Private Tour

When Emperors Reigned and Shoguns Ruled

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Created by Peter Oxley and Virgil Calaguian, fellow artists, photographers, and writers, SAMURAI PHOTOTOURS take you to Kamakura's four main tourist sites, with focus on the history and heritage of the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), which saw the introduction of the shogunate, Japan's native form of government that lasted until 1868; the flowering of the samurai tradition with its strict code of bravery, honor, and loyalty; and the rise of rigidly disciplined Zen Buddhism as a religious as well as political force.

Throughout this unique tour, open to people of all ages, from single travelers to groups of up to eight persons, your multilingual and multicultural guide shares with you an extraordinary wealth of knowledge of Japanese history and culture, placed in the context of concurrent Asian and European affairs, in a way that is both entertaining and enlightening.

All that plus a stroll down Kamakura's main tourist hub for a lively look at colorful contemporary Japanese culture.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Local guide

Tour escort/host

Professional photographer guide

Food and drinks

Lunch

Transportation to/from attractions

Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

Wakamiya Main Street

Scenic walk to the main shrine

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

One of Japan's three most important Shinto shrines, built by the first shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo in the 12th century

50 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Samurai Phototours - A Fun Day Out Discovering Kamakura

Reviews

4.91

43 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A Journey thru Japanese History with Virgel
Mary R,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It was a wonderful yet rainy afternoon... but we got all the sites completed. Virgel is amazingly knowledgeable and put so much of Kamakura's history into perspective.... we walked thru history as Virgel set the tone. Stopping for Matcha Ice Cream was a special addition that we all sooo appreciated!!! And Virgel's interest in our next places of travel brought us closer yet, to our dear guide.
Kamakura Tour
Susan S,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Wonderful backstory of the history of the shoguns. Virgil was a great historian and very knowledgeable. He was very kind and also great photographer! Great tour!
Highlight of our Tokyo trip
Joseph S,
May 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00
My 10-year-old daughter and I took a week-long trip to Tokyo, as she loves all things Japanese (anime, manga, Pokemon, Ghibli, ramen and sushi, etc), and I booked this tour as a chance for us both to learn a bit about Japanese history and culture. It turned out to be our favorite part of the trip. Virgil was an amazing guide and taught us both a lot. My daughter can be a tough nut to crack, but Virgil tells stories in such an engaging way that she thoroughly enjoyed the tour as much as I did. The shrines and temples of Kamakura are awe inspiring, and I was blown away by our day there. I give this tour my highest recommendation for anyone with even a passing interest in Japanese history, culture, and religion.
Beautiful place and a lot of rich history!
Ye L,
Apr 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Kamakura is a beautiful place. Virgil is very friendly, patient, knowledgable, and was always ready to take a photo of us! He knows so much about the history of Kamakura and Japan in general and we learned so much from him. He also told many fun historical anecdotes! My family really enjoyed this tour and had a wonderful time.
Hi, it was very lovely...
IREM V,
Sep 8, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Hi, it was very lovely and informatiıve to discover Kamakura with Virgil. He is very helpful in everything. Highly recomended..