Yokohama & Kamakura Tour: 6-Hour Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Step back in time to the era of the samurai with the Yokohama & Kamakura Discovery tour. This 6-hour excursion takes you from the modern skyline of Yokohama to the coastal town of Kamakura, often referred to as the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan.” As the former political center of the country in the 12th century, Kamakura is home to colossal bronze statues, ancient wooden temples, and peaceful Zen gardens.

Designed for guests docking at the Port of Yokohama or Tokyo Port, this cultural discovery offers a seamless bridge between the harbor and Japan’s spiritual heritage. By traveling in a private chartered vehicle with a licensed English-speaking guide, you bypass the complexity of regional trains and maximize your time at Kamakura’s iconic landmarks. With our “Back-to-Ship Guarantee,” you can find your “Zen” at the Great Buddha and explore the local boutiques with total peace of mind regarding your ship’s departure.

Highlights

• Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha): Stand before the second-tallest bronze Buddha in Japan, an 11-meter-high masterpiece that has survived centuries of natural disasters.
• Hasedera Temple: Visit the “Temple of Flowers,” home to one of Japan’s largest gilded wooden sculptures—the eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
• Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu: Explore Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to the patron god of the samurai and the legendary Minamoto family.
• Komachi-dori Street: Wander through a vibrant shopping strip where traditional rice paper (washi) shops meet modern boutiques and “Sakura Mochi” cafes.
• Panoramic Coastal Views: Enjoy a scenic drive along the Sagami Bay coast as you transition between Yokohama and the historical heart of Kamakura.

Complete Details

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the cruise terminal. Your guide and driver will be waiting at the Yokohama or Tokyo pier to escort you in a comfortable private vehicle for the approximately one-hour drive to Kamakura.

The tour starts at Kotoku-in Temple, where you will encounter the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Your guide will share the fascinating history of how this massive statue came to stand in the open air after its original temple halls were swept away by 15th-century tsunamis. Next, we visit Hasedera Temple, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. You can admire the 9-meter tall wooden Kannon statue and stroll through beautiful gardens and koi ponds.

Afterward, we transfer to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine. You will walk through the impressive red torii gates and up the grand stone staircase to the main hall, learning about the shrine’s connection to the fierce samurai who once ruled Japan. The day concludes at Komachi-dori Shopping Street. This is the perfect place to sample local delicacies like green tea ice cream or Sakura Mochi and find unique handcrafted souvenirs. Finally, relax in your private vehicle as we return you to the port, arriving well before your “all aboard” time.

Booking with Jasumo

To book this private Kamakura discovery or to customize the itinerary to include a visit to the Hokokuji Bamboo Forest, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your ship’s docking terminal and schedule to ensure a seamless experience.

Jasumo also provides Destination Management Company (DMC) services, offering end-to-end support and reliable local coordination for individual travelers, travel agencies, and luxury group tours.

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 Kamakura from the moment you arrive—use maps to navigate the charming backstreets of Komachi-dori, message your group, and share your Great Buddha photos instantly without worrying about finding Wi-Fi. It’s our way of ensuring a stress-free and fully connected travel experience.

FAQs

Which port will my ship dock at?

Cruise ships in the Tokyo area usually dock at Yokohama (Daikoku or Osanbashi Pier) or Tokyo (Harumi or Shinkiba). Kamakura is most easily accessible from Yokohama. We verify your ship’s specific berth to ensure your driver is waiting at the correct exit.

Is it possible to go inside the Great Buddha?

Yes, for a very small additional fee (usually around 50-100 yen), you can actually step inside the hollow bronze statue to see how it was cast centuries ago.

How much walking is involved?

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, including some steps at Hasedera and Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu. However, our private vehicle drops you as close as possible to the entrances of all sites to minimize walking distance.

Can we have lunch during the tour?

Absolutely. Komachi-dori and the surrounding area offer a variety of options, from traditional Shirasu (whitebait) bowls—a Kamakura specialty—to modern vegetarian cafes. Your guide can provide recommendations based on your tastes.

Does the “Back-to-Ship Guarantee” cover traffic?

Yes. Our guarantee ensures we monitor traffic conditions and your ship’s schedule in real-time. We plan to have you back at the pier at least 1 hour before departure. In the rare event of a delay, we coordinate and cover your transport to the next port.

Location