Kamakura Sightseeing Tour: Private Shore Excursion & Cruise

Overview

Experience the legacy of the samurai in Kamakura, the former military capital of Japan. This 6-hour private Tokyo shore excursion is tailored specifically for cruise guests who want to immerse themselves in Japan’s feudal history without the long travel times associated with deeper inland regions. Known for its monumental bronze Buddha and vibrant shrine culture, Kamakura provides a perfect, high-impact cultural escape from the modern bustle of the port.

This tour is expertly timed for cruise passengers docking at the Port of Yokohama or the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. Whether your ship is the Ovation of the Seas, HAL – ms Westerdam, Diamond Princess, or Celebrity Millennium, our private chartered service ensures you bypass the crowds of ship-organized bus tours. With our dedicated “Back-to-Ship Guarantee,” you can explore Kamakura’s National Treasures and bustling market streets with total peace of mind, knowing your return to the pier is guaranteed.

Accompanied by a licensed English-speaking guide, you will travel in a luxury Toyota Alphard or Hiace Wagon, enjoying a seamless transition from the gangway to the sacred grounds of the Great Buddha. This excursion is the ideal blend of spiritual discovery, historical exploration, and local shopping.

Highlights

• The Great Buddha (Kotokuin): Witness the awe-inspiring Daibutsu, a 13.35-meter bronze National Treasure that has remained a stoic symbol of Kamakura since the 13th century.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Explore the most important Shinto shrine in the city, dedicated to the patron god of the samurai and the Minamoto clan.
• Komachi-dori Shopping: Enjoy free time on this vibrant pedestrian street, famous for its unique local snacks, traditional crafts, and boutique souvenir shops.
• Direct Port-to-Shrine Service: Professional pickup and drop-off at all major terminals, including Osanbashi, Daikoku, and Shinko (Hammerhead) Pier in Yokohama.
• Luxury Private Transit: Avoid the fatigue of public trains and crowded shuttles with your own private, air-conditioned vehicle.

Complete Details

Your Japan cruise sightseeing adventure begins at the pier, where your guide will meet you in the arrivals hall with a personalized welcome board. The journey from the Yokohama Port to Kamakura is remarkably short (approx. 30–45 minutes), allowing you to maximize your time at the actual historical sites.

The first stop is Kotokuin Temple, home to the world-famous Great Buddha. Your guide will provide insights into the statue’s remarkable construction—how it was cast in bronze in 1252 and how it has survived massive tsunamis and typhoons that destroyed the temple buildings around it. Next, you will visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the spiritual heart of Kamakura. Unlike the quiet Zen temples nearby, this shrine offers a grand, powerful atmosphere, reflecting its history as the guardian shrine for the god of war.

The final portion of the tour is dedicated to the lively Komachi Street. This historic thoroughfare is perfect for those looking to experience modern Japanese “street food” or find high-quality local handicrafts. Your guide can recommend the best spots for a quick lunch or a cup of artisanal Japanese coffee. After your exploration, you will enjoy a comfortable, direct drive back to your ship’s berth, arriving with plenty of time to spare before your departure.

Booking with Jasumo

To book your private Kamakura shore excursion or to customize an itinerary based on your ship’s arrival, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your cruise ship’s docking terminal and schedule to ensure a seamless experience during your time in port.

Jasumo also provides Destination Management Company (DMC) services, supporting not only individual travelers but also tour companies, travel agencies, and group tours. We offer end-to-end destination support, tailored itineraries, and reliable local coordination for partners seeking professional on-ground services in Japan.

Complimentary 10GB eSIM with Every Jasumo Tour Booking

When you book your tour through Jasumo, we make your journey even smoother by giving you a free 10GB eSIM. Stay connected across Japan from the moment you arrive—use maps, messaging, ride apps, and travel updates without worrying about finding Wi-Fi or buying a SIM. It’s our way of ensuring a stress-free and fully connected travel experience.

FAQs

Which Yokohama pier will my ship dock at?

Large vessels like the Ovation of the Seas typically dock at Daikoku Pier, while others like the ms Westerdam or Diamond Princess may berth at Osanbashi or Shinko Pier. We verify your ship’s specific berth 24 hours in advance to ensure our driver is waiting at the correct exit.

Is Kamakura a good alternative to Tokyo for a shore excursion?

Absolutely. For travelers who prefer history and “old-world” Japan over neon lights and skyscrapers, Kamakura is the best choice. It offers a “mini-Kyoto” experience and is significantly closer to the Yokohama port than central Tokyo.

Can we go inside the Great Buddha statue on this tour?

Yes, for a nominal fee (approx. 50 yen, paid on-site), visitors can enter the hollow interior of the Daibutsu. This allows you to see the intricate bronze casting marks from the inside, a rare experience for such a monumental treasure.

How much walking is required on this tour?

The walking is considered moderate. Kotokuin is flat, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu involves some stairs to reach the main hall, and Komachi Street is a flat pedestrian walk. Because we use a private vehicle to move between locations, the overall physical strain is much lower than public transit tours.

What if our ship’s port time is less than 6 hours?

Since this is a private tour, we can condense the itinerary. We prioritize the Great Buddha and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, adjusting the time spent on Komachi Street to ensure you are returned to the ship safely and punctually.

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