Kamakura & Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour : From Tokyo

About this experience

Escape the fast-paced life of Tokyo and journey to Kamakura, the ancient capital of Japan and home of the Samurai. This tour offers history, culture, and natural beauty, all in one day. Begin your tour at Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Kamakura's most significant Shinto shrine and the spiritual heart of the city. Stroll down Komachi Street, a bustling shopping avenue brimming with local charm. Savor delicious local seafood, sample traditional snacks, and pick up souvenirs. Continue to Hase-dera Temple. The temple houses an impressive eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Then, visit Kotoku-in Temple to see the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the iconic symbol of the city. This immense bronze statue stands over 11 meters tall. Conclude your tour with a visit to Enoshima, a small island. Explore its shrines, enjoy the panoramic ocean views, and relax in the tranquil surroundings, making it the perfect end to your journey.

Itinerary

English information from the provider

1. Stop 1

   Duration: 120 min

   Begin your journey at Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Kamakura's premier shrine and spiritual heart. As you pass through the grand torii gate, you'll find a serene landscape featuring tranquil ponds with koi, elegant bridges, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Take time to explore the main hall, Honden, and the various smaller shrines, each reflecting Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll down Komachi Street, a bustling shopping district full of local charm. This vibrant area is perfect for lunch, offering fresh seafood, traditional snacks, and unique souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and savor the flavors of Kamakura.

2. Stop 2

   The shrine is located on a small hill to the west of the main Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine. The oldest shrine pavilion on the grounds dates from the Muromachi period, and is surrounded by red flags dedicated by many people wishing for prosperous business.

3. Stop 3

   Shirahata Shrine is located next to Yanagihara Pond, just east of Wakamiya Shrine. Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199), the founder of both the Kamakura shogunate (warrior-led government) and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, and his son Sanetomo (1192–1219), the third Kamakura shogun are enshrined at the shrine.

4. Stop 4

   Kamakura's "Komachi Street" is a must-visit! This bustling shopping street leading to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is packed with unique snacks, Kamakura-exclusive souvenirs, and exquisite handmade crafts. Enjoy eating and shopping while soaking up Kamakura's distinctive energy and charm—endless treasure-hunting fun awaits!

5. Stop 5

   Duration: 50 min

   Visit Hase-dera Temple, renowned for its famous eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. This impressive wooden statue is one of the largest of its kind in Japan, nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens. From the temple grounds, you can also enjoy panoramic views of Kamakura.

6. Stop 6

   Duration: 30 min

   Kōtoku-in Temple in Kamakura — Home to Japan's National Treasure, the Great Buddha of Kamakura! This majestic bronze Amida Buddha has sat serenely under the open sky for centuries, exuding awe-inspiring grandeur. Experience its immense scale up close—you can even enter the statue (tainai haikan) and explore the hidden interior of this iconic Buddha!

7. Stop 7

   Duration: 120 min

   The final stop on the tour is Enoshima, a charming island situated west of Kamakura. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji in the distance. Discover the island’s picturesque shrines, such as the Enoshima Shrine, which is nestled within lush greenery and offers a serene atmosphere. Enjoy the sweeping ocean views from various vantage points around the island, and take time to explore the quaint streets and coastal paths. Relax in the tranquil surroundings, making Enoshima the perfect, scenic conclusion to your journey.

8. Stop 8

   A narrow shopping street located after the bronze Torii (Japanese shrine gate) Many souvenir shops and restaurants in the area welcome tourists daily.

9. Stop 9

   Perched on the enchanting Enoshima Island, this historic shrine complex is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, wealth, and wisdom. Wander through its three shrines (Hetsu-no-miya, Nakatsu-no-miya, Okutsu-no-miya) connected by picturesque paths, offering stunning ocean views and lush greenery.

10. Stop 10

    The observatory lighthouse in Enoshima's Samuel Cocking Garden was reopened after renovations on April 29, 2003. With a height of 59.8m (119.6m above sea level), its innovative construction has become familiar as a new symbol of Enoshima. Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa mountains are visible from the observation deck, with the 360 degree panorama making for a truly spectacular view.

11. Stop 11

    Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a popular shrine in western Kamakura, which people visit to wash their money (zeniarai means "coin washing"). It is said that money washed in the shrine's spring, will double.

12. Stop 12

    The museum was established in response to the lessons learned from the 1923 Taisho Kanto Earthquake, which destroyed many temples and shrines in Kamakura and the surrounding area, and resulted in the loss of valuable cultural properties.

13. Stop 13

    The Kamakura Museum of Literature was built in 1936 (Showa 11) as the former Kamakura villa of Maeda Marquis family. You can view the rooms reminiscent of the past, with marble fireplaces and stained glass, as well as the important resources inside from related authors such as Yasunari Kawabata. In the garden filled with greenery, some 250 shrubs of roses bloom in Spring and Autumn. This building is the model for the villa in Yukio Mishima’s novel, “Spring Snow”.

What's included

English information from the provider

• Entrance fees to temples (Hase-dera & Kōtoku-in)
• All Fees and Taxes
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• English/Chinese-speaking guide (commentary in both languages may be provided on the same bus)

What's not included

English information from the provider

• Lunch

Additional information

English information from the provider

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Depending on the number of participants, commentary in English and Chinese might be provided on the same bus.
• Search for the guide holding a pale blue flag at the meeting point.
• Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book under the child's price.
• The tour schedule may change without prior notice due to weather, road traffic conditions, and other unforeseen reasons. (There might be delays in returning to the designated location.)
• This tour will depart regardless of weather or traffic conditions, unless you are notified otherwise by the local operator. Trip Advisor / Viator and your local tour operator will not be responsible for itinerary changes due to unforeseen circumstances.
• In case of late arrivals, regardless of contact prior to the departure time, refunds will not be granted. Contact us 24 hours before the departure for reschedule if there is any possibility of late arrival.
• The tour may be canceled if the minimum group size of 10 people is not reached. Customers will be notified approximately 3 to 4 days before the departure date in such cases.
• Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at your selected meeting point, as your assigned bus & guide will be based on that specific location. The guide has a list of participants for each bus & may not be able to accommodate guests who arrive at a different meeting point. Late arrival or arrival at the wrong location will result in missing the tour, & refunds won't be issued. If you'd like to change your meeting point or are unsure about the meeting point, pls notify us at least 2 days before departure for assistance.
• The bus will be departing on time (no exception).
• Please adhere to the scheduled time. We are unable to accommodate delays or wait for any reason. The tour will depart promptly as scheduled to respect all customers' time.
• In case of late arrivals / arrival at wrong location, regardless of contact prior to the departure time, refunds may not be granted. Contact us 24 hours before the departure for reschedule if there is any possibility of late arrival or to confirm the exact location.
• We recommend checking the right meet-up location beforehand to avoid getting lost. Provided location are the exact points of the meeting point on google maps. If you are confused about meeting points, message us beforehand for more details. No refund request will be accepted for arrivals at wrong location.
• Please check the photo in the product page & scan the QR code for the meeting point reference.
• Contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Mon–Fri, 9:30AM–6:30PM JST).
• Regarding luggage, we allow one piece of luggage per person during the excursion. Please also ensure that the luggage is manageable and fits comfortably within our vehicle. Please also be aware that any items stored in the trunk will not be accessible in between stops on the tour, so keep all valuables with you.
• There is only one drop-off point at the end of the tour : Near Shinjuku Station (West Exit)
• In general, we do not send out confirmation emails prior to departure. If you would like more information or need to clarify something, please contact us and we will send you the relevant details.

Cancellation policy

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.