Overview

Come join a six-hour bicycle tour that beautifully opens up the history and nature of Kamakura and adds in some good food too! Visit a temple with a history of more than 1000 years, a shrine that gathers the faith of the local people, a beautiful garden where unique landscape scenery is combined with the ambient loveliness of Kamakura, a huge Buddha statue that stands as a symbol of Kamakura, the beautiful coastline of Yuigahama, and a local market where you can vigorously enjoy Kamakura’s charms, including colorful Kamakura vegetables. Despite the long list of highlights, this tour proceeds at a relaxed pace, with the 10km journey being along a nearly flat path, so even those who aren't usually big on exercise can sign up without fear. Guides, bicycle rental, and admission fees are included in the tour fee.
At 9:00 am, you’ll meet your guide at the east exit ticket gate of JR Kamakura Station, get the rental bike, and start your trip. The first place we visit is the tomb of Minamoto no Yoritomo, a 12th century general who founded the Kamakura Shogunate. It takes about 10 minutes from the start point to get here, and along the way, you can also enjoy beautiful cherry blossom trees in spring. After listening to a brief chat from your guide about the origin of Yoritomo, which made the city of Kamakura, we will head to the next site, Egawaraten Jinja Shrine. This is a shrine with a beautiful precinct that enshrines Michizane Sugawarano, who is said to be the god of learning. There is also a picture brush painted mound with a Kappas drawn by 154 manga artists around the grounds, which is a must-see for manga lovers. After Egawaraten Jinja, we will ride about five minutes to the oldest temple in Kamakura, Sugimoto-dera. The beautiful stairs covered with green moss leading to the precinct are fantastic photo spots.
Next to Sugimoto-dera, we will visit the Hokoku-ji Temple, which is famous for its beautiful bamboo forest. The country known as “The Temple of the Bamboo Garden” has long been famous for its bamboo groves in the precincts, and it is one of the most popular temples in Kamakura. Let's take a moment and enjoy the feeling of a mind’s clutter washed away, in an environment of calm and coolness.
Next to Hokokuji Temple, we head back towards Kamakura Station and the starting point. Here we take in the famous sword "Masamune" of Kamakura, and the twenty-fourth generation swordsman Yamamura Tsunahiro makes the visit even more meaningful. Breathe in the swordmaking process unique to Japan in this rarefied space.
Next we will visit Kotokuin, where Kamakura’s famous "Daibutsu" is located. Make sure to take a great shot of this towering Buddha with your smartphone!
After Kotokuin, it’s lunchtime. Please get local and enjoy foods unique to Kamakura.
After lunch, we visit Hasedera Temple and enjoy the majestic Eleven statues of Kannon and Yuigahama scenery from their observation deck. You can also enjoy the hydrangeas in June.
After Hasedera Temple, we visit Goryo Jinja, where the Enoshima Electric Railway tracks pass in front of the torii gate. The train passes once every five minutes, so please stop to capture this unique sight with your own camera, a sight which can only be seen at this place, where the train crosses behind a torii.
Next to Goryo Jinja, we pick up Japanese-style confectionery at the Chikara Mochi House right in front of the shrine and head for Yuigahama. Enjoy the local food while gazing out at the magnificent Pacific Ocean and the beautiful sandy beaches in the foreground.
After getting our peaceful fill, we go along the Yuigahama coastline and enjoy those colorful Kamakura vegetables at the Kamakura City Agricultural Cooperative Association shop. You can also buy some tasty prepared foods and homemade bread to enjoy later at your hotel, so don’t hesitate to pick up some goodies.