Day Trips & Local Escapes • 8 hours 5.0 (28)

Day trip to coastal Kamakura

Get a taste of ancient Japan in Kamakura. Marvel at the iconic Great Buddha, visit beautiful shrines and temples and stroll around the bustling town

Don't forget to carry your passport with you to enjoy tax free shopping at many participating establishments!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Take a train from Tokyo with a host to the historic coastal town of Kamakura
  • See the area’s most iconic attractions like the Great Buddha
  • Visit renowned Shinto shrines and temples along the leafy green forest trails - pure tranquility
  • Absorb the natural beauty of the forests and oceans that surround this beach town, and maybe stop in at a surf shack for a beer (or two, you’re on holiday!)
  • Explore an alternative part of Japan, away from the Tokyo bustle, with a host
  • Get to know a bit more about Japan’s heritage and feudal history through chatting with your host and exploring the town on foot

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized itinerary
8 hours with a host
Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs - if you are not a JR pass holder please get in touch so we can adjust your quote
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

The host will be waiting in front of the JR EAST Travel Service Center, located in Tokyo Station

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

Our hosts are experts at navigating the intricate and priceless architecture of the area, ranging from flame-colored torii gates that mark the entrances to shrines to magnificent Buddhist temples swarming with locals and tourists alike. Kamakura’s crown jewel is the Amida Buddha at Kotoku-in, forged from bronze and exposed to the elements of this curious city.

Surf culture thrives here, and you might want to grab a brew and throw a shaka at one of the local shacks before delving into the fascinating history of Japan’s first feudal capital. Forest hikes allow you to reconnect with the earth, and morning meditation sessions are the best remedy for a busy mind. After all, this is where Buddhism took root in Japan.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
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GYGRFVM7ZWAN_host_Noriko_Takata_DayTriptoKawagoe_Tokyo

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What travelers think of this experience

Sandy, Nov 2024

We were looking for an experienced and knowledgeable guide for the Kamakura area of Japan. We got matched with Hiroko K. who was awesome! She gave us so much history info and explanations on culture which we loved. Highly recommend!

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Siti, Nov 2024

The one-day trip was awesome. We love to have Kenji as our tour guide. He is very kind and a good photographer. We'd like to have him for our future trip, next time.

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Tammy, Nov 2024

We booked a one day trip to Kamakura from Tokyo with City Unscripted. It was fantastic, our guide Gabriel was very knowledgeable and took us to several sites in Kamakura. It was very special, he helped us appreciate the historical and spiritual context of the temples and shrines we saw. We had an early start so were able to see these places before they were overcrowded. Highly recommend Gabriel, his insights were so thought provoking and we saw a side of Japan that was inspiring. Tea in the bamboo forest was a definite highlight, so peaceful and calm. We saw things that you would probably not see with another guide. I would recommend going on a weekday as the weekends can be very busy.

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Tammy, Nov 2024

Gabriel was a fantastic guide. He was very knowledgeable and gave us a good understanding of Kamakura and the sights we visited. He also provided the context and historical background, as well as explaining the rituals and helping us to participate in some of them. The tea in the bamboo forest was amazing, something we will not forget. Our time in Kamakura exceeded all expectations. Gabriel also took us to a great restaurant for lunch, which was excellent. All in all, a great day, probably the highlight of our trip.

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Susan, Oct 2024

Feris was great, very knowledgeable and accommodating, explained everything clearly about the temples and shrines. Navigated the subways/transportation with ease.

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Nurul, Oct 2024

Great experience to Kamakura and Enoshima with Firas, our tour guide. He carry our baby from start and finish tour. Our baby loves him so much, he dont cry like always. We took train to Kamakura and Enoshima. The train in Japan is very comfortable and they have priority sits. We hope we can meet again with Firas to assist us travel Japan in future. Thank you so much!

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