We will start the Kamakura Full day at JR Kamakura Station and visit Hase-dera, The Great Buddha, Hachiman-gu Shrine, Meigetsu-in or Hydrangea temple, and Engaku-ji Temple.
JR Kamakura Station
Meeting point
Hase-dera Temple is famous for its 9-meter-tall Kannon statue. She has been worshipped as Goddess of Compassion. In the precinct you'll enjoy the beautiful garden and the magnificent view from the lookout platform. The revolving booksheves, the bell tower, the cavern and the statue of God of Wealth will attract your attention.
The Great Buddha tops the list of tourist attractions in Kamkaura. The statue is hollow and you may go inside the statue. 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.
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine is situated in the center of Kamakura City. Ten million people visit here in a year. There are many spots of interest here! Walk on "Dankazura Approach" is fantastic.
Yes, this is the must place to visit.
soba noodle, vegetarian food(reservation is necessary), sandwich, etc
The temple is famous for blue hydrangeas in early summer and autumn leaves. The 'Round Window' in the sanctuary, the dry landscape garden, are marvelous. The tomb cave here is the largest in Kamakaura..
The approach to Jochi-ji is covered with beautiful green mosses. Take pictures at the impressive entrance. The tall Japanese umbrella-pine tree stands in the precinct. You feel like you are walking in a highland while a fresh breeze is blowing.
Engaku-ji Temple is in front of JR Kita-Kamakura Station,and yet it has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Going up the stone steps to the entrance gate, tall ceder trees welcome the visitors. The main hall is dedicated to the seated Buddha with the crown on his head. A dragon is painted on its ceiling. There are two national treasures, the Grand Bell and the Relic Hall. The view of the garden from the abbot's hall is splendid.
End of the tour
JR Kita-Kamakura Station
Minamoto-no Yoritomo established the first samurai regime in Kamakura, and bacame the first samurai Shogun. He built Hachiman-gu shrine, where you may 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. The big gingko tree of 1000-year-old fell in 2010, but shoots are now sprouting. In Kamakura you can have a bird eye view about the ancient city.
Guide fee
Admission to temples and exhibition hall (for you and guide) are not included.
Lunch (for you and guide) is not included
Transportation fares such as bus, tram and train for you are not included. We may take a taxi if necessary.
No insurance coverage
I changed to at least three days notice.
Only available on weekdays
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking. We are in the rainy season in June.
The order of itinerary is subject to change depending on operational circumstances, the traffic conditions and weather.
We use public transportation but may take a taxi if necessary.
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