From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour

Explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Japan on the "From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour." This comprehensive tour takes visitors through the historic town of Kamakura, where they’ll marvel at iconic sites like the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine and the Great Buddha. Afterward, they’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque Enoshima Island, known for its local shops and fresh seafood. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable day filled with unique experiences.

This experience made our article of Top 20 Kamakura Tours.

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Key Points

Explore the historic city of Kamakura and scenic Enoshima Island on a 10-hour bus tour from Tokyo, priced from £42.56 per person.
Tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, English-speaking guide, and lunch, with a maximum group size of 40.
Visit Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Hase-dera Temple, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura, followed by 2 hours of free time on Enoshima Island.
Experience Japan’s ancient capital and Samurai center, admire the eleven-headed Kannon statue, and enjoy scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and reserve now, pay later option available for the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This one-day bus tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic city of Kamakura and the scenic Enoshima Island, located just outside of Tokyo.

Priced from £42.56 per person, the tour lasts 10 hours and includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.

With a maximum group size of 40, the tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour operates rain or shine, with a minimum group size of 10 required.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Shinjuku Post Office or Global Ring Café, where participants embark on a journey to explore Kamakura, Japan’s ancient capital and historic Samurai center.

The first stop is Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, a significant Shinto shrine with tranquil gardens for a self-guided tour of about 2 hours.

Next, visitors head to Hase-dera Temple to admire the eleven-headed Kannon statue and spend 50 minutes exploring.

The final Kamakura site is Kōtoku-in Temple, home to the Great Buddha, a monumental bronze statue over 11 meters tall, for a 30-minute self-guided tour.

The tour then proceeds to Enoshima Island for 2 hours of free time.

Cultural and Scenic Experiences

Visitors can explore Kamakura, Japan’s ancient capital and historic Samurai center, and marvel at the cultural and scenic highlights.

They’ll visit the revered Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, stroll Komachi Street for local culture and fresh seafood, and admire the eleven-headed Kannon statue at Hase-dera Temple.

The tour also includes the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura, a monumental bronze statue over 11 meters tall.

On Enoshima Island, guests can enjoy scenic views and explore shrines.

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy Japan’s rich history, traditions, and natural beauty.

Exploring Kamakura

First, travelers will explore the historic city of Kamakura, Japan’s ancient capital and former center of Samurai power. They’ll visit the revered Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, a significant Shinto shrine with tranquil gardens. Afterwards, they can stroll down Komachi Street to enjoy local culture, sample fresh seafood, and browse unique souvenirs.

Sight	Highlight
Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine	Tranquil gardens
Komachi Street	Local culture, fresh seafood, souvenirs
Hase-dera Temple	Eleven-headed Kannon statue
Great Buddha of Kamakura	Monumental bronze statue over 11 meters tall

Travelers will also admire the eleven-headed Kannon statue at Hase-dera Temple and marvel at the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a monumental bronze statue over 11 meters tall.

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Visiting Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine

As travelers enter the grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, they’re immediately struck by the tranquil gardens and the shrine’s impressive architectural features.

The self-guided tour allows visitors to:

Admire the grand torii gate, the largest in Kamakura, standing over 12 meters high.
Stroll through the manicured gardens, including the scenic Maiden’s Bridge.
Explore the main pavilion, featuring intricate carvings and ornate decorations.
Witness the spiritual rituals and ceremonies performed by the shrine’s priests.

The shrine’s cultural significance and serene ambiance make it a must-see during the Kamakura portion of the tour.

There's plenty more to explore in Kamakura

Strolling Komachi Street

After exploring the serene Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, travelers can now stroll down Komachi Street, Kamakura’s charming shopping district.

This lively pedestrian-only street is lined with small shops, casual eateries, and traditional Japanese souvenirs. Visitors can browse for unique local crafts, sample fresh seafood, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

The street’s historic structures and quaint ambiance offer a delightful contrast to the shrine’s tranquility. This leisurely walk allows travelers to soak up the vibrant local culture and pick up some special mementos before continuing their Kamakura adventure.

Admiring the Hase-dera Temple and Great Buddha

After visiting the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, the tour now heads to the Hase-dera Temple, a historic Buddhist temple known for its impressive eleven-headed Kannon statue.

Visitors will:

Admire the stunning architecture and tranquil gardens of the temple.
Marvel at the eleven-headed Kannon, a wooden statue over 9 meters tall.
Explore the temple’s inner sanctum and learn about its rich history and significance.
Capture panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Kamakura’s verdant landscape from the temple’s hilltop location.

Next, the tour proceeds to the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura, a colossal bronze statue over 11 meters tall.

Enjoying Enoshima Island

The tour then proceeds to the scenic Enoshima Island, where visitors can explore the island’s tranquil shrines and enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

With two hours of free time, guests can stroll along the picturesque streets, browse local shops, and savor freshly caught seafood.

The island’s main attractions include the Enoshima Shrine, the Iwaya Caves, and the observation deck atop the Enoshima Sea Candle lighthouse, which offers panoramic vistas of the Shonan coastline.

After soaking in the island’s serene atmosphere, the tour returns to the starting point in Shinjuku.

Things To Know

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for seniors or students. However, the overall price of £42.56 per person is relatively affordable, and the tour seems to provide good value based on the included experiences and transportation.

Can I Skip Certain Sites and Spend More Time Elsewhere?

Yes, you can skip certain sites and spend more time elsewhere. The tour is flexible, allowing you to adjust the itinerary based on your interests and pace. Speak with the guide to customize your experience.

What Type of Cuisine Is Served for the Included Lunch?

The tour includes a lunch, but the specific cuisine is not specified. It’s likely a Japanese-style lunch, potentially featuring local Kamakura or Enoshima seafood dishes, but the exact menu is not detailed in the tour information provided.

Is There an Option to Book Private Transportation Instead?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer an option for private transportation. The tour operates using an air-conditioned bus with an English and Chinese-speaking guide included in the price per person.

Can I Extend My Stay on Enoshima Island Independently?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay on Enoshima Island independently. The 1-day tour provides 2 hours of free time on the island, but visitors are free to explore further on their own after the guided portion of the tour.

Sum Up

This one-day bus tour from Tokyo offers a captivating blend of cultural and scenic highlights. Visitors can enjoy the rich history of Kamakura, admiring iconic sites like Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine and the Great Buddha, before enjoying the natural beauty of Enoshima Island. With a mix of guided exploration and free time, this tour provides an excellent introduction to the charms of Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture.