Kamakura Private Tour: Temples, Nature, and the Great Buddha
At a glance
Kamakura Private Tour: Temples, Nature, and the Great Buddha is a 5h private experience in Kamakura, Japan, operated by Trip Designer Inc.. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 130 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $131.02 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura), All fees and taxes, Hasedera Temple.
Highlights
- Rated 4.9/5 by 130 travellers
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 7 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 5h
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Set between the mountains and the sea, Kamakura is a city shaped by centuries of spiritual devotion and military power. Once a stronghold of the samurai and a center of religious life, this coastal gem remains one of Japan’s most beloved destinations full of temples, culture, and peaceful nature.
From towering Buddha statues to sacred shrines, quiet beaches, and streets filled with local life, Kamakura invites you to explore its deeply rooted traditions.
・Visit ancient temples surrounded by nature and participate in traditional Japanese customs
・Marvel at the Great Buddha and other iconic religious statues that have stood the test of time
・Walk along Kamakura’s seaside the closest beach escape from the city and a favorite among locals
What's included
What's included
- Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
- All fees and taxes
- Hasedera Temple
- Jochiji Temple
- English Speaking Guide
- Photos of Tour Participants
Not included
- Food and drink
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Available for an extra fee)
- Taxi / Private Car or Bus
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 25m
A quiet and serene Zen temple surrounded by forest, the Jochiji temple was built in 1281 by Hojo Tokoyori, a leader of the Kamakura Shogunate, in order to honour his son who had died young. It is nice to stroll through the grounds of this temple, enjoying the lush flowerbeds and bamboo groves. Remember to rub the belly of the statue of Hotei, as this is said to bring you good fortune.
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Stop 2 · 40m
Enjoy the beautiful nature around the pass.
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Stop 3 · 25m
Next you will walk along the Daibutsu Hiking Course through the mountains until you reach a mysterious hole in the hillside, framed by a torii gate. Go through that hole and you'll find the Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine. Built in 1185, the shrine strongly emits the scent of incense and is filled with a rare blend of both Shinto and Buddhist monuments. Explore until you find a small cave with a natural spring bubbling inside. Here, people wash their money in the spring's water as it is said that money washed in spring will double in the summer.
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Stop 4 · 20m
According to legend, the first Shogun of Kamakura Minamoto Yoritomo was visited in his dream by a white fox (known as Inari) who advised him how to win a battle against his enemies. Emerging from the battle victorious, Minamoto built the Sasuke Inari Shrine in gratitude. Set in the mountains surrounded by dense green forest, there you can find a tunnel comprised of over 100 red torii gates, just like Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. The shrine also contains hundreds of mini white inari foxes and the site of an ancient "hidden village".
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Stop 5 · 20m
The great Kamakura Buddha stands at 13.35m tall and weights about 121 tonnes. The construction of the bronze statue of Buddha as it appears today dates from 1252. It is one of the biggest Buddha statues in Japan and is definitely worth seeing. You can even enter inside the great statue.
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Stop 6 · 30m
Hasedera Temple is located about halfway up Mount Kamakura. The temple, therefore, has excellent views south over the ocean and the picturesque Yuigahama Beach. During June and July you can see the grounds full of blooming hydrangeas. Hasedera is home to a 9.18m tall Kannon statue with 11 heads - one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan. There is also a small but spooky and atmospheric cave to explore in the gardens.
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Stop 7 · 15m
The beach faces south so you are always going to see the sun over the ocean from this point. Relax and chill here and catch the lovely views! During summer there is an open air market called the Umi-no-ie which is good to check out.
Meeting point
Your guide will waiting for you at the west exit of Kita-Kamakura station.
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please add 8000 yen per person to the tour price for hotel pick up
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Tour duration can be extended at a rate of 1,000 yen per person, per half hour, payable in cash.
- You will walk at least 5 km including a mountain pass. So please wear shoes that are easy to walk in.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Kamakura Private Tour: Temples, Nature, and the Great Buddha take?
The experience lasts about 5h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $131.02 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura); All fees and taxes; Hasedera Temple; Jochiji Temple; English Speaking Guide; Photos of Tour Participants.
Where does it start?
Your guide will waiting for you at the west exit of Kita-Kamakura station.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 130 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Kamakura.
