15 Top Tours In Kamakura (With Reviews & Prices)

Kamakura is a treasure trove of historical sites, scenic views, and cultural experiences. It’s just a short train ride from Tokyo, yet feels worlds away with its laid-back temples and ocean breezes. Whether you’re after a deep dive into temples like Hasedera, a stroll through Komachi Street, or a peaceful bike ride along the coast, Kamakura offers plenty of options. We particularly love the private guided walking tour for its personalized touch, and the scenic bike tour for a relaxed, active way to see the sights. Plus, with so many well-reviewed options, you’re sure to find a tour that matches your pace and interests.

Kamakura tours cover a wide spectrum — from quick half-day strolls to full-day explorations, private guides to group adventures, and active bike rides to cultural walkabouts. Each offers a different way to experience the city’s highlights, giving you the chance to see the Great Buddha, explore Hasedera Temple, or wander down Komachi Street without the hassle of planning every detail. Below, we’ve ranked and described the top tours, so you can pick the one that best fits what you want to get out of your visit.

1. From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour

This popular day trip from Tokyo takes you to two of Kanagawa’s most iconic spots: Kamakura and Enoshima Island. For just $54, you get a comfortable bus ride, a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, and access to Enoshima Island’s scenic beauty. The tour also includes time to see the massive Great Buddha and admire the Eleven-Headed Kannon at Hase-dera. It’s rated 4.5 out of 5 from over 1,100 reviews, indicating great value for a no-fuss, guided experience.

What makes this tour stand out is its straightforward logistics and a perfect introduction for first-timers. You’ll enjoy a mix of cultural sights and seaside views, all in one day. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive glimpse of Kamakura’s main attractions without worrying about transportation or entry fees. A solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who want convenience.

Bottom Line: A reliable, well-reviewed option offering a full day of sightseeing with minimal planning needed, perfect for first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule.

2. Kamakura Private Tour: Temples, Nature, and the Great Buddha

This private guided tour is priced at $98.44 and lasts about five hours. It includes admission to Hasedera, Jochiji, and the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, plus a visit to Kamakura’s scenic hiking trails and seaside vistas. Your guide will tailor this walk to your interests, making it a personal and in-depth experience.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on natural and spiritual sites. You’ll walk through peaceful forests, explore remote shrines like Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine, and learn about local legends from your guide. The reviews praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, with many mentioning how much more they learned about Kamakura’s spiritual heritage in just a few hours. It’s best suited for travelers who want a flexible, personalized day with a mix of culture and nature.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a curated, intimate experience. It’s a step beyond the usual sightseeing, with emphasis on storytelling and discovery.

3. Kamakura Historical Walking Tour with the Great Buddha

For around $98.44, this small-group walking tour offers a thorough introduction to Kamakura’s history and culture. You’ll visit Kamakura’s iconic temples and shrines, such as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Hasedera, with snacks and insights included along the way. It’s rated 5 out of 5 from nearly 130 reviews, highlighting its value and engaging narration.

The tour emphasizes local stories and cultural context, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those craving an educational experience. The guide shares details about Kamakura’s role as Japan’s medieval capital, making each site come alive. Guests love the mix of history and food, and many mention how the snacks help keep their energy up. It’s suited for travelers who want a balanced, well-rounded overview.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for first-time visitors eager to understand Kamakura’s place in Japanese history, with the comfort of a small-group setting.

4. Kamakura Walking Tour – The City of Shogun

This 3.5-hour guided walk costs just $35 and packs in many highlights. You’ll explore Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Komachi Street, and of course, the Great Buddha. The tour’s focus is on Kamakura’s samurai heritage, with stops at historic sites and artistic treasures.

The reviews note the “personalized experience” and the opportunity to learn about Japan’s feudal past through the guide’s storytelling. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a quick, inexpensive overview without sacrificing depth. The downside? It’s a bit shorter, so you’ll need to prioritize your favorite sites.

Bottom Line: An affordable, efficient tour designed for those who want a quick, insightful taste of Kamakura’s history and culture.

5. Tokyo Private Car Tour: Kamakura, Enoshima & Yokohama Highlights

If comfort and flexibility matter most, this full-day private car tour is hard to beat. For $1,202.14, up to 8 people can explore Kamakura, Enoshima, and Yokohama at their own pace. Your driver-guide will tailor the itinerary, making sure you see the Great Buddha, Hasedera, Hokoku-ji bamboo grove, and more.

What sets this apart is the customization and convenience. You avoid train schedules and enjoy seamless transfers. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to visit multiple major sights comfortably. It’s best suited for families or groups who want to maximize their sightseeing time and don’t mind splurging a bit for convenience.

Bottom Line: For groups seeking a stress-free, personalized experience covering multiple destinations, this private tour offers luxury and flexibility.

6. Exciting Kamakura – One Day Tour from Tokyo

This 8.5-hour private tour costs $145.31 per person and offers an intimate look at Kamakura’s top temples and historical sites. It features hotel pickup, and guides customize the visit based on your interests. The tour includes stops at Kotoku-in, Hasedera, and Temples, seasoned with local insights.

Guests appreciate the flexibility and detailed explanations, with reviews citing the knowledgeable guide and well-paced schedule. Some mention that weather can influence the experience, but overall, it’s a great value for those wanting a comprehensive, guided day.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a full-day, personalized exploration without the hassle of navigation or logistics.

7. From Tokyo: Kamakura & Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour

For $66, this guided bus tour offers a hassle-free way to see Kamakura and Enoshima Island in one day. It includes visits to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Kotokuin, plus free time on Komachi Street. Rated 4.5 out of 5, it balances affordability with convenience.

The tour is perfect if you prefer not to worry about train schedules or navigating public transport. Reviewers mention that guides provide interesting facts, and the panoramic views from Enoshima are a highlight. It’s best suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, group experience.

Bottom Line: A cost-effective, easy way to tick Kamakura’s main sights off your list with minimal planning.

8. Kamakura: Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide

This 4-6 hour private walking tour costs $105 per person. Your local guide will take you through the key sites and hidden treasures of Kamakura, customizing the route. It emphasizes personalized insights and takes about 4-6 hours, perfect for those wanting a flexible experience.

Guests rave about guides like An and Shinji, noting their knowledge and friendliness. The tour covers the Great Buddha, Hasedera, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, with plenty of time for questions and photos. It’s great for travelers who want a tailored experience that suits their pace.

Bottom Line: A flexible, personalized tour ideal for visitors who prefer to customize their day with a local expert.

9. Buddha, Bamboo & Zen – Bespoke Kamakura Private Walking Tours

At number 9, this bespoke, full-day tour priced at $355.80 for groups of up to six offers total customization. You’ll enjoy visits to Kotoku-in, Hasedera, and Hokoku-ji Bamboo Temple, with a relaxed pace and options to include or skip sites.

It’s perfect for families or friends who want a tailored experience, with the luxury of calling it a day whenever they wish. Reviewers mention the personalized itinerary and the opportunity to enjoy matcha at Hokoku-ji. It’s best suited for those with specific interests or who want to avoid large group tours.

Bottom Line: A premium private experience for groups seeking total control over their Kamakura day.

10. First time in Kamakura? Enjoy a Tour of All Must-sees!

This private, 7-hour tour costing $143.71 is designed for newcomers. It hits all the essential sights — including the Great Buddha, Hase-dera, Komachi Street, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Guides offer insider tips on the best local eateries and hidden spots.

Guests love the comprehensive itinerary and the ability to ask questions along the way. It’s a balanced mix of culture, shopping, and scenic views, making it perfect for first-timers who want a hassle-free overview in a single day.

Bottom Line: A great introduction for first-time visitors who want a full picture of Kamakura’s highlights without missing a thing.

11. Kamakura Tours Half Day or Full Day Tours with a local guide

Priced at $70, this local guide tour offers an 8-hour experience. It’s a relaxed way to see the Great Buddha, Hasedera, Komachi Street, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, with the guide handling all logistics.

Reviewers say the guide was friendly and knowledgeable, making complex public transport easy to navigate. It’s suitable for travelers who want a personalized, stress-free day with some flexibility to customize the stops.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a hassle-free, personally guided experience with local insights.

12. Kamakura Heritage Bike or Walk Tour with ex-Rickshaw guide

Rated 5 out of 5, this bike or walk tour costs $150.24 per person for about four hours. Led by a seasoned ex-rickshaw guide, it features visits to the Great Buddha, Hasedera, and Hokoku-ji Bamboo Forest.

What makes this tour special is the personal connection with a guide who has 5 years of experience. Guests love the mix of history, scenery, and local stories. The bike option is gentle, making it accessible for most fitness levels. It’s perfect for active travelers who want a more immersive experience.

Bottom Line: A memorable, engaging way to see Kamakura’s highlights with a knowledgeable local guide.

13. Kamakura: Great Buddha, Hase Temple, & Komachi Street Tour

This guided tour, priced at $512 for up to six people, is a full-day trip emphasizing the Great Buddha, Hase Temple, and Komachi Street. It features local transportation, including a small train, and a traditional Japanese lunch.

Rated 5 out of 5, travelers appreciate the detailed planning and the opportunity to see multiple sites efficiently. It’s ideal for group travelers who want a comprehensive experience with transportation included, and the focus on authentic local food adds a nice touch.

Bottom Line: Best suited for groups wanting an all-inclusive, well-organized day with local food and transport.

14. Kamakura Bamboo Forest and Great Buddha Private Tour

This private day tour costs $176.37 for about nine hours, visiting Hasedera, Kotoku-in, Hokoku-ji Bamboo Garden, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Led by a guide familiar with public transport, it allows a leisurely exploration of Kamakura’s most scenic sites.

Guests mention the extensive bamboo garden and the opportunity to enjoy matcha at Hokoku-ji. Its flexible pace appeals to travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience with plenty of time for photos and questions.

Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want a comprehensive, comfortable, and authentic tour at a leisurely pace.

15. Kamakura Scenic Bike Tour

At number 15, this bike tour costs $134.38 per person for approximately six hours. It offers a gentle ride through Kamakura’s scenic spots, including Yuigahama Beach, the giant Buddha, and local markets.

What makes it stand out is its small group size (max 5) and easy terrain, suitable for all ages from 10 to 70. The guide shares stories about the history and culture of Kamakura while you pedal along the coast and through residential neighborhoods.

Bottom Line: A relaxed, scenic way to experience Kamakura’s highlights with a small group and expert guidance.

How to Choose the Right Tour for You

When selecting a Kamakura tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you prefer a comprehensive, all-inclusive experience, a private tour like Buddha, Bamboo & Zen might be best. For those wanting a more active day, the scenic bike tour or the heritage bike or walk offers memorable adventures. Budget travelers will appreciate the affordable group walks or day trips.

Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons like spring and autumn, to secure your preferred date and guide.

Kamakura is a place where history, nature, and spirituality come together effortlessly. Whether you’re after a private guided walk, a scenic bike ride, or a full-day adventure, the right tour can turn your trip into a memorable journey. For first-timers, a comprehensive guided tour ensures you hit the highlights without missing a thing. For active travelers, the scenic bike tour offers a gentle, scenic exploration. Whatever your style, early booking guarantees an authentic experience in this charming city.