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Buddha, Bamboo & Zen: Kamakura Walking Tour
5.0
25 Ratings
Kamakura
Discover Kamakura’s Great Buddha, Bamboo Temple, and Shinto shrine on a bespoke walking tour. Enjoy samurai history and zen with a local guide.
Discover Kamakura’s Great Buddha, Bamboo Temple, and Shinto shrine on a bespoke walking tour. Enjoy samurai history and zen with a local guide.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura) - The tour kicks off with a visit to Kotoku-in, a revered Buddhist temple. Here, visitors can marvel at the impressive Great Buddha of Kamakura, a renowned bronze statue. Originally crafted in wood and later cast in bronze in the 13th century, this 13.35-meter statue is a sight to behold. For a nominal fee of…
- Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura) - The tour kicks off with a visit to Kotoku-in, a revered Buddhist temple. Here, visitors can marvel at the impressive Great Buddha of Kamakura, a renowned bronze statue. Originally crafted in wood and later cast in bronze in the 13th century, this 13.35-meter statue is a sight to behold. For a nominal fee of 50 yen, guests can explore the statue’s interior. General admission is 300 yen, while children aged 6-12 can enter for 150 yen, and children under 6 enjoy free entry.
- Hase-dera Temple - Discover the breathtaking 9.18-meter tall “Eleven-headed Kannon” wooden statue, intricately carved 1,304 years ago in 721 AD.
Stroll through the exquisite gardens, showcasing a wide array of flowers blooming year-round. The hydrangea path in June is particularly enchanting, featuring over 40 varieties of hydrangea flowers adorning the hills.
Take in the picturesque view of the sea and the town of Kamakura.
Admire the thousand jizo statues lined up in long rows.
Explore a small cave and appreciate the statue of Benzaiten and her followers carved into the rock walls.
- Hokoku-ji Temple Bamboo Grove - Hokoku-ji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1334, is fondly known as the “Bamboo Temple.” The highlight of a visit here is the 2,000 moso bamboo plants. For a small fee of ¥600, visitors can enjoy authentic matcha green tea in a teahouse overlooking the stunning bamboo grove. Listen closely to hear the wind whispering through the bamboo. Seasonal flowers, moss gardens, bonsai, and statues enhance the temple grounds.
- Komachi - Komachi Street is the main pedestrian shopping street in the heart of Kamakura. It’s a delight to explore the street’s nooks and crannies. Visitors can indulge in a variety of dining options, including fresh local seafood, gourmet burgers, craft beers and sake, desserts, coffee shops, and tasty street snacks. Kimono rentals are available for a day of sightseeing. Souvenir shops offer knives, ceramics, personalized name-engraved chopsticks, retro toys, trinkets, and more. There’s even an indoor pig park where guests can cuddle a micro baby pig.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura’s most significant Shinto shrine. Established in 1063, it is dedicated to Hachiman, the guardian deity of warriors. Visitors approach the shrine via Wakamiya Ōji street, passing under red Shinto gates known as “torii.” A small bridge crosses a canal connecting two ponds. Further along, a pavilion called ‘Maiden’ awaits. With luck, visitors might witness a traditional Japanese wedding, dance, or music performance here. Climbing the Great Stone Steps leads to the shrine’s main hall, offering a splendid panoramic view of the city. Many come to this famous shrine to make wishes and pray for good fortune.
What's Included
- Guiding services
- Guiding services
What's Not Included
- Temple admission fees are excluded & must be paid by each guest separately (approx. 2,000 yen)
- Lunch
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
- Temple admission fees are excluded & must be paid by each guest separately (approx. 2,000 yen)
- Lunch
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
Additional Information
Buddha, Bamboo & Zen offers a personalized all-day walking tour crafted just for you and your family or friends. Enjoy a leisurely stroll at your own pace, pausing whenever you wish. Explore the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the Bamboo Temple (where you can savor some green tea), and a renowned Shinto shrine. Our guide is mindful of guests’ preferences and…
Buddha, Bamboo & Zen offers a personalized all-day walking tour crafted just for you and your family or friends. Enjoy a leisurely stroll at your own pace, pausing whenever you wish. Explore the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the Bamboo Temple (where you can savor some green tea), and a renowned Shinto shrine. Our guide is mindful of guests’ preferences and will conclude the tour whenever you feel content.
Share your itinerary with us, and we’ll customize a day walk for your group, or let us take the lead and show you our favorite spots.
Discover the man-made caves known as yagura.
Travel back in time to learn about samurai history and zen, while appreciating the Spartan charm and subtle elegance of the rustic temples.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for a day and find balance in this delightful coastal town.
A friendly native English-speaking (Australian) local guide will ensure you feel comfortable.
- Please note that I have allocated two hours travel time to access the various attractions on foot, train and bus and also to include rest and food/drink breaks.
- We recommend that each guest bring 2,000 yen to cover temple admission fees & transportation. Some extra cash for food & drinks is also recommended.
Location
鎌倉駅［東口］（バス）
Your guide will be waiting for you outside the East Exit of Kamakura train station. He will be standing in front of the Kamakura Tourist Information Centre and holding up a placard with 'Buddha, Bamboo & Zen' on it.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(25 Ratings)
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Deanna_n
Jan 7, 2026
The highlight of our two week trip - It’s just simply hard to express in words the amazing day our family spent in Kamakura with Brad. We booked the tour last minute around the holidays as we were looking to see a different side of Tokyo beyond the flashing lights and crowds. Bamboo, Buddha and Zen was the antidote. We were grateful that he made time for us last minute. Brad was great with communication from the start and was patient and guided us when we found ourselves at the wrong train stop. We were also drawn to having Brad as an English speaking guide and hearing about his experience of Japan and the culture as a transplant. During the tour, we found Brad to be chock full of information, easy going, considerate, professional, and easy to talk to. We were a diverse group including a teenager, young adult and middle aged folks and he was able to connect easily with us all. We learned so much at the temples, enjoyed matcha in the bamboo garden, and had the most delicious meal of our trip in Kamakura. We appreciated that he always was considerate to ask if we wanted photos taken and to keep safe our tickets and pamphlets as mementos. Brad insisted on remaining with us and escorting us back to the station at the end of the day - despite our retail meanderings along the way. If you’re thinking about this tour, we really can’t recommend it quite enough. You won’t regret it.
Review provided by Viator
Cineequaj
Dec 5, 2025
A Perfect Day in Kamakura – Buddha, Bamboo & Zen Tour - We had such a wonderful experience on the Buddha, Bamboo & Zen tour! It was very easy to get out to Kamakura and meet our guide, Brad, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the day flow perfectly. We learned so much about the local history and temples, and Brad took us to some truly beautiful spots — including a few hidden gems we’d never have found on our own.
He was amazingly patient while we waited for our goshuins, and he also knew all the best angles for photos — we came away with so many Instagram-worthy shots! The highlights for us were visiting Hasedera Temple and enjoying matcha tea in the serene bamboo grove — such a peaceful, unforgettable experience.
We even did a bit of shopping at the end and picked up some unique, personalized souvenirs that will always remind us of the day. This was easily one of the biggest highlights of our trip to Japan. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Kamakura!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Francineau8976cl
Oct 25, 2025
Fantastic tour! - Fantastic Tour with Brad, this tour was definitely the highlight of my trip to Japan. Brad is very knowledgeable, and personable, and has extensive knowledge of the area and of Japan. He will also customize depending on what the group wants. The off the beaten path noodle lunch experience was amazing. I highly recommend this tour, it’s a great way to experience kamakura
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidstevenlewis
Oct 24, 2025
Highlight of our trip!! - Brad came highly recommended by a family member who did his tour a few months back & we can't thank her enough!
We loved the Seven Passes hiking tour for so many reasons. The terrain was beautiful, and the peace & serenity of the surroundings felt a world away from the hustle & bustle of Tokyo. Being off the beaten path was a lovely antidote to the more touristy attractions and through Brad's extensive knowledge & guidance we learned so much of the amazing history of the area.
Getting to experience local spots, residents, culture & cuisine made it that much more unique and special.
Thanks so much Brad!! We look forward to recommending your tours to anyone we know traveling there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M2905nqanthonyd
Oct 6, 2025
Escape Tokyo for a day and Uncover the Secrets of Kamakura! - I discovered BB&Z through a close friend who highly recommended Brad's walking tour. I experienced this tour as a solo guest visiting from Los Angeles.
I met up with Brad at the Kamakura train station after an easy 50 minute journey by train from Tokyo (which was just as easy to take back after a full day in the region).
It was immediately obvious that Brad, who immigrated to Japan from Austrailia, is incredibly passionate about this region. Throughout the day I benefitted from his encyclopedic knowledge about the history, culture, and geography of the surrounding area gained over his 20 years living there... and got to know a great guy through the experience.
In addition to an understanding of the region that surpasses that of even lifelong residents, it was also clear Brad is quite skilled at reading his audience and tailoring sugestions and nuances of the day to meet the desires and requirements of any mix of guests. Another benefit, Brad's ability to speak Japanese as well as read Kanji and Hiragana was like having cheat codes getting around for this gaijin.
We sipped matcha, talked endlessly, walked gardens, took a stroll down the main shopping district, and enjoyed a rare opportunity to dine on Nagashi Somen "Flowing noodles", a summertime tradition, for lunch.
The sights, sounds, and great food coupled with two Gen Xr's sharing our experiences growing up living on opposite sides of the planet made for the highlight of my trip to Japan.
Visit Kamakura and book this tour. You will see a side of Kamakura, and Japanese culture that you will otherwise miss out on.
Great fun, thank you Brad!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Climber62785400025
Jul 31, 2025
Incredible experience - a tour like no other! - I found Buddha, Bamboo, & Zen online. Brad (tour operator) was incredibly responsive to my questions and many emails. Together we designed a tour that would visit each of the locations I was interested in seeing, and maximized the day. My tour ended up being 10 hours of leisurely travel and incredible conversation through Kamakura and surrounding areas. We focused on different temples and experiences (like drinking tea in the bamboo forest), seeing and moving through the area like locals, and we even had an amazing gastronomic experience overlooking the beach. I cannot recommend Brad highly enough - he is knowledgeable about the area and its history - it was like having my own private historian on tour. He was helpful in all parts of the process, including providing train routes and valuable websites to get me from my hotel in Yokohama to Kamakura. Brad - thanks for an absolutely amazing experience in Kamakura and Enoshima!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D7761xbjuliam
Jul 13, 2025
Trip highlight - This was one of the most fantastic parts about our trip to Japan! Brad made things easy from before our trip started to after our trip ended. He knows the area well and was able to answer all of our questions and there were many! He was definitely the best tour guide of the trip. We enjoyed the pace, the views, and especially the expertise. We would go back in a heartbeat and maybe go on a hike next time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthonyfy2077ot
Jun 12, 2025
The best Tour EVER! - Brad’s off the beaten track ‘Seven Passes’ option was brilliant. I retraced the footsteps of samurai via one of the seven secret passes used to transport goods into Kamakura during the 13th century.
Brad’s intimate knowledge of Kamakura was superb. He enthusiastically regaled me with historical stories of the area.
As I was a solo traveller, Brad tailored his tour to suit my requirements. For the first half of the day, we only saw one other person - so I could avoid the crowds.
Sipping matcha tea in the bamboo temple was super relaxing. I was also impressed by the magnificent Big Buddha statue & the wooden statue of Kannon at Hasedera. We rounded out the day with a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine where Brad showed me the correct shrine etiquette.
If you are looking for a cultural tour steeped in history, I highly recommend Brad from Buddha, Bamboo & Zen. Thanks, Brad
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonas_d
Apr 16, 2025
This tour is a MUST! - This tour was amazing and Brad, the guide was beyond helpful from start to finish. Even before the tour Brad helped explain getting a Suica card and where I could access additional cash if needed.
As for the tour, Kamakura is beautiful and you can tell Brad loves his home. He took his time explaining everything about each location and provided history and insights into everything. He also helped us get around and navigate the shoping district.
This tour was amazing and I can't say enough nice things about the guide.
Review provided by Viator
Onair791585
Mar 8, 2025
Amazing day trip - Brad was the best guide we've ever had ! Incredibly knowledgeable about everything related to this beautiful town. Highly recommend , amazing day trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor