Kamakura Exploration: An Intriguing Journey into Japan’s Ancient Samurai Culture
4.8
23 Ratings
Kamakura
Embark on a captivating journey through Kamakura, Japan's ancient capital, and delve into the rich samurai culture. Explore temples, learn about history, and capture memories with souvenir photos.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Wakamiya Main Street - Scenic walk to the main shrine
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - One of Japan’s three most important Shinto shrines, built by the first shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo in the 12th century
  • Kamakura Komachidori - Kamakura’s famous shopping street, lined on both sides by shops and stalls selling all sorts of sweets, snacks and souvenirs
  • Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura) - Centuries-old giant bronze statue of the Amida Buddha dating back to the 13th century
  • Hase-dera Temple - Popular Buddhist temple sprawled over multiple levels, with beautiful gardens, ponds, caves, and an ancient 11-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Tour escort/host
  • Professional photography guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Lunch
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

My name is Peter, a passionate writer, keen photographer, and experienced tour guide, originally hailing from the UK, but now a proud resident of Kamakura, Japan for almost three decades. I have four published books to my credit, two of which - Matsuri Call of The Gods and Kamakura Mon Amour, discuss Japan and are accessible online. I am more than eager to guide you through this ancient city that served as Japan’s unofficial capital between 1185 and 1333, where the military shogunate was born, samurai culture bloomed, and Zen Buddhism gained popularity. Our expedition includes the exploration of the temples and shrines as I narrate the evolution and traditions of the Kamakura period along with a discourse on assorted facets of Japanese life - both ancient and present. To make your trip memorable, I will also take your photographs during the tour, which will last around 4 hours. The time of commencement can be opted for in the booking form. If Japan’s on your travel list, Kamakura should not be missed. There’s much to learn and admire in this charming, historical city!

Location
Kamakura Station
Outside the East Exit ticket gate
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(23 Ratings)
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Y7230cfianf
Jan 13, 2024
Great immersion into Kamakura history and lore - I could not rave more highly about the tour with Virgil. Virgil has immersed himself in the history of the temples and shrines found in Kamakura and knows some hidden gems (where most tourists don’t go). You may need to book him for 2 days, if you want to have the time to explore all he has to offer. He is able to reveal some of the stories of rivalry and bloodshed that were part of ongoing struggles for power through the eras of Japanese history and shed light on the transitions that led to modern Japan. He’s a lovely human on top of it all. Virgil was also a godsend in helping us navigate other aspects of our Japan journey to Kamakura - so he helped keep my stress low. 5 stars. We had trouble booking through the TripAdvisor site. Nothing to do with Virgil. So if you have issues getting payment methods accepted by TripAdvisor, I recommend persevering by calling them, and, if necessary, having them give you Virgil’s direct email contact.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiffany_v
Oct 21, 2023
Amazingly satisfying tour. - Thank you so much for the tour. My guide was very informative of Japanese history. I loved my Kamakura tour and highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Jlw2001
Oct 6, 2023
Highly recommend day in Kamakura - Virgil was an excellent guide and showed us so many things we would never have discovered on our own. The historical background he provided for every site we visited was very meaningful. Also, he shared his life story, which was multilingual and multicultural and fascinating. Be sure to ask him about it when you book this trip! Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlotah568
Oct 4, 2023
Wonderful Guide to explore the beauty of Kamakura temples - I highly recommended it. Culture and beauty with a wonderful guide. Fun day to explore the back streets with their vibrant shops and atmosphere guided with not only rich knowledge but with a good sense of humor. Thank you ! Domo arigato!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanff9062di
Sep 28, 2023
A Truely Wonderful Day Out in Kamakura - This tour in Kamakura was the thing we were looking forward the most to doing and we were so impressed with our tour guide Virgil. He was so knowledgeable on all the different sights we went to, nothing was too much trouble and one could see he wanted to please. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone thinking of visiting Kamakura.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Henridolphin
Sep 23, 2023
Exceptional, enlivening and insightful. - This was my first visit to Japan, and I couldn't have had a better guide in Kamakura. Virgil's gift in story-telling, entwined with his knowledge of Kamakura's layers of history was fascinating. Even the locals learnt something new. It brought the whole town alive for me in unexpected ways. In my imagination, I experienced being a Samurai warrior, a Zen monk, and a Shinto practitioner all in a short space of time. Walking in the footsteps of the ancient Japanese was a true gift. I recommend this to anyone interested in exploring Japan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brahmh2021
Sep 13, 2023
Great experience in Kamakura - My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Virgil and the Samurai Phototours! Virgil was incredibly knowledgeable and excited about sharing the rich and interesting history of Kamakura. We visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Komachi-dori, the Great Buddha, and Hasedera Temple. As he guided us through each stop, he told us about the history, context and stories behind each monument. We walked away having learning a ton about japan’s history, the culture and traditions here, and about the shogun empires in Kamakura. I also need to commend Virgil on being generous with his time and being flexible on our tour. We were unable to make our original date last minute and Virgil graciously offered to move our tour date to the next day. He couldn’t have been more communicative and accommodating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anabellao180
Aug 30, 2023
Amazing day with Virgil - We had the most enlightening day with Virgil. It was like getting to know Kamakura with a dear relative, one who knows so much history, anecdotes and interesting facts about Japan, the culture, the legends, the history that just makes you want to hear every bit. He was incredibly patient and gracious with our 4 teen children, they absolutely loved him, we all did.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V7148tvjohnh
Aug 29, 2023
A fantastic day in Kamakura with Virgil - the most amazing guide ever! - Virgil was amazing! When you make a reservation to take a tour you never know who you will get and if they will really know the area and its history. Virgil is a writer and historian and absolutely loves the Kamakura area. He has a wealth of knowledge and interesting facts about the area and its history. His English is excellent, his heart is warm and he deeply cared about giving us a fantastic tour! This only allows for “5 Stars”, but Virgil really deserves at least 6! If we ever return to Kamakura, we will engage Virgil again. Thank you for a wonderful day!! John & Angela
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angela_f
Jul 31, 2023
A great day in Kamakura with a great guide. - Virgil was amazing! Extremely knowledgeable and clearly loves to share his experience and love of Japanese history with his guests. We would HIGHLY recommend touring Kamakura with Virgil! John & Angela
Review provided by Viator
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up to 13 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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