This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Meet at hotel
- 9:10 Depart from Nihon-odori (MM Line)
- 9:53 Arrive at Kamakura
- 10:05 Bus to Hokokuji Temple
- 10:20-11:00 Hokokuji Temple
- 11:15-12:05 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- 12:20-13:20 Lunch
- 13:30 Bus to the Great Buddha
- 13:45-14:30 Great Buddha
- 14:30-14:40 Move to Enoden Hase Station
- 14:47-14:51 To Kamakura Station
- 15:00 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at hotel at 9:00, the group explored Kanagawa until the tour ended at 15:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 12:20.
The itinerary covered Nihon-odori (MM Line) at 9:10, Kamakura at 9:53, Bus to Hokokuji Temple at 10:05, Hokokuji Temple at 10:20, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine at 11:15, Bus to the Great Buddha at 13:30, Great Buddha at 13:45, Enoden Hase Station at 14:30 and To Kamakura Station at 14:47.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nihon-odori to Kamakura by train (670JPY); Kamakura Station (East Exit)／Keikyu Bus to Jomyoji／Keikyu Bus by bus (240JPY); Jomyoji／Keikyu Bus to Hachimangu／Keikyu Bus by bus (240JPY); Kamakura Station East Exit／Enoden Bus to Daibutsu-mae／Enoden Bus by bus (240JPY); Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture) to Kamakura Station (East Exit)／Keikyu Bus by train (200JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,590JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Kamakura? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America traveling on a cruise. Because the tour date was approaching, we mainly used a messaging app to discuss the itinerary and restaurant options. Under pleasant, clear autumn skies, we enjoyed matcha amid the beautiful bamboo grove at Hokoku-ji, a temple awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, we encountered families celebrating newborn blessings and Shichi-Go-San, and shared in their happiness. At the Great Buddha, the final stop of the tour, I introduced the types of Buddhist statues, compared it with the Great Buddha of Nara, and showed the memorial to former Sri Lankan President Jayewardene, and together we wished for peace.
Along the way, at an antique shop we had the chance to handle a sword from the Edo period (and took photos), and before the tour ended, the guests were able to purchase their desired manju and daifuku at a long-established Japanese confectionery. I believe it was a day in which the guests enjoyed Kamakura, the ancient city of the samurai.
A notable stop on the tour was the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu). This monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddha stands about 11 meters tall and dates back to the mid-13th century. Once housed within a large temple hall, the structure was destroyed by storms and a tsunami centuries ago, and the statue has remained seated in the open air ever since. Today it is one of Kamakura's most iconic landmarks and a designated National Treasure of Japan.
Click here for more details: Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Nihon-odori～Kamakura | 670JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kamakura Station (East Exit)／Keikyu Bus～Jomyoji／Keikyu Bus | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Jomyoji／Keikyu Bus～Hachimangu／Keikyu Bus | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Kamakura Station East Exit／Enoden Bus～Daibutsu-mae／Enoden Bus | 240JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)～Kamakura Station (East Exit)／Keikyu Bus | 200JPY |
| Total | 1,590JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kanagawa tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 9:00, and the tour finished at at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 9:00 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nihon-odori (MM Line), Kamakura, Bus to Hokokuji Temple, Hokokuji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Bus to the Great Buddha, Great Buddha, Enoden Hase Station and To Kamakura Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,590JPY per person across 5 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Sawa is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kanagawa itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello, my name is Sawako. I grew up in Shizuoka, but I’ve been living in Kamakura for over 25 years, so it now feels like my second home.
I’ve been working as a volunteer staff member for an English community newspaper in the Shonan area for 25 years, and as a volunteer tour guide in Kamakura for the past 6 years.
Currently, I also work part-time as an English teacher for children and am studying the art of the tea ceremony.
Kamakura is known as the home of the samurai and the birthplace of Zen, both of which have had a profound influence on Japanese culture and customs.
If the weather allows, I’d be happy to guide you in a kimono, making your visit an even more memorable experience.
I look forward to meeting you and sharing a delightful time together. Thank you!