Kamakura Historical Walking Tour With the Great Buddha

Kamakura’s rich history and cultural heritage come alive on this guided walking tour. Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including the majestic Great Buddha, while enjoying local customs and stunning natural beauty. This intimate experience, limited to just eight participants, promises an enriching journey through Kamakura’s past and present. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the captivating stories that define this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• The Kamakura Historical Walking Tour includes a visit to the iconic Great Buddha statue, one of the key landmarks in the city.
• Participants will explore ancient shrines, tranquil temples, and traditional shopping streets, seeing Kamakura’s unique cultural setting.
• The tour features a 30-40 minute hike through scenic trails, offering breathtaking views and a chance to experience Kamakura’s natural beauty.
• Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with local customs, such as the money cleansing ritual at the Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine.
• The tour includes a culinary experience, with a lunch of local cuisine at the Hase-dera Temple restaurant.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Kamakura Historical Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Priced from $103.61 per person, the 5-hour tour is limited to 8 participants and conducted in English. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The tour covers key landmarks like Sasuke Inari Shrine, Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, the iconic Great Buddha, and Hase-dera Temple, where they’ll savor local cuisine.

Travelers will also hike trails and discover Kamakura’s scenic beauty, temples, shrines, and traditional shopping streets.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the Kamakura Station West Exit Clock Tower, the tour immerses guests in the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

They’ll visit Sasuke Inari Shrine, Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, and hike to a scenic viewpoint before arriving at the iconic Kōtoku-in, home of the Great Buddha.

The highlight is the 70-minute exploration of Hase-dera Temple, including a delicious lunch at the temple restaurant.

The tour concludes with a stroll along the vibrant Komachi Dori Street before returning to the starting point.

Throughout, guests engage with local customs and enjoy Kamakura’s unique atmosphere.

Cultural and Natural Experience

As guests embark on the Kamakura Historical Walking Tour, they’ve the opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

They’ll discover the unique atmosphere of Kamakura through its ancient shrines, tranquil temples, and traditional shopping streets. Highlights include engaging with local customs, such as the money cleansing rituals at Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine.

Visitors can also enjoy scenic views from Hase-dera Temple and experience the local cuisine, including Udon and vegetable curry at the temple restaurant.

The tour offers a well-rounded cultural and natural experience, immersing guests in the traditions and natural beauty of historic Kamakura.

Hiking and Nature

While exploring the historic city of Kamakura, guests can also enjoy a 30 to 40-minute hiking adventure through the city’s lush forests.

The hiking trail is approximately 2.5 km, offering breathtaking scenery and seasonal beauty along the way. Guests are advised to wear suitable hiking clothes and shoes, as the trail may be uneven in some areas.

The hike allows visitors to enjoy Kamakura’s natural surroundings, complementing the cultural and historical experiences of the tour.

This outdoor activity is a highlight for those seeking a well-rounded exploration of the charming city.

More Great Tours Nearby

Starting Location: Kamakura Station West Exit Clock Tower

The tour begins at the Kamakura Station West Exit Clock Tower, providing a convenient and easily accessible starting point for participants.

This recognizable landmark serves as a clear meeting location, ensuring everyone can find the group with ease. Guests can arrive at the station and simply head to the clock tower before the tour commences.

From this central starting point, the group will then embark on their journey to explore Kamakura’s historical sites and natural wonders.

The clock tower’s prominent position makes it an ideal starting point for this comprehensive walking tour of the city.

Sasuke Inari Shrine

After departing from the Kamakura Station West Exit Clock Tower, the group heads to the first stop, Sasuke Inari Shrine.

This tranquil shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari, the god of foxes, fertility, rice, agriculture, and business. Participants spend around 10 minutes exploring the shrine’s charming fox statues and red torii gates.

They learn about the significance of Inari worship in Japanese culture and the shrine’s role as a place of prosperity and good fortune.

The serene atmosphere sets the tone for the rest of the immersive historical walking tour through Kamakura.

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine

From Sasuke Inari Shrine, the group then ventures to the revered Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine.

This unique shrine is dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, who’s believed to bestow wealth and fulfillment. Guests can participate in the custom of washing their money in the shrine’s waters, as it’s thought to purify and multiply one’s fortune.

The serene setting and atmospheric architecture create a tranquil ambiance.

After exploring the shrine, the tour continues through Kamakura’s forested trails, leading to stunning views and the iconic Great Buddha statue.

Kōtoku-in (Great Buddha) and Hase-dera Temple

Visitors now approach the colossal Great Buddha statue at Kōtoku-in, one of Kamakura’s most iconic landmarks. Towering at 13.35 meters, the bronze figure dates back to the 13th century and is a marvel of Japanese craftsmanship. Nearby, Hase-dera Temple beckons with its scenic gardens and the revered Goddess of Mercy statue. Guests explore the temple’s main hall, pagoda, and Kannon Hall, taking in panoramic views from its hilltop perch.

Feature	Kōtoku-in	Hase-dera Temple
Key Attraction	Great Buddha Statue	Kannon Goddess of Mercy
Duration	15 minutes	70 minutes
Highlights	Impressive size, historic significance	Scenic gardens, hilltop vistas

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour itinerary and guidelines specify that only human participants are permitted, as bringing pets could disrupt the group experience and access to certain sites.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour isn’t explicitly wheelchair accessible. Visitors should be prepared for some hiking and uneven terrain. However, parts of the tour, like visiting the Great Buddha, are wheelchair-friendly with prior coordination.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility and allows guests to book with confidence.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Hiking Gear?

Yes, it’s recommended to wear suitable hiking clothes and shoes for the 30-40 minute hike during the tour. The hiking trail is approximately 2.5 km through Kamakura’s forests.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is set, but guests can’t customize it. However, the guide’s flexible and may adjust the pace or order of activities to accommodate participants’ interests and needs. It’s best to discuss any special requests with the tour company in advance.

The Sum Up

The Kamakura Historical Walking Tour provides an immersive cultural experience, exploring iconic landmarks like the Great Buddha and hidden shrines. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, interact with traditions, and enjoy Kamakura’s stunning natural beauty. This intimate tour, limited to eight participants, is an enriching way to discover the city’s rich history and heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: