Kamakura Walking Tour - The City Of Shogun

Kamakura, the former seat of the Shogunate, beckons visitors to uncover its rich tapestry of history and culture. Embarking on the Kamakura Walking Tour, one can explore the city’s captivating past, exploring iconic landmarks that bear witness to its illustrious legacy. From the revered Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine to the awe-inspiring Great Buddha, each step on this guided journey promises to transport participants into the heart of Japan’s feudal era. As the tour concludes at Hase Station, the opportunity to further explore Kamakura’s enchanting offerings lingers, inviting travelers to dive deeper into the city’s enduring charm.

Key Points

The Kamakura Walking Tour commences at the Kamakura City Tourist Information Center at 10:30 AM, with a tour guide greeting the group.
The tour provides a rundown of Kamakura’s history as the seat of the Shogunate, including visits to iconic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue.
The tour concludes at Hase Station, allowing participants to easily access transportation options and explore other Kamakura attractions.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted, and service animals are allowed.
Highlights of the tour include exploring the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, and the Hase Kannon Buddhist temple.

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Meeting Point and Start Time

The Kamakura Walking Tour commences at the Kamakura City Tourist Information Center, with a start time of 10:30 AM.

This allows participants to conveniently meet up and begin their exploration of the city’s rich history and cultural landmarks.

The tour guide, who holds a board, will be on-site to greet the group and provide any necessary instructions or information.

This centralized meeting point ensures a smooth and organized start to the tour, making it easy for visitors to find and join the group.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to delve deeper into Kamakura’s heritage, the tour’s starting point and time provide a seamless beginning to your guided adventure.

Tour Details

On this Kamakura Walking Tour, the tour guide fee is included in the cost. However, transportation and admission fees, totaling 1,200 Yen, aren’t covered and must be paid separately by participants.

The guide, who holds a board, leads the group through the various historical sites and cultural landmarks of Kamakura. The tour provides a rundown of the city’s rich history as the seat of the Shogunate government during the Kamakura period.

Visitors can expect to explore iconic destinations such as temples, shrines, and the famous Great Buddha statue. Throughout the tour, the guide shares insights and anecdotes, offering participants a deeper understanding of Kamakura’s significance in Japan’s past.

Ending Point

The tour concludes at Hase Station, where participants can easily access transportation options to continue their exploration of Kamakura or return to their starting point.

Visitors can take the train from Hase Station to explore other attractions in Kamakura, such as the iconic Great Buddha or the serene Hase-dera Temple.

Those who need to depart can quickly access the station’s connections to nearby cities like Yokohama and Tokyo.

The station’s vicinity to the walking tour’s highlights makes it an ideal place to end the journey, allowing participants to seamlessly transition to their next destination or head back.

Policies and Accessibility

Confirmation at the time of booking is required, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is situated near public transportation. However, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, and the maximum number of participants is 10.

Cancellation policy offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior to the experience’s start time, and different date or full refund is offered in case of poor weather conditions.

The tour guide fee is included, but transportation and admission fees are not, totaling 1,200 Yen. The guide will be holding a board to identify the meeting point at the Kamakura City Tourist Information Center.

Highlights of the Tour

The Kamakura Walking Tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s rich history and cultural landmarks, providing an immersive experience.

Some of the highlights of this tour include:

Exploring the iconic Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine, an important Shinto site that dates back to the 12th century and offers stunning architecture and serene gardens.
Discovering the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a 13-meter-tall bronze statue that’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
Visiting the Hase Kannon, a beautiful Buddhist temple known for its impressive wooden carvings and serene atmosphere.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights into Kamakura’s history as the seat of the Shogunate, offering a deeper understanding of this captivating city.

Historical Background of Kamakura

Once the seat of the Shogunate, Kamakura has a rich and storied history spanning centuries.

Established in 1192 by the influential Minamoto clan, the city served as the political and military capital of Japan for over a century, witnessing the rise and fall of several powerful shogunates.

It was during this time that Kamakura became a hub of cultural and religious activity, with the construction of numerous temples and shrines that continue to captivate visitors today.

Despite its eventual decline, the city’s historical significance remains intact, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past and the enduring legacy of the Shogunate era.

Recommended Attire and Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for this Kamakura walking tour, as the route covers several kilometers of historic streets and trails. Loose, breathable clothing is also recommended to ensure participants’ ease of movement and comfort throughout the day’s activities.

Wear layers, as the weather in Kamakura can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunshine and cool breezes.

Bring a small backpack or purse to carry any personal items, snacks, and water to stay hydrated during the tour.

Consider bringing sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, to shield from the elements during outdoor portions of the tour.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience on the Kamakura Walking Tour.

Additional Information for Travelers

Participants should arrive at the designated meeting point, the Kamakura City Tourist Information Center, by 10:30 AM to begin the tour on time.

The tour guide fee is included, but transportation and admission fees, totaling 1,200 Yen, are not.

The guide will be holding a board to easily identify them.

The tour ends at Hase Station.

Confirmation is required at the time of booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.

Service animals are allowed.

It’s located near public transportation.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.

Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start time are eligible for a full refund.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour operator doesn’t provide any storage or consumption facilities, so guests will need to manage these themselves during the walking tour.

How Long Is the Total Walking Distance of the Tour?

The total walking distance of the tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the tour starts at the Kamakura City Tourist Information Center and ends at Hase Station, suggesting it covers a considerable distance through the city of Kamakura.

Do I Need to Pay Any Tipping Fees for the Guide?

No, you don’t need to pay any tipping fees for the guide. The tour fee includes the guide’s services, and tipping is not customary in Japan. The total cost for the tour is 1,200 yen.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour information doesn’t explicitly mention any scheduled restroom breaks. However, it’s likely the guide will accommodate participants’ needs and provide opportunities to use restrooms along the route, as is common for walking tours. Guests should feel free to ask the guide about this.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the guide beforehand as there may be some restricted areas or situations where photography is not permitted.

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Recap

The Kamakura Walking Tour provides a captivating journey through the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore iconic destinations, gaining a deep understanding of Kamakura’s past as the seat of the Shogunate.

With the tour concluding at Hase Station, travelers can easily access nearby transportation options for further exploration of this remarkable city.