How to Plan Your Private Tour: A Journey Through Kamakura on the Enoshima Electric Railway

Planning a tour can be an overwhelming task, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the area. But with a private tour through Kamakura on the Enoshima Electric Railway, you can relax and enjoy the journey while experiencing the best of this historic city. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to help you plan your own private tour.

Step 1: Choose Your Tour

The first step in planning your tour is to choose the right one for you. This private tour takes you through the highlights of Kamakura, including Hase-dera Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, Kotoku-in, Inamuragasaki Park, and much more. You’ll enjoy a mix of nature spots and historic sights, all while traveling on the Enoshima Electric Railway.

Step 2: Book Your Private Tour

Next, you’ll want to book your private tour. You can do this online through viator.com, using the link here. Be sure to check the availability of your desired date and time before making your reservation.

Step 3: Make Necessary Arrangements

Once your tour is booked, you’ll need to make any necessary arrangements, such as arranging transportation to the meeting point at Kamakura Station. Your private tour includes necessary expenses for the tour guide, but you’ll need to bring money for food, drinks, souvenirs, and any extra activities you may want to do.

Step 4: Meet Your Guide

On the day of your tour, meet your guide at Kamakura Station in the Onarimachi area. Your guide will be waiting for you at the designated meeting point, and together, you’ll start your journey through Kamakura on the Enoshima Electric Railway.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Tour

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your tour through Kamakura. Your guide will take care of all the navigating, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the top attractions in the city. You’ll have plenty of time to explore each site at your own pace, take photos, and soak up the local culture.

Step 6: End Your Tour

After your tour is complete, your guide will accompany you back to Kamakura Station where your journey began. From there, you can continue on with your day or head back to your hotel for a well-deserved break.

Book Your Tour Now

Planning a private tour through Kamakura on the Enoshima Electric Railway is a great way to see the best of this historic city without the stress of navigating on your own. With the help of a knowledgeable guide and a pre-planned itinerary, you can relax and enjoy the journey. Just follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to a memorable tour of Kamakura.

Kamakura FAQ

Kamakura is an idyllic city situated in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. With shrines, temples, and beaches, it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Here’s a list of frequently asked questions about Kamakura to help you plan your trip.

1. What is Kamakura known for?

Kamakura is known for its historical landmarks, such as the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the Hase-dera Temple, and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. It’s also known for its beautiful beaches and surfing spots.

2. How do I get to Kamakura?

Kamakura is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Kamakura Station. The journey takes around one hour.

3. When is the best time to visit Kamakura?

The best time to visit Kamakura is during autumn (October to November) when the leaves turn into beautiful colors, or in spring (March to April) when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

4. What are the must-visit attractions in Kamakura?

The must-visit attractions in Kamakura are the Great Buddha of Kamakura, Hase-dera Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and Enoshima Island.

5. Can I visit Kamakura in a day trip?

Yes, you can visit Kamakura on a day trip from Tokyo. However, if you want to fully explore the city, it’s recommended to stay overnight.

6. What is the best way to get around Kamakura?

The best way to get around Kamakura is by walking or cycling. The city is relatively small, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other.

7. What is the food like in Kamakura?

Kamakura has a variety of food options, including seafood, traditional Japanese food such as soba and udon, and western-style cafes and eateries. Make sure to try out the local specialty, shirasu-don (rice bowl topped with baby sardines), which is a popular dish in Kamakura.

8. Are there any beaches in Kamakura?

Yes, Kamakura has several beaches, including Yuigahama Beach, Zaimokuza Beach, and Koshigoe Beach. They are all easily accessible by train or on foot.

9. Is Kamakura family-friendly?

Yes, Kamakura is very family-friendly with lots of activities suitable for children. The beaches are shallow and ideal for swimming, and there are several parks and gardens to explore.

10. Is Kamakura expensive?

Compared to Tokyo, Kamakura is relatively affordable. However, the cost of accommodation and food can still vary depending on the season and location. It’s a good idea to research and plan ahead to get the best deals on accommodation and food.

11. Do I need to speak Japanese to visit Kamakura?

While it’s not necessary to speak Japanese, it can be helpful to learn a few basic phrases. Many locals don’t speak English, and signs may only be written in Japanese. However, many tourist spots have English translations and guides available.

12. Can I take pictures at tourist spots in Kamakura?

Yes, photography is generally allowed at tourist spots in Kamakura. However, some areas may prohibit photography, so make sure to check beforehand.

13. Are there any festivals in Kamakura?

Yes, Kamakura has several festivals throughout the year, including the Kamakura Matsuri (Kamakura Festival) in April and the Hase no Sato Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival) in June.

14. What souvenirs can I buy in Kamakura?

You can buy various souvenirs in Kamakura, including traditional Japanese crafts such as pottery and textiles, as well as souvenirs specific to the city, such as Kamakura goma-dofu (sesame tofu).

15. Is Kamakura safe for tourists?

Yes, Kamakura is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any city, it’s recommended to take basic precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding unlit areas at night.

How to Spend your Time as a Tourist in Kamakura

Kamakura is a small coastal city located in the Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its never-ending beauty and charm, which attracts numerous tourists all year round. Kamakura is an excellent tourist destination with its rich history, culture, and tradition that are reflected in its temples, shrines, and other historic landmarks. In this guide, we will explore the top activities to do and the places to visit to make the most out of your trip to Kamakura.

1. Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu)

The Great Buddha of Kamakura, also known as Daibutsu, is a giant statue of Buddha located in the Kotoku-in Temple. The statue is 13.35 m tall, weighs 121 tonnes, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kamakura. To make the most out of your visit, you can get closer to the statue and admire its intricate details.

2. Explore Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a Shinto shrine and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kamakura. It was built in 1063 and moved to its present location in 1180 by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate. You can explore the shrine’s beautiful gardens and experience the unique Shinto culture.

3. Take a Stroll through Kamakura’s Zen Temples

Kamakura is home to some of the most beautiful Zen temples in Japan. The Kencho-ji Temple, Engaku-ji Temple, Jochi-ji Temple, and Zuisen-ji Temple are all within walking distance from Kamakura Station. These temples offer a unique sense of tranquility and spirituality that cannot be found in any other tourist destinations.

4. Enjoy the Beaches

Kamakura is located by the sea and is well known for its beautiful beaches. The Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches are two of the most popular ones, and both are easily accessible from Kamakura Station. You can enjoy various beach activities such as sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball, and surfing.

5. Visit the Hase-dera Temple

The Hase-dera Temple, also known as the Hase Kannon Temple, is a Buddhist temple located on a hill that offers a stunning view of Kamakura. The temple’s main attraction is the statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, that stands at 9.18 meters tall. The temple is also famous for its beautiful hydrangea flowers that bloom in June and July.

6. Shop at Komachi-dori Street

Komachi-dori is a lively shopping street located near Kamakura Station. The street is lined with various stores selling traditional Japanese souvenirs, accessories, and local delicacies. You can find anything from handmade pottery, traditional Japanese sweets to Kamakura’s famous “Shirasu-don,” a rice bowl topped with small freshwater fish.

7. Try Shojin-ryori

Shojin-ryori is the traditional Buddhist cuisine that was developed by the Zen temples in Kamakura. It is a vegan meal that consists of various vegetables, grains, and legumes prepared in a unique way. You can try Shojin-ryori at the Kencho-ji Temple’s restaurant, which is one of the oldest Zen temples in Japan.

8. Take a Cycling Tour

Cycling is a popular activity in Kamakura due to its scenic and accessible location. You can rent bicycles from Kamakura Station and explore the city’s various landmarks while enjoying a pleasant bike ride. Some popular routes include Kamakura’s coastline, the temples district, and the bamboo forest.

9. Attend a Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony is a traditional Japanese ritual that dates back to the 9th century. It is a significant part of Japanese culture that involves the preparation and serving of matcha, Japanese green tea. You can experience the unique charm of a traditional tea ceremony at the Jomyo-ji Temple in Kamakura.

10. Visit the Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a unique Shinto shrine that is regarded as one of Kamakura’s spiritual energy spots. The shrine’s unique characteristic is that it is believed to double your money if you wash your coins in its sacred spring. The shrine’s sacred spring is said to be connected to the ocean and is believed to have the power to purify wealth.

Book Your Tour Now

Kamakura is a fantastic tourist destination that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or food, Kamakura has it all. With this guide, we hope that you will be able to make the most out of your trip to Kamakura and experience all that it has to offer. Remember to keep an open mind and take your time to explore the city’s hidden gems.