Embark on a cultural journey from Tokyo to Kamakura, exploring iconic temples, serene forests, and vibrant streets with an expert guide.
Embark on a cultural journey from Tokyo to Kamakura, exploring iconic temples, serene forests, and vibrant streets with an expert guide.
- Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura) - The Great Buddha of Kamakura (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu) is a magnificent bronze statue of Amida Buddha, located on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. Standing at 11.4 meters tall, it has long been the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, only surpassed by the statue in Nara’s Todaiji Temple and some…
- Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura) - The Great Buddha of Kamakura (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu) is a magnificent bronze statue of Amida Buddha, located on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. Standing at 11.4 meters tall, it has long been the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, only surpassed by the statue in Nara’s Todaiji Temple and some newer creations.
The statue was cast in 1252 and was originally housed inside a large temple hall. However, the temple buildings were repeatedly destroyed by typhoons and a tsunami in the 14th and 15th centuries. Since the late 15th century, the Buddha has stood in the open air.
- Hase-dera Temple - Hasedera (長谷寺) is a temple of the Jodo sect, renowned for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The 9.18-meter-tall, gilded wooden statue is considered one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan and can be admired in the temple’s main building, the Kannon-do Hall. According to legend, it was carved from the same tree as the similarly tall Kannon statue venerated at the Hasedera Temple in Nara Prefecture.
Next to the main hall is the Kannon Museum, a small museum that requires an additional entrance fee. It showcases more of the temple’s treasures, including Buddhist statues, a temple bell, and a picture scroll. Explanatory signs are in Japanese, and an English pamphlet with basic explanations is available. On the opposite side of the main hall stands the Amida-do Hall with an almost three-meter-tall, golden statue of Amida Buddha.
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Hokoku-ji Temple Bamboo Grove - Originally established during the early years of the Muromachi Period (1333-1573), Hokokuji was the family temple of the ruling Ashikaga Clan and later became the family temple of the Uesugi Clan.
The hall houses a statue of the historic Buddha (Shaka Nyorai), the temple’s main object of worship. To the left of the main hall stands a distinctive bell tower with a simple, thatched straw roof, which was also a feature of the original main hall before it burned down.
Hokokuji Temple is best known for the beautiful, small bamboo grove found behind the temple’s main hall, which is dense with over 2000 dark green bamboo stalks. A few narrow pathways lead through the bamboo to a tea house where, for a small fee, visitors can enjoy a cup of matcha tea while taking in views of the bamboo grove. Also located behind the temple are a series of shallow caves carved into the hillsides, believed to hold the ashes of some of the later Ashikaga lords. -
Shirahata Shrine, Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine - Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (鶴岡八幡宮, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū) is Kamakura’s most significant shrine. It was founded by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063 and expanded and relocated to its current site in 1180 by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura government.
The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin, who has been identified with Hachiman, Hime-gami, and Empress Jingu are enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. - Kamakura Goro Kamakura Komachi Street Honten - A peaceful oasis within easy reach of Tokyo’s bustling streets, the city of Kamakura is perhaps best known for its many historic temples and shrines, set against a serene landscape of wooded hills. Spend just a little time here, and you’ll soon discover a wealth of experiences, from top-notch cafes, bakeries, and restaurants to a vibrant creative scene.

- Bottled water
- Road tolls
- Fuel surcharges
- Bottled water
- Road tolls
- Fuel surcharges
- Meals
- Meals
Embark on a full-day journey from Tokyo to Kamakura to uncover the spiritual and historical heart of Japan. Marvel at the renowned Great Buddha (Daibutsu), wander through the peaceful Hasedera Temple with its breathtaking coastal vistas, and stroll through the serene bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple. Revel in the majesty of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine…
Embark on a full-day journey from Tokyo to Kamakura to uncover the spiritual and historical heart of Japan. Marvel at the renowned Great Buddha (Daibutsu), wander through the peaceful Hasedera Temple with its breathtaking coastal vistas, and stroll through the serene bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple. Revel in the majesty of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and savor local treats while exploring Komachi Street, celebrated for its shopping and traditional snacks. Perfect for those seeking a cultural retreat just beyond the city.
- Full-day excursion from Tokyo to Kamakura (9-10 hours)
- Discover iconic attractions like the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple
- Benefit from comfortable round-trip transportation and an English-speaking guide
- Delight in local cuisine and shopping on Komachi Street
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.