Private Tour
When Emperors Reigned and Shoguns Ruled
Overview
Available languages
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
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
One of Japan's three most important Shinto shrines, built by the first shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo in the 12th century
Options
Samurai Phototours - A Fun Day Out Discovering Kamakura
Reviews
39 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kamakura Tour
Susan S,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Wonderful 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
5.00My 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
5.00Kamakura 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
5.00Hi, it was very lovely and informatiıve to discover Kamakura with Virgil. He is very helpful in everything. Highly recomended..
Virgil is too notch
AmadoAlejandro B,
Aug 20, 2024
- Viator
5.00We had a great time with Virgil, he was extremely knowledgeable and had many interesting stories about the places we visited. He was flexible with the sites and our time. Getting to places on public transport was also a plus for us. Virgil speaks English very well and Spanish also. Recommend this trip 100 %
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