Kamakura Insider’s Tour: Temples, Woodcarving & Seaside Onsen – KAMAKURA

Explore Kamakura’s Historic Temples, Local Craftsmanship and Coastal Scenery

Discover the former samurai capital of Kamakura with a knowledgeable local guide. Wander along quieter paths, visit historic Zen temples and meet a master of Kamakura-bori woodcarving for a live demonstration. Continue by local train to some of the city’s best-known landmarks before relaxing at a seaside hot spring footbath, with the chance to admire Mount Fuji across the water.

About the Experience

Surrounded by wooded hills and the sea, Kamakura combines centuries of samurai history with temples, traditional crafts and coastal landscapes.

This full-day walking tour takes you beyond the usual sightseeing routes, accompanied by a local guide who shares the stories behind Kamakura’s cultural landmarks. Begin in Kita-Kamakura with a visit to Engaku-ji or another significant temple or shrine, then follow local paths towards the centre of the city, passing Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Meet a master of Kamakura-bori, a traditional woodcarving craft, at a gallery housed in a historic Japanese building. Learn about the craft’s history and techniques and watch a live carving demonstration.

After lunch, ride the Enoden railway towards Hase-dera Temple or the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple. The day concludes with a relaxing seaside footbath in Inamuragasaki before returning to Kamakura Station.

The itinerary can be adjusted according to the season, guests’ interests and fitness levels.

Itinerary

Meet Your Guide in Kita-Kamakura

Meet at the East Exit of JR Kita-Kamakura Station at 10:00. Visit Engaku-ji Temple or another significant temple or shrine in Kamakura.

Walk Through Kamakura’s Historic Streets

Follow local paths towards central Kamakura, passing the iconic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Discover Kamakura-bori Woodcarving

Visit a traditional gallery owned by a descendant of the Goto family, one of Kamakura’s oldest woodcarving lineages. Learn about Kamakura-bori and watch a master demonstrate the craft (approximately one hour).

Enjoy Lunch

Take a break for lunch before continuing your exploration of Kamakura.

Visit Hase-dera Temple or the Great Buddha

Ride the Enoden railway to visit either Hase-dera Temple, known for its gardens and seasonal flowers, or the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple.

Relax at a Seaside Hot Spring Footbath

Visit a local onsen in Inamuragasaki and enjoy a footbath overlooking the sea. On a clear day, you may catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Return to Kamakura Station

Take the Enoden railway back towards JR Kamakura Station, arriving at approximately 17:00. If time and energy allow, explore local gift shops and street food.

Basic Information

Location	Kamakura, Kanagawa
Duration	7 hours
Time	10:00–17:00 (negotiable)
Group Size	1–4 guests
Meeting Point	JR Kita-Kamakura Station, East Exit
Ending Point	JR Kamakura Station
Transportation	Public transport during the tour
Unavailable Days	Tuesdays

Your Host / Guide

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.