Travelers can enjoy an efficient 1-day bus tour from Tokyo to Kamakura and Enoshima. English and Chinese-speaking guides join the tour and provide in-depth explanations of Kamakura’s samurai culture and Enoshima’s mythology and history. The itinerary starts at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, continues to the Great Buddha and Hase-dera Temple, and ends at Enoshima. Lunch is included, with pick-up and drop-off service for stress-free travel. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Japan who want to experience culture comfortably.
Contents
Highlights of the Kamakura & Enoshima Bus Tour
- Round-trip transportation from central Tokyo (choose from 2 pick-up points)
- Multilingual guides (English & Chinese) offering detailed cultural and historical insights
- Visit key Kamakura shrines plus Enoshima’s panoramic ocean views in one day
- Lunch included – no need to worry about meals
- Group tour (up to 90 people) for reliable and efficient travel
- Guides help navigate Kamakura’s crowds, making the day stress-free
Planning your trip in spring? Kamakura’s cherry blossoms are stunning – check out the top sakura spots to pair with your tour
[11 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Kamakura – Complete Spring Guide]
Itinerary & Guide’s Cultural & Historical Insights
1, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Kamakura’s most important shrine, established by Minamoto no Yoritomo as the guardian deity of samurai.
Guides explain the history of the Genpei War and the rise of the Kamakura Shogunate in detail.
Visitors can feel the solemn atmosphere of the approach path and learn the meaning behind the Genji and Heike ponds.
Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura City, Kanagawa
Official URL: https://www.hachimangu.or.jp/en/
Duration: About 2 hours (free admission)
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. There are many steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Lunch options are abundant on nearby Komachi Street. Many travelers say the guide’s explanations make samurai culture feel much more real and interesting.
2, Komachi Street
A lively shopping street leading from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Guides share the history of Kamakura’s traditional sweets and local souvenirs.
This is the perfect spot for lunch, with fresh seafood bowls and dishes using Kamakura vegetables.
Address: Komachi area, Kamakura City, Kanagawa (from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine toward Kamakura Station)
Official URL: https://www.trip-kamakura.com/facility/
Tips: Arrive early for lunch during peak times. There are many snacks for eating while walking. Guides often recommend the best local shops.
3, Kotoku-in Temple – Great Buddha of Kamakura
A national treasure bronze statue of Amida Buddha.
Guides explain its history in detail, including how it was built in the Kamakura period and survived multiple typhoons.
An optional “tainai haikan” (interior viewing) lets you enter the statue.
Address: 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa
Official URL: https://www.kotoku-in.jp/en/
Duration: About 30 minutes (admission included)
Tips: You can also take photos from behind the statue. There are covered areas for rainy days. According to reviews, the guide’s stories make the Buddha’s history come alive.
If you’re looking for a more personalized experience without a group bus, this private tour from Tokyo is perfect for you. It allows you to explore Kamakura and Enoshima at your own pace with a dedicated guide, avoiding crowds and customizing the itinerary to suit your interests.
[Check out the Private Kamakura & Enoshima Tour from Tokyo ]
4, Hase-dera Temple
A temple famous for its large eleven-faced Kannon statue.
Guides explain the history of Kannon worship and the seasonal beauty of the gardens.
The observation deck offers panoramic views of Kamakura city.
Address: 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa 248-0016
Official URL: https://www.hasedera.jp/en/
Duration: About 50 minutes (admission included)
Tips: Take it slow on the many steps. Hydrangeas in summer and autumn leaves are beautiful outside cherry blossom season. Many reviewers appreciate how guides help understand the meaning of the Kannon statue.
5, Enoshima Island
The entire island is a power spot. Highlights include Enoshima Shrine (Benzaiten), Enoshima Sea Candle observatory, and sea-eroded caves.
Guides explain the legend of Benzaiten and Enoshima’s history as a tourist destination since the Edo period.
On clear days, enjoy views of Mt. Fuji from the water – an Instagram-worthy scene.
Address: Enoshima, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa
Official URL : https://discover-fujisawa.jp/en/
Duration: About 2 hours (free admission)
Tips: Enoshima Shrine has many steps – take your time. The Sea Candle is especially beautiful at sunset. Guides’ explanations make the mythology and history much more meaningful.
After exploring the temples and Enoshima, why not make your own unique Hanko (Japanese seal) as a special souvenir?
[Create Your Own Hanko in Kamakura – Authentic Stamp-Making Experience]
Spots You Pass By (Views from the Bus Window)
Enoshima Shrine
A group of shrines dedicated to Benzaiten at the top of Enoshima Island. Three shrines connected by scenic paths.
Address: 2-3-8 Enoshima, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa
Official URL: https://www.fujisawa-kanko.jp/spot/enoshima/05.html/
Tips: Even from the bus, the torii gate and approach path feel mystical. Walking up requires stamina. The view from the window gives a sacred impression of Enoshima as a spiritual mountain.
Maruyama Inari Shrine
A small Inari shrine west of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Many red flags are dedicated by people praying for business success.
Address: Yukinoshita area, Kamakura City, Kanagawa (west of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu)
Official URL: None (related to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu)
Tips: You can see the rows of red flags from the bus – an impressive sight. Business prosperity amulets are popular.
Kamakura National Treasure Museum
A museum established after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake to preserve lost cultural properties. It houses Kamakura Buddhist statues and paintings.
Address: 2-1-1 Yukinoshita, Kamakura City, Kanagawa 248-0005 (inside Tsurugaoka Hachimangu)
Official URL: https://www.trip-kamakura.com/facility/
Tips: Visible from the bus only, but it symbolizes Kamakura’s cultural heritage and earthquake recovery efforts.
Shirahata Shrine
Concept: A shrine dedicated to Minamoto no Yoritomo and Sanetomo. White flags fluttering in the wind create a beautiful scene.
Address: Yukinoshita area, Kamakura City, Kanagawa (east of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu)
Official URL: None (related to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu)
Tips: You can see the white flags from the bus. It represents the legacy of samurai culture.
Zeniarai Benten Shrine
Concept: A popular Benzaiten shrine where washing money is believed to double it – a unique local faith.
Address: 2-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura City, Kanagawa
Official URL: https://www.trip-kamakura.com/facility/
Tips: Visible from the bus only, but it’s one of Kamakura’s most unique faith spots. The money-washing legend is fascinating.
Enoshima Sea Candle
Enoshima’s observatory lighthouse. At 59.8m tall, it offers 360-degree panoramic views. Mt. Fuji is visible on clear days.
Address: 2-3-28 Enoshima, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa
Official URL: https://enoshima-seacandle.com/
Tips: Visible from the bus only, but the view from the observatory is spectacular. Sunset is highly recommended.
Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street
A narrow shopping street after the bronze torii gate. Souvenir shops and restaurants line the path.
Address: Enoshima (along the approach to Enoshima Shrine), Fujisawa City, Kanagawa
Official URL: https://www.fujisawa-kanko.jp/spot/enoshima/01.html
Tips: Visible from the bus only, but it conveys Enoshima’s lively atmosphere. Great for souvenir shopping.
If you’re not comfortable with group bus tours and prefer an active way to explore Kamakura’s temples and shrines by bike or on foot, the private Kamakura Heritage Bike or Walk Tour starting from Kita-Kamakura Station is highly recommended.
An experienced ex-rickshaw guide, you’ll dive deep into the cultural and historical highlights.
[Book the Kamakura Heritage Bike or Walk Tour ]
Review
Kamakura can get very crowded with tourists, but having a guide explain the culture and history in depth made it feel like more than just sightseeing – I really understood and enjoyed it. The Enoshima pirate ship and observatory were even more impressive with the guide’s stories.
Even as a first-time visitor to Japan, I felt completely at ease. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to avoid crowds and learn about Japanese culture.
Who This Tour Is Recommended For
- Travelers who want to navigate Kamakura’s crowds easily with a guide
- Those seeking in-depth English or Chinese explanations of culture and history
- Visitors wanting to experience Kamakura and Enoshima efficiently in one day from Tokyo
Private Kamakura and Enoshima Day Tour from Kita-Kamakura Station
Book Now
Secure your spot with free cancellation – check details & availability on Viator
Notes
- Lunch is included, but inform in advance about allergies
- This is a group tour, so flexibility is lower than private tours
- Schedules may change due to traffic – please confirm in advance
Related Keywords
Kamakura English guided tour, Enoshima day trip from Tokyo, Kamakura Great Buddha bus tour, Tokyo to Enoshima tour, Kamakura crowd avoidance
This tour lets you fully enjoy the charm of Kamakura and Enoshima with in-depth guide explanations.
Consider it for your trip!
