Kamakura Insider’s Tour – KANAGAWA

Tour summary

With the ocean to the south and tree-covered hills to the north, east and west, the old samurai capital of Kamakura is fortified by lush nature.

Taking paths less travelled, our local guide will show you around Kamakura’s must-see spots, illuminated by insightful stories. Along the way you will visit a local artisan – a master of Kamakura-bori wood carving.

At the end of the day, soak your feet in a hot spring with an ocean view. Your guide will leave you at Kamakura Station, where you can enjoy unique gift shops and street food, and catch a train back to your hotel.

In detail 

*Itineraries will be arranged according to season, customer requests, and fitness level.

10:00 Meet a guide at JR Kita-Kamakura Station (East exit)

Visit one of Kamakura’s expansive Zen temples.

Engaku-ji, or other significant temple/shrine in Kamakura

Walk along a local path toward central Kamakura

Passing through the iconic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine

Meet a local artisan: Kamakura-bori woodcarver

Visit a gallery in a traditional folk house owned by a descendant of the Goto family—one of Kamakura’s oldest woodcarving lineages. The master will explain the history, styles, and techniques of Kamakura-bori, followed by a live carving demonstration (approx. 1h).

Lunch time

Ride the Enoden to Hase-dera or the Great Buddha

Hop on the local Enoden train bound for your choice of Hase-dera Temple or the Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple.

Relax by the ocean at a local onsen in Inamuragasaki

Where, in just a 5-minute walk, you will visit a local onsen by the ocean. Soak your tired toes in a hot spring foot bath while gazing at the sea. If you’re lucky, Mt. Fuji may say hi!

17:00 Back on Enoden toward JR Kamakura Station

If you still have energy, you can enjoy unique gift shops and street food.

Engaku-ji Temple

One of the representative temples of Kamakura, Engaku-ji was founded in 1282 by the order of Hojo Tokimune, regent to the Kamakura shogunate. It is ranked second of the “Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura,” following Kenchoji Temple, the head temple of the Kenchoji School of the Rinzai sect, also located in Kita-Kamakura. Engaku-ji’s garden is a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty. The temple is a 1-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line.

Hasedera Temple

One of the most popular temples in Kamakura, located not far from Kotokuin Temple where the “Great Buddha of Kamakura” is located. There are several gardens on the temple grounds: a pond garden centering on Hosei-ike Pond, a karesansui (dry landscape) garden in front of the shoin (drawing room), and a classical Japanese garden with beautiful mosses on Sei-ike Pond adjacent to the Kyodo Hall. The hill overlooking Yuigahama Beach and Sagami Bay hosts as many as 2,500 hydrangea plants – a transcendent sight when in full bloom – and the entire temple grounds boast a lovely variety of flowers from season to season.

Your Guide (Either one)

Marian Kinoshita

Born and raised in the U.S. Marian has lived in Japan for over 30 years, in Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Fujisawa. She established MDK Translations, Inc. in 2008, a small company that provides business, technical and cultural translations. She likes to think of herself as a “Japan Concierge,” resolving language and cultural issues, introducing her favorite aspects of the country, and generally helping people enjoy their stay. When not translating or guiding visitors, she often goes hiking in Kamakura, adding a new stamp in her goshuin-cho and searching for beautiful tenugui (Japanese hand towels).

Danelle Sofuku

Originally from Australia, Danelle speaks fluent Japanese and is thoroughly settled in Yokohama. After working in PR and interpreting she became a local guide and Japan concierge – eager to explore Japan’s back streets, find treasures and interact with locals. She thoroughly enjoys researching, helping with language, cultural and historical information as well as sharing her favourite aspects of Japan. She loves helping to translate and experience all the wonderful things Japan has to offer! She also appreciates experiencing the beauty of art and crafts by local artisans, history and architecture, finding treasures to remember and collecting new stamps in her goshuin.

More information

※Available by 2026. Jun 30th