When Emperors Reigned and Shoguns Ruled

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.

1. 1

   Wakamiya Main Street

   20 min

   Scenic walk to the main shrine

2. 2

   Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

   50 min

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

3. 3

   Kamakura Komachidori

   50 min

   Kamakura's famous shopping street, lined on both sides by shops and stalls selling all sorts of sweets, snacks and souvenirs

4. 4

   Kotoku-in - Great Buddha of Kamakura

   40 min

   Centuries-old giant bronze statue of the Amida Buddha dating back to the 13th century

5. 5

   Hasedera Temple

   1.3 hours

   Popular Buddhist temple sprawled over multiple levels, with beautiful gardens, ponds, caves, and an ancient 11-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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