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116 Available Tour Excursions in Kamakura
Explore Kamakura's history, culture, and natural beauty with our guided walking tour. Visit iconic sites like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the Kamakura Great Buddha, and Hasedera Temple, gaining insights into their significance. Experience traditional rituals, discover artistic treasures, and enjoy the city's stunning coastal views. Savor local cuisine, from traditional dishes to hidden gems. Our small-group tour offers a personalized, hassle-free exploration of Kamakura. Join us to uncover this enchanting city's beauty, culture, and warm hospitality.
Price: $35.00
Duration: 3 hours
Ran by @guidemejapan on Instagram. Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides! Once the political heart of medieval Japan, Kamakura today offers a peaceful escape from Tokyo with its towering Buddha, ancient temples, and quiet bamboo groves. - Small group sizes (max 8 guests) for a more personal and relaxed experience. - Thoughtfully curated itinerary that covers Kamakura’s must-sees— - Led by passionate local students, creating a warm and engaging environment If you book the Tokyo Station Departure Option, the transportation fee is included to Kamakura, but not back as we end off at Kamakura.
Price: $68.25
Duration: 6 hours
Buddha, Bamboo & Zen is an all-day bespoke walking tour designed exclusively for you and your family/friends. Stroll around at your own leisurely pace, stopping whenever you feel like it. Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the Bamboo Temple (enjoy some green tea) and a famous Shinto shrine. Our guide is conscious of guests being templed out. We can call it a day whenever you are satisfied. Share your own itinerary with us & we'll tailor a day walk for your group or hand over the reins to us and we'll guide you around our favourite spots. See some man-made caves called yagura. Step back in time and learn about samurai history and zen, while enjoying the Spartan charm and understated elegance of the rustic temples. Escape the Tokyo megalopolis for a day and restore your equilibrium in this charming coastal town. A charismatic native English-speaking (Australian) local guide will make you feel at ease.
Price: $351.02
Duration: 6 hours
Mornings only. Up to 8 guests a day. a fourth-generation engraver carves your seal for you — and you also carve a stone seal by hand and try Japanese calligraphy. 1. Learn The history of hanko and how seals are used in Japan. 2. Carve a Stone Seal Yourself Take the knife in hand and engrave one character into a stone seal, guided by the craftsman. Yours to take home. 3. Try Japanese Calligraphy Hold a brush and write a kanji you choose for its meaning, stroke by stroke. 4. Have a personalized Hanko created especially for you by a professional engraver Your name in katakana, commonly used for foreign names. Kanji also available. Discuss your personal seal design directly with the craftsman 5. Choose Your Material Wood HANKO included. Buffalo horn and premium woods for an extra fee. 6. Watch the Craftsman Traditional tools, close up. Questions and photos welcome. 7. Take Home Your Seal Your finished seal with your name, the stone seal you carved, and your calligraphy.
Price: $188.38
Duration: 1 hours
Experience Kamakura's soul effortlessly. Escape the stress of navigating a new city; your local private guide ensures a seamless, insightful, and stress-free exploration of this ancient capital. Why book with us? Kamakura can be bustling. Your expert guide handles all logistics, from efficient public transport to finding hidden paths, maximizing your time for discovery. Your Journey Highlights: Great Buddha: Iconic bronze statue. Hase-dera Temple: Stunning gardens, bay views. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: Kamakura's spiritual heart. Bamboo Forest & Japanese Garden: Tranquility and reflection. Personalized & Convenient: Tour blends walking with efficient public transport, expertly managed. Just enjoy! Guide provides lunch recommendations (not included). Kimono rental can be done during the tour (price not included) Book your stress-free Kamakura adventure now!
Price: $65.00
Duration: 8 hours
Experience a Japanese tea ceremony at Chikusuian in Kita-Kamakura. Watch an instructor prepare matcha, whisk it yourself, and enjoy two servings with Japanese sweets in a peaceful tea room. During this 60-minute experience, discover the care behind the utensils and movements of the ceremony. Your instructor will guide you through basic etiquette and matcha preparation. No experience is needed, and an English interpreter will help you follow along. Enjoy two types of sweets: omogashi (a soft confection) and higashi (a dry confection). For bookings made the day before or on the day, an alternative sweet replaces the omogashi. Kneeling is not required. Seiza support stools and chair seating at a tea ceremony table are available. Take a break from exploring Kamakura's temples and historic streets to discover Japanese culture through preparing and sharing tea.
Price: $37.18
Duration: 1 hours
Would you like to make authentic Japanese sweets? In just 3 hours, you can try making traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) and visit the famous Great Buddha. You can make seasonal Japanese sweets at a world-famous shop. The designs change every month — cherry blossoms, fireworks, Christmas, and more. Friendly staff will teach you how to make them step by step, and I’ll help by translating everything into English. After you finish, you can enjoy your handmade sweets with matcha or take them home with you. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is one of Japan’s most iconic statues. I’ll share the mysteries behind the Great Buddha,and you can even step inside his massive body! During the tour, we’ll also stop by some souvenir and local food spots.You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean. Join me for an exciting, easy-to-follow tour filled with local secrets! Make you enjoy and share unforgettable moments!
Price: $101.08
Duration: 3 hours
Discover the Ancient Charm of Kamakura: Private Bike or Walking Tour! Book for a unique adventure through the historical wonders of Kamakura, where you can choose between a leisurely bike ride or a peaceful walking tour. Led by a seasoned local guide with 5 years of experience as a rickshaw driver guide through these very streets, you'll delve into the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city. Historical Landmarks: Visit iconic sites such as temples, shrines, the Great Buddha, and Hokokuji Temple. Each location holds a piece of Kamakura’s storied past, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural tapestry. Flexible Options: Choose your preferred mode of exploration—bike or walk—and switch up your schedule within the tour time frame to suit your pace and interests. Your guide will capture plenty of photos, ensuring you have lasting memories of your journey. This tour has only been offered to expats in Tokyo and their friends but opening the tour on Viator from this year!
Price: $149.51
Duration: 4 hours
Kamakura was the center of Japanese politics, with the samurai government's headquarters in the 12-14th centuries. Kamakura has many large shrines and temples that played an important role at the time, and their magnificent buildings and elegant decorations surprise and impress people. Kamakura is also full of gourmet foods and is now a famous tourist destination. From Kamakura, you can take the Enoden (train) to the Shonan area. Enoshima floats along the coast which is famous for swimming and surfing. Enoshima has an observatory deck with a panoramic view of the sea and the city. This tour will introduce you to the famous must-see spots of Kamakura and Enoshima in one day! [Visit Spots] ・Tsurugaoka Hachimangu ・Komachi street ・Kotoku-in Temple ・Hasedera Temple ・Enoshima Shrine ・Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street ・Enoshima Shrine ・Enoshima Sea Candle (Observatory Deck)
Price: $125.13
Duration: 7 hours
Start your cultural journey by crafting your own Goshuin stamp book—a treasured item in Japanese spiritual tradition—at a charming, old-style café in Kamakura. Goshuin, meaning ‘honorable red seal,’ originated centuries ago as proof of temple visits and evolved into beautiful calligraphic art combined with unique temple seals. After completing your book, savor coffee carefully roasted by the café owner or a soft drink, paired with a traditional monaka sweet. As you relax, enjoy stories from the owner about Kamakura’s history and culture. Then, take your handmade Goshuin stamp book and explore a nearby famous Hokokuji temple, known as the bamboo temple, and collect an authentic Goshuin stamp—reflections of centuries-old devotion and artistry. At the temple, you can also enjoy matcha at the traditional tea house there. This immersive experience blends tradition, local storytelling, and the serene beauty of Kamakura’s spiritual heritage.
Price: $52.00
Duration: 3 hours
You can enjoy a guided sightseeing tour only with your family and friends. This tour is a tour using public transportation. The destinations of the tour include Hase-dera Temple, Kotokuin, Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Hotoku Temple (bamboo forest). For details of the destination, you can look at the what to expect section of this web page. You will meet the guide at JR Kamakura Station west exit ticket gate and the tour will begin. The tour also ends at JR Kamakura Station.
Price: $162.51
Duration: 6 hours
Enjoy a fun and relaxing tour of historic Kamakura on this 6 hour tour with a knowledgeable guide. Visit fascinating temples and shrines and learn about Kamakura's history. Experience Japanese tea in a teahouse located in a peaceful bamboo grove. Enjoy scenic views and historic architecture. Take a stroll through Kamakura's Komachi dori and try an array of delicious local food and drink. Food and drink is included on the tour.
Price: $317.22
Duration: 6 hours
Explore Kamakura’s Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, Hokokuji Temple(Bamboo Temple), and samurai shrine on a relaxed private tour. We’ll offer a few expert-crafted itineraries to choose from, or you can fully customize your own. Your local guide shares insider insights into culture, history, and traditions, and adjusts the pace to your interests — temples, hidden gems, food, or nature. Ideal for families, culture lovers, and curious travelers seeking a personal, flexible experience.
Price: $68.25
Duration: 3-5 hours
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of anime with a photo tour at the real-life locations that inspired the hit series "Slam Dunk". Your personal photographer will guide you, capturing your adventure with expertly taken portraits against the memorable backdrops of Kamakura High School Station, its famous train crossing, and the majestic views of the sea, Enoshima Island, and Mount Fuji. Within 72 hours of your tour, you will receive 30+ professionally edited portraits in a stylish online photo gallery, a fantastic souvenir of your unique travels in Kamakura for you to share and cherish forever.
Price: $103.36
Duration: 2 hours
Kamakura used to be a center of politics in the 12th century. There are many historical places from that period. There are lots of shrines and temples. We use public transportation to visit sites. Since we are using public transportation to get around the area, we may be able to visit 3 or 4 spots. I will arrange the itinerary depending on your interests and needs.
Price: $149.51
Duration: 7 hours
Explore Kamakura's rich history and culture on a customizable half-day tour. Guided by a Kamakura-born local expert, visit iconic sites like Engaku-ji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, while enjoying the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to your interests. Savor traditional Japanese cuisine, including vegan options, and uncover hidden gems along Komachi Dori Street. This private experience ensures personal attention and a relaxed pace, making it perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers seeking a unique adventure in Kamakura. - Flexible 4-hour private tour tailored to your interests - Discover famous temples, shrines, and local artisan shops - Optional lunch at a local restaurant or vegan bento, with the flexibility to skip lunch if you prefer - Learn about Kamakura's history from a knowledgeable Kamakura-born guide
Price: $107.26
Duration: 4-5 hours
Experience Japan's most famous temples and shrines, including Kotokuin (Great Buddha) in Kamakura, on a 5-hour walking tour. Includes a delicious lunch at our restaurant. Knowledgeable local guides will lead you through the rich history behind such sights as the serene Sasuke Inari Shrine and the Zenarai Benzaiten Shrine. In addition, you will be awed by the 14-meter-high Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura) at Kotokuin Temple. The statue was built in the 13th century. A delicious lunch at La Terrasse Zen will give you a taste of traditional flavors in a peaceful atmosphere and give you time to recharge before the next part of your adventure. The tour continues at the serene Eishoji Temple, where you will get a unique perspective on Kamakura's cultural heritage. Your satisfaction is guaranteed. At Yuigahama Beach, you can end the tour in a relaxed manner, enjoying the beautiful seaside as much as you like.
Price: $130.01
Duration: 5 hours
Step into the history of Japan's shoguns with a guided tour and photo session at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. This revered shrine, once a protector of samurai, is Kamakura's most popular highlight. With magnificent traditional architecture, tranquil ponds, and enchanting gardens this is the perfect setting to capture your stunning portraits against the grandeur of the shrine. Get 30+ professionally edited portraits delivered in a stylish online photo gallery, a fantastic souvenir of your unique travels in Kamakura for you to share and cherish forever.
Price: $221.01
Duration: 2 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: JPY
- Languages: Japanese, English (commonly spoken by tourists)
- Climate: Humid subtropical
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Population: Approximately 174,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: times to visit are spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, can enter Japan visa-free for short stays up to 90 days for tourism. Others may require a visa obtained in advance. Japan does not generally offer visa on arrival but has e-visa options for certain nationalities. Travelers should check the latest requirements before visiting.
About Kamakura
Kamakura is a historic city located just south of Tokyo, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Once the political center of medieval Japan, it offers visitors a unique blend of ancient temples, shrines, and traditional streetscapes nestled among lush hills and coastal views. The city’s serene atmosphere and well-preserved landmarks make it a favorite destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling capital. Kamakura is famous for its giant bronze Buddha statue, beautiful Zen gardens, and scenic hiking trails that connect various historic sites. Its proximity to the sea also adds to its charm, offering visitors the chance to enjoy coastal scenery and fresh seafood. The combination of cultural depth, natural landscapes, and accessibility makes Kamakura a compelling destination for travelers interested in history, spirituality, and outdoor activities.
Kamakura Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Kanagawa Prefecture
- Duration Range: 2-8 hours
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best times to visit are spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Pack comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Respect local customs such as removing shoes when entering temples. Kamakura is safe, but keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas. Cash is widely used, so carry some yen, although credit cards are accepted in many places. Learning basic Japanese greetings enhances the experience.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $220
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Kamakura’s cuisine features fresh seafood, traditional Japanese sweets, and local specialties such as shirasu (whitebait) dishes. Visitors should try Kamakura-style soba noodles and matcha-flavored treats. Dining customs emphasize seasonal ingredients and presentation. Noteworthy restaurants include Komachi-dori eateries offering local snacks and specialty cafes serving matcha desserts. The city’s food culture is a delightful complement to its historic ambiance.
Getting Around
Kamakura is accessible by train from Tokyo via the JR Yokosuka Line and the Enoden Line. Local buses and trains provide convenient transport within the city. Walking is highly recommended due to the compact nature of the city and proximity of attractions. Taxi services are available but can be costly. Transportation costs are generally affordable, with day passes available for tourists.
Travel Tips
The best times to visit are spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Pack comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Respect local customs such as removing shoes when entering temples. Kamakura is safe, but keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas. Cash is widely used, so carry some yen, although credit cards are accepted in many places. Learning basic Japanese greetings enhances the experience.
Culture & Customs
Kamakura’s culture is deeply influenced by its Buddhist and Shinto heritage. Visitors should observe respectful behavior at religious sites, including quietness and proper attire. Removing shoes indoors is customary. Local festivals like the Kamakura Festival celebrate the city’s history with parades and traditional performances. Politeness and bowing are important social norms. Photography restrictions may apply in some temples.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..