Day Trip to Kamakura & Enoshima: Shrines, Seaside, Temples & Tea

Set out on a captivating day of culture as you explore the historic treasures of Kamakura and Enoshima. From the iconic Great Buddha to the serene Bamboo Temple, you’ll uncover the rich spiritual heritage of this enchanting region. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – indulge in unique experiences like feeding vibrant koi fish and partaking in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. With seamless transportation and an expert guide by your side, you’re in for a truly unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• Explore the cultural and historical wonders of Kamakura, including visits to Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and the iconic Great Buddha statue.
• Discover the natural beauty of the Enoshima coastline and partake in unique activities like koi fish feeding and a traditional tea ceremony.
• Enjoy seamless transportation with the Enoshima Kamakura Freepass, and have admission fees for key sights covered.
• Benefit from a personalized experience with a maximum group size of 20 travelers, led by an English-speaking guide.
• Start your day early at 8:00 AM and end the tour at the same convenient location near Shinjuku Station for easy access.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This day trip to Kamakura and Enoshima offers a captivating blend of cultural, historical, and natural wonders.

Visitors will explore Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and the seaside town of Enoshima. The Enoshima Kamakura Freepass provides seamless transportation, while admission fees to key sights like the Bamboo Temple and Great Buddha are included.

Unique activities, such as feeding the iconic Japanese koi fish and experiencing a traditional tea and sweets ceremony, immerse guests in local culture.

An English-speaking guide enhances the experience, ensuring travelers make the most of this comprehensive excursion.

Meeting and End Point

The tour begins at Pasta-kan Shinjuku, located just outside Shinjuku Station’s South Gate in Tokyo, near the Baskin Robbins.

This is where the English-speaking guide will meet the group to start the day’s adventure.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point, ensuring a hassle-free return journey for all participants.

Whether you’re arriving from across town or across the globe, this centrally-located starting point makes it easy to join the tour and explore the historic sights of Kamakura and Enoshima.

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the experience provides an intimate and personalized experience.

Tour Details

The tour departs promptly at 8:00 AM, ensuring participants make the most of their day exploring the historic sites of Kamakura and Enoshima.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, providing a more personalized experience.

The tour duration includes travel time, so visitors can enjoy the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.

Infants are welcome, but they must sit on their parents’ laps.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Pricing and Cancellation

Although the price for this day trip to Kamakura and Enoshima starts from $170.91 per person, the tour operator offers a Lowest Price Guarantee. This means you can book with confidence, knowing you’re getting the best deal.

And if you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. This flexible policy gives you peace of mind in case your plans change.

Reviews and Ratings

How do the reviews and ratings for this day trip look?

Prospective travelers will be pleased to see that this tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 across 4 reviews, it’s clear that customers have been highly satisfied.

Notably, there are no 1-star ratings recorded, indicating a consistent level of quality. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, the well-organized itinerary, and the memorable experiences like feeding the Japanese koi fish and enjoying tea and sweets.

This tour appears to deliver an excellent value for money, making it an enticing option for those seeking a comprehensive Kamakura and Enoshima excursion.

Exploring Kamakura Shrines and Temples

After departing from the meeting point in Shinjuku, the day trip immerses travelers in the rich cultural heritage of Kamakura.

The first stop is the Hase-dera Temple, renowned for its massive bronze Buddha statue and beautiful gardens.

Next, visitors explore the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine, a Shinto shrine with a long history and impressive architecture.

The tour then takes them to the Kotoku-in Temple, home to the iconic Great Buddha statue, a stunning 13-meter-tall bronze figure.

Finally, the group visits the Bamboo Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple known for its serene atmosphere and meticulously maintained grounds.

Discovering Enoshima Island

The tour then whisks visitors away to the charming island of Enoshima, which sits just off the coast.

Travelers ride the scenic escalators up to the top, enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

On the island, they can explore the historic Enoshima Shrine, a Shinto shrine dating back to the 8th century.

Visitors also have the chance to feed the friendly koi fish in the ponds.

After taking in the sights, they can relax over a traditional Japanese tea and wagashi (sweets) experience, savoring the flavors and tranquility of this idyllic island retreat.

Japanese Koi Feeding and Tea Experience

Visitors eagerly make their way to the tranquil ponds where friendly koi fish swim, eager to be fed by curious hands. The tour guide provides small pellets, and participants can’t resist the temptation to toss them into the water, giggling as the vibrant carp dart to the surface.

The experience offers a serene moment to connect with nature. Afterward, guests indulge in a traditional Japanese tea and sweet ceremony, learning about the history and cultural significance of this time-honored ritual.

The calming atmosphere and warm hospitality leave a lasting impression on all who partake in this enchanting experience.

1. Feed friendly koi fish in tranquil ponds
2. Participate in a traditional Japanese tea and sweet ceremony
3. Learn about the history and cultural significance of the ritual
4. Enjoy a serene moment connecting with nature

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. The tour involves both indoor and outdoor activities, so dressing in layers is recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

The tour allows participants to bring their own snacks and drinks. However, it’s recommended to avoid consuming food or beverages that could be disruptive or distracting during the guided tour activities and experiences.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t seem to offer any discounts for seniors or students. The pricing is a flat rate of $170.91 per person, regardless of age or student status. It’s worth checking if there are any promotional deals available at the time of booking.

Can I Leave the Group During the Tour?

Participants are generally expected to stay with the group throughout the tour. However, the guide may allow some flexibility if travelers need to leave temporarily for personal reasons. It’s best to check with the guide beforehand.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Travelers can easily cancel their reservation and get a full refund if they need to change their plans.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating blend of history, nature, and culture during this day trip to Kamakura and Enoshima. From the iconic Great Buddha to the serene Bamboo Temple, you’ll uncover the region’s rich heritage. Stroll along the coastal scenery, feed vibrant koi fish, and partake in a traditional tea ceremony – a truly immersive experience that showcases the best of this enchanting destination.