was raining hard in the morning but it became sprinkling by the time we arrived at a shrine and temples. Therefore,we could visit more spots than I ecpected. I am glad to know you liked my explanation. Both of you were so eager to listen to my historical presentation. There are lots more spots in this ancient city. So please come again and I am happy to guide you.
Great tour
Dennis, Thank you very much for your wonderful comments on my tour. I am very glad to know that you and Sandra enjoyed the traditional spots,shopping and food. You visited two of three ancient cities in Japan. I would like to show you around my home town. Kamakura which you have saved for the next visit. Please keep in touch. Takayasu
Takayasu was full of information about the area. He knew exactly where to go in the quickest time and fitted in a tea ceremony for us. We ran out of time to complete the tour. We would recommend Takayasu and his tour to anyone
Rosalie, thank you so much for your deep gratitude to me and my tour. I am happy to know that you enjoyed the wedding, tea ceremony and my talk, which is my utmost pleasure. I remember having Bento lunch to save our limited time. Please get in touch with me and set up another visit plan to Japan. Takayasu