Private Tour
Kamakura Zen Temples and Gardens Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Kamakura is considered the Capital of Zen. If you are interested in a more efficient way to explore Kamakura, with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide, this value-packed trip is a fantastic way of experiencing Kamakura!
Kamakura is a place famous for Zen Buddhism. This style of Buddhism blossomed in this area around the end of the 13th century. These days, there are many Zen temples in the Kamakura area, and we have selected the top five for you to experience the world of Zen Buddhism, the art of meditation and great gardens.
Let us know what you would like to experience, and your guide will arrange a six-hour tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Engaku-ji
ngakuji (円覚寺) is one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the number two of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Engakuji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in the year 1282, one year after the second invasion attempt by the Mongols had been reverted. One purpose of the new temple was to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian soldiers. Engakuji is built into the slopes of Kita-Kamakura's forested hills. The first main structure encountered upon entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, which dates from 1783. Behind it stands the temple's main hall, the Butsuden, which displays a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. The Butsuden was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building was lost in an earthquake.
Kencho-ji Temple
Kenchoji (建長寺, Kenchōji) is the number one of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. The oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, Kenchoji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era after which it was named. Its first head priest was Rankei Doryu, a Zen priest from China. Although considerably smaller than during its heydays, Kenchoji still consists of a large number of temple buildings and subtemples, and stretches from the entrance gate at the bottom of the valley far into the forested hills behind. After passing through the Sanmon main gate, visitors will see Kenchoji's temple bell (Bonsho), designated a national treasure, on their right.
What‘s Included
Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kamakura
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private transportation
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Kamakura Zen Temples and Gardens Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent customized tour of Kamakura
Kelsey B,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kei was a wonderful tour guide and we had a very enjoyable experience in Kamakura seeing beautiful sites and learning about the history, architecture, culture, and customs! Some highlights included seeing temples and shrines that Kei helped us choose to make the experience customized. Another highlight was the delicious udon noodle lunch with Kei at a restaurant. We were very happy with this tour!
Guided tour of kamakura, by get your guide
372hugoq,,May 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today I went with my wife to the kamakura tour, we hired him to get your guide. The guide I'm playing is called Emi. We loved your dedication. The deal was super friendly. Throughout the tour she was attentive to every detail. I explain many interesting facts about history, religion and customs. You can see that she really likes to be a guide and she does it with a lot of dedication and love. No doubt if we decide to make another excursion, we will ask if possible, to guide us again.
Kappa,our guide in...
Janice P,,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kappa,our guide in Kamakura, was wonderful! She took us to all the places that we wanted to see and also some areas that she thought we would like to visit. We had a delicious traditional lunch in a lovely local restaurant with her guidance. Not only did she take us to the correct station,but she also made sure that we knew how to maneuver through the intricacies of the train station. In short, despite the horrible weather, we spent a delightful day in Kamakura with our delightful guide Kappa!
Excellent Tour of Kamakura. Recommend.
Ken A,,Sep 14, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide, Seky, and our driver, Mikami, met us at our hotel in Yokohama right on time. We had pre-arranged a private car/driver with Seky's tour company. Given that we were travelling at the end of August, an air-conditioned car was certainly a benefit for everyone. We were able to visit 5 temples/shrines: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu; Hasedera; Kotokuin; Kakuonji; and Hokokuji. We also had lunch at a local restaurant near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Seky was extremely knowledgeable about each and every shrine/temple. Mikami was able to keep our time in the hot, humid weather to a minimum. We returned to our hotel right on time, not even a minute late. This is an excellent tour of Kamakura, the ancient capital. We were able to see a mix of tourist hot spots as well as a couple of quieter, less-visited temples. We would definitely recommend.
Warm and well prepared!
jgasiared,,Aug 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was prompt to communicate prior to our tour. He arrived to meet us promptly and was very easy to interact with during the tour. He is very knowledgeable and brought his own charts to explain a long complex history is a very understandable way.
A perfect day in Kamakura
stevejV5815NZ,,Jul 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Hiroshima, was great. Took us to all the sites we wanted to see and recommended a great restaurant for lunch. I highly recommend him and this tour!!
Comfortable tour
Navigate54287546978,,Jun 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our guide, Hiro Chikata, was a very kind soul with story-telling of how and when Kamakura was established. He tailored our walking tour with sage advice based on our interests. Also quite impressive is that he could speak a bit of our language, Thai. It so happens that he worked in Thailand many years ago and still recalls some of the language, even though he never used it again after returning to Japan. Remarkable!
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency