Private tour in English. Suitable for anyone interested in history, culture, gardens, and photography. Kids are welcome.

SIGNATURE TOUR (5 Hours) Available daily.
One-day private tour of Kamakura, the birthplace of Samurai Culture and Zen temples. Fun and informative, we explore Japan's fabled past (1188-1333).

INTRO
Discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of Kamakura, Japan's de facto capital for nearly 150 years, with British-born photographer Peter Oxley as your English-speaking tour guide. A longtime resident of Japan, Peter will take you on an insightful tour of Kamakura's temples, shrines and gardens, while giving you useful pointers on how best to photograph the historic sites. It's a personalised tour centered on the historical/cultural legacy of the Kamakura Shogunate, Japan's seat of government from 1188 to1333. Learn about the nearly 150-year rule of the shogunate, the first of successive military governments that controlled Japan until modern times, along with the birth of Samurai Culture and the rise of Zen Buddhism. Fun and informative, the tour transports you to an era in Japan's history marked by peace and prosperity as well as bloodshed and war.

ITINERARY
Meet at Kamakura Station, East Exit 10 AM.
Stroll down Wakamiya Oji ("Young Prince's Avenue"), built by Yoritomo Minamoto to pray for the safe delivery of his first son. Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, also erected by the first shogun, with stops around the Genji and Heike ponds, the grand stairway, where the third shogun was assassinated, and the revered Shinto shrine itself. Browse through bustling Komachi-dori, Kamakura's famous shopping street. Have lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant. Take a bus ride to Daibutsu ("Great Buddha"), the iconic bronze image of the Buddha seated in lotus position, with a look inside the mammoth statue. Go souvenir-hunting around quaint shops selling sweets, curios and handicrafts. Visit Hasedera, a cluster of temples spread out on several levels, with beautiful gardens, koi ponds, caves with wall carvings, and many other points of interest. Enjoy a panoramic view of Sagami Bay from an observation deck. Walk to Hase Station and ride the vintage Enoden Line back to JR Kamakura Station.

PRICE
JPY8,000/person, exclusive of venue admission fees, local transportation costs, and lunch. No tour charge for children under 12. Discount available for a group of more than six. The tour will finish around 4pm.

RESERVATIONS AND ENQUIRIES (T) +81 (0)90-9146-4321 (E) samuraiphototours@yahoo.com

To BOOK THIS TOUR, WATCH A VIDEO, or to get MORE INFORMATION, please click the following link:
www.samuraiphototours.com

Please check the calendar for availability and e-mail me for further information.

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