Kamakura:Guided Day Tour With Great Buddha and Bamboo Temple

Kamakura’s rich history and stunning natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive cultural experience. This guided day tour invites travelers to uncover the iconic Great Buddha and tranquil Bamboo Temple, while also delving into the area’s samurai legacy. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, visitors can expect an enriching journey filled with insights, unique experiences, and the opportunity to explore Kamakura’s captivating sights. What awaits those who embark on this guided adventure?

Contents show

Key Points

The Kamakura Guided Day Tour covers key sites like the Great Buddha, Bamboo Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, and Hase-dera Temple.
The tour includes a matcha tea experience at the Bamboo Temple and admission fees for select attractions.
The tour duration is 7 hours, and a local guide with a National Guide license provides expert insights.
The tour offers a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Moderate walking is required, and recommendations include wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a camera.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Kamakura Guided Day Tour provides an immersive exploration of the historic city, taking visitors to iconic sites like the Great Buddha and Bamboo Temple.

Priced from $111.48 per person, the 7-hour excursion offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Highlights include a visit to Hokokuji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Komachi Dori Street, Kōtoku-in, and Hase-dera.

The tour includes a local guide, admission fees, transportation, and a matcha tea experience.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, and prepare for moderate walking and potential weather changes.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Kamakura might interest you

Itinerary Highlights

The Kamakura Guided Day Tour starts at Kamakura Station, where visitors will explore Hokokuji, also known as the Bamboo Temple.

After a matcha tea experience, the tour continues to:

Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, a prominent Shinto shrine with a rich history.
Komachi Dori Street, where travelers can enjoy a local lunch and browse charming shops.
Kōtoku-in, home to the iconic Great Buddha statue, and Hase-dera, a stunning temple with panoramic views.

The tour ends back at Kamakura Station, providing a comprehensive introduction to the city’s cultural and historical highlights.

Included Services

The Kamakura Guided Day Tour includes several valuable services to enhance the overall experience.

Visitors will have a local guide with a National Guide license to provide expert commentary and insights throughout the tour. Admission fees for the Hokokuji, Kōtoku-in, and Hase-dera sites are included, as well as the transportation fare for buses and trains.

Guests will also enjoy a complimentary matcha green tea experience at the Bamboo Temple. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for added convenience.

These inclusive services ensure a seamless and enriching tour of Kamakura’s top attractions.

What to Expect

With a knowledgeable local guide, guests can expect to explore Kamakura’s rich samurai history and visit its iconic sites. The tour includes:

Viewing the awe-inspiring Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in and learning about its fascinating history.
Strolling through the serene Hase-dera Temple and admiring its beautiful Japanese-style garden.
Experiencing the local culture and daily life by wandering through the Komachi Shopping Street and enjoying a delightful matcha green tea at the Bamboo Temple.

Throughout the day, the guide will bring the destination to life through captivating storytelling, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

Guests should meet at the Kamakura Station East Exit, in front of the Kamakura Tourist Information Center, as this is the designated meeting point for the tour. Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and guests should be prepared for moderate walking and weather conditions, bringing an umbrella or raincoat if necessary. Lunch is not included, but time will be provided to eat at Komachi Shopping Street. Public transportation will be used, so guests should have a pass or change ready for trains.

Item	Details
What to Bring	Comfortable shoes, camera, water
Accessibility	Not suitable for wheelchair users
Weather Prep	Bring umbrella or raincoat

There's plenty more to explore in Kamakura

Exploring Kamakura’s Iconic Sites

On the Kamakura Guided Day Tour, guests will explore the city’s most iconic sites, seeing the rich history and cultural heritage of this former capital.

The tour includes:

Visiting the Kōtoku-in temple, home to the impressive Great Buddha statue, a symbol of Kamakura’s past as the seat of the shogunate.
Exploring the stunning Hase-dera temple, known for its breathtaking garden and the Kannon statue, one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan.
Strolling through the picturesque Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, the spiritual heart of Kamakura, and witnessing the blending of Shinto and Buddhist traditions.

Taking in Local Culture and Tradition

As visitors enjoy the local culture and traditions, they’ll have the opportunity to experience the daily life of Kamakura residents.

The tour includes a visit to Komachi Dori Street, a lively shopping district where locals gather. Visitors can browse the traditional shops, sample local cuisine, and observe the rhythms of everyday life.

Plus, the tour provides a chance to learn about the region’s rich history and spiritual practices, including a visit to the iconic Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine and the chance to enjoy a traditional matcha tea ceremony at the Bamboo Temple.

Preparing for the Guided Day Tour

To make the most of the Kamakura Guided Day Tour, visitors should prepare accordingly.

This includes:

Wearing comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves moderate amounts of walking between sites.
Bringing a small backpack or bag to carry essentials like water, a camera, and an umbrella or light rain jacket in case of inclement weather.
Having local currency or a transit pass ready for using public transportation during the tour, as the guide won’t provide direct transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The itinerary provides time for lunch at Komachi Shopping Street, but it’s not included in the tour price.

Is the Tour Guide Available to Assist With Language Translation?

The tour guide is available to provide language translation assistance throughout the day. They have a national guide license and can help participants navigate the experience and communicate with locals using their fluency in multiple languages.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for Group Bookings?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for group bookings. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option available.

Are There Any Child-Friendly Activities or Discounts Offered?

The tour offers no specific child-friendly activities, but children under 5 can join for free. Discounts are available for students. The guide can adapt the pace and content to suit families.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

The tour duration can’t be extended, but the itinerary can be customized with additional stops or activities for an extra fee. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss any customization options.

The Sum Up

The Kamakura Guided Day Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s iconic sites and enjoy its rich cultural heritage. With a knowledgeable local guide, convenient transportation, and admission fees included, it’s an excellent opportunity to discover Kamakura’s serene temples, vibrant streets, and fascinating samurai history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises an enriching and memorable journey through Japan’s cultural landscape.