Kamakura & Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour : From Tokyo

Escape the fast-paced life of Tokyo and journey to Kamakura, the ancient capital of Japan and home of the Samurai. This tour offers history, culture, and natural beauty, all in one day. Begin your tour at Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Kamakura's most significant Shinto shrine and the spiritual heart of the city. Next, stroll down Komachi Street, a bustling shopping avenue brimming with local charm. Savor delicious local seafood, sample traditional snacks, and pick up souvenirs. Continue to Hase-dera Temple. The temple houses an impressive eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Then, visit Kotoku-in Temple to see the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the iconic symbol of the city. This immense bronze statue stands over 11 meters tall. Conclude your tour with a visit to Enoshima, a small island. Explore its shrines, enjoy the panoramic ocean views, and relax in the tranquil surroundings, making it the perfect end to your journey.

1. 1

   Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

   2 hours

   Begin your journey at Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Kamakura's premier shrine and spiritual heart. As you pass through the grand torii gate, you'll find a serene landscape featuring tranquil ponds with koi, elegant bridges, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Take time to explore the main hall, Honden, and the various smaller shrines, each reflecting Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll down Komachi Street, a bustling shopping district full of local charm. This vibrant area is perfect for lunch, offering fresh seafood, traditional snacks, and unique souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and savor the flavors of Kamakura.

2. 2

   Maruyamainari Shrine

   Pass by

   The shrine is located on a small hill to the west of the main Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine. The oldest shrine pavilion on the grounds dates from the Muromachi period, and is surrounded by red flags dedicated by many people wishing for prosperous business.

3. 3

   Shirahata Shrine, Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine

   Pass by

   Shirahata Shrine is located next to Yanagihara Pond, just east of Wakamiya Shrine. Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199), the founder of both the Kamakura shogunate (warrior-led government) and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, and his son Sanetomo (1192–1219), the third Kamakura shogun are enshrined at the shrine.

4. 4

   Kamakura Komachidori

   Pass by

   Kamakura's "Komachi Street" is a must-visit! This bustling shopping street leading to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is packed with unique snacks, Kamakura-exclusive souvenirs, and exquisite handmade crafts. Enjoy eating and shopping while soaking up Kamakura's distinctive energy and charm—endless treasure-hunting fun awaits!

5. 5

   Hasedera Temple

   50 min

   Visit Hase-dera Temple, renowned for its famous eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. This impressive wooden statue is one of the largest of its kind in Japan, nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens. From the temple grounds, you can also enjoy panoramic views of Kamakura.

6. 6

   Kotoku-in - Great Buddha of Kamakura

   30 min

   Kōtoku-in Temple in Kamakura — Home to Japan's National Treasure, the Great Buddha of Kamakura! This majestic bronze Amida Buddha has sat serenely under the open sky for centuries, exuding awe-inspiring grandeur. Experience its immense scale up close—you can even enter the statue (tainai haikan) and explore the hidden interior of this iconic Buddha!

7. 7

   Enoshima Island

   2 hours

   The final stop on the tour is Enoshima, a charming island situated west of Kamakura. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji in the distance. Discover the island’s picturesque shrines, such as the Enoshima Shrine, which is nestled within lush greenery and offers a serene atmosphere. Enjoy the sweeping ocean views from various vantage points around the island, and take time to explore the quaint streets and coastal paths. Relax in the tranquil surroundings, making Enoshima the perfect, scenic conclusion to your journey.

8. 8

   Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamisedori

   Pass by

   A narrow shopping street located after the bronze Torii (Japanese shrine gate) Many souvenir shops and restaurants in the area welcome tourists daily.

9. 9

   Enoshima Shrine

   Pass by

   Perched on the enchanting Enoshima Island, this historic shrine complex is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, wealth, and wisdom. Wander through its three shrines (Hetsu-no-miya, Nakatsu-no-miya, Okutsu-no-miya) connected by picturesque paths, offering stunning ocean views and lush greenery.

10. 10

    Enoshima Sea Candle

    Pass by

    The observatory lighthouse in Enoshima's Samuel Cocking Garden was reopened after renovations on April 29, 2003. With a height of 59.8m (119.6m above sea level), its innovative construction has become familiar as a new symbol of Enoshima. Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa mountains are visible from the observation deck, with the 360 degree panorama making for a truly spectacular view.

11. 11

    Zeniarai Benten Ugafuku Shrine

    Pass by

    Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a popular shrine in western Kamakura, which people visit to wash their money (zeniarai means "coin washing"). It is said that money washed in the shrine's spring, will double.

12. 12

    Kamakura Museum of National Treasures

    Pass by

    The museum was established in response to the lessons learned from the 1923 Taisho Kanto Earthquake, which destroyed many temples and shrines in Kamakura and the surrounding area, and resulted in the loss of valuable cultural properties.

13. 13

    Kamakura Museum of Literature

    Pass by

    The Kamakura Museum of Literature was built in 1936 (Showa 11) as the former Kamakura villa of Maeda Marquis family. You can view the rooms reminiscent of the past, with marble fireplaces and stained glass, as well as the important resources inside from related authors such as Yasunari Kawabata. In the garden filled with greenery, some 250 shrubs of roses bloom in Spring and Autumn. This building is the model for the villa in Yukio Mishima’s novel, “Spring Snow”.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Depending on the number of participants, commentary in English and Chinese might be provided on the same bus.
• Search for the guide holding a pale blue flag at the meeting point.
• Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book under the child's price.

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