Tokyo

Day trip to coastal Kamakura

Day Trips & Local Escapes • 8 hours 5.0 (31)

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.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

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.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Kanpai from the coziest izakaya

A peaceful moment at Kanda Shrine

Flying high for Children's Day!

New friendships over late-night ramen

Shared plates, shared smiles

Takeshita Street, where quirky fashion, sweet treats, and pop culture collide

History meets gold at Ueno Toshogu Shrine

From navigating to sharing hidden stops

Press start on an Akihabara adventure!

Night out, Tokyo-style

Neon Nights, New Friends

Layover Magic at Tokyo Station

Quirky Café Moments

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

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What travelers think of this experience

Peter Apr 2025

I had an amazing day trip to Kamakura with an excellent tour guide, Kay!!! This was my last full day in Japan and an amazing day. I enjoyed going to the bamboo forest, I loved the big Buddha in Kamakura, I found unique art in Kamakura at an art gallery and I also got some good udon noodles for lunch. All in all it was an amazing day!!! Thanks Kay!!!!

Margarida Apr 2025

Today was a special day for us. A short and enjoyable bus and train ride away from the bustle of Tokyo Central lies the beautiful and charming town of Kamakura. After a short stroll through the streets under a light drizzle, we let our senses wander to eternity and back in the soothing and peaceful presence of nature in the wonderful gardens of Takuma and the Hokokuji temple. Three stops away from Kamakura lies Hase, where we admired the statue of Buddha and stopped for coffee and an inspiring chat with Megumi, our guide and the most charming person there is. Thank you! Margarida and Miguel

Peter Apr 2025

I had a wonderful tour I will never forget of Kamakura

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!

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.

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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