Walking Tours
Come stroll with me along Kamakura’s storied lanes—where seasonal blossoms, mossy temples, vibrant shrines, and centuries of samurai history blend into unforgettable scenery. I conduct small, private group tours, ensuring the flexibility to pause along the way at charming shops, cozy cafés, and beautiful blossoms.
I’m here to share local insights and help you feel at home. Curious about the difference between a temple and a shrine? Want to know the real meaning of wabi-sabi? Whether it’s navigating tricky customs, understanding meal etiquette, or picking up handy Japanese phrases, I’m always happy to answer your questions—big or small.
For each tour, we’ll choose a spot for lunch as we progress based on your preference — there are many great options available.
Please note that tours will be adjusted based on weather conditions, local events, and seasonal blossoms!
Scroll down for tour itineraries…
Gardens, Buddhas & Caves
The day starts in northern Kamakura with a mindful walk through a centuries-old Zen temple and garden, as I introduce the concepts, history and symbolism, as well as the dos and don'ts when visiting sacred sites in Japan.
We then work our way south by train to enjoy lunch and explore mystical caves, meet the floating Goddess of Mercy, and view the ocean from hallowed grounds.
Just a short jaunt from there we will drop by the Great (outdoor) Buddha, with lunch at a local cafe somewhere along the way.
As the day ends, we’ll hop on the local train through quaint neighborhoods, and end up at Kamakura station where you’ll discover countless shops and delicious treats.
Length: 5 hours (10am to 3pm)
Fee: 46,000 yen for up to 4 participants (lunch & travel not included)
Basic itinerary: Engaku-ji Temple, Hasedera Temple, Lunch, The Great Buddha, Kamakura Station
Foxes, Fortunes & Waterfalls
From Kamakura Station, we’ll saunter through a quiet neighborhood to a hidden shrine, where you can wash your money in “magical” waters believed to increase your fortune two-fold! Then we’ll climb a hillside stairway lined with red torii gates to a shrine devoted to foxes — the playful messengers of the gods — before relaxing over lunch at a cozy local café.
Winding our way along the backroads, we’ll stop to greet the Great Buddha beneath the open sky, then continue to a seaside temple adorned with seasonal blossoms, a floating goddess, and a mystical cave. We’ll finish our journey with a ride on the charming Enoden train back to central Kamakura, where shops, cafés, and street treats await!
Length: 5 hours (10am to 3pm)
Fee: 46,000 yen for up to 4 participants (lunch & travel not included)
Basic itinerary: Zeniarai-Benten Shrine, Sasuke Jinja Shrine, Lunch, The Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, Kamakura Station
Bamboo Breezes & Samurai Secrets
The day begins at a tranquil Zen temple in northern Kamakura, nestled among trees and wildflowers. Here, we’ll encounter Buddhist statues embodying the past, present, and future — along with the cheerful Hoteison, god of abundance and happiness.
From there, we’ll stroll along a narrow lane carved through the mountain that separates central and northern Kamakura, arriving at a secluded bamboo grove with hidden caves and impressive Tokugawa-era architecture.
After a hearty bowl of noodles, we’ll explore the grand Shinto shrine built by the first Kamakura shogun for his beloved wife. Finally, we’ll wander through backstreets, discovering tiny shops brimming with hats, chopsticks, incense, antiques, and irresistible street food.
Length: 5 hours (10am to 3pm)
Fee: 46,000 yen for up to 4 participants (lunch & travel not included)
Basic itinerary: Jochi-ji Temple, Kamegaoka Kiridoshi Road, Eisho-ji Nunnery, Lunch, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, Kamakura Station
Inquiries
Wondering about which walking tour is the best one for you? Interested in more secluded spots or creative experiences, such as sutra copying or making your own obento? Perhaps a vigorous hike in the woods? Feel free to contact me for details and suggestions.