This tour features the full wonder of Enoshima Island, which was naturally shaped by the volcanic activities. The island is wrapped in the spiritual atmosphere and dragon legend. We will visit shrines, Sea Candle, and caves. The part of the island was the sailing venue of the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. It is about 200 meters away from the beach. Before the bridge was built, worshippers walked on the sandbanks during the low tide. Today we cross a bridge.
At your hotel in Kamakura
I will meet you at hotel in Kamakura.
We take Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) for Enoshima. The ride on the retro tram is popular among tourists. After getting off the tram, we walk over to the island and cross Enoshima Benten Bridge.
From the bridge, Mt. Fuji may be visible on a clear day. The approach starts from the bronze torii gate to the red torii gate. We walk up the stone steps to the lower shrine.
In 1207, the 3rd Kamakura Shogun, Sanetomo, sponsored the building of "Hetsunomiya" shrine, which is dedicated to the younger Sea Goddess. From the observation deck you'll have a good view of the yacht harbor, the venue for 2020 Olympic sailing race, although it was postponed to 2021 due to the Corona pandemic.
The upper shrine painted in red will come into your sight. It is dedicated to the elder Sea Goddess.
Samuel Cocking, an English businessman made the flower garden here in 1882. It was remodeled in 2003. It has seasonal flowers and tropical trees. Sea Candle is the nick name of the lighthouse and stands on the garden. It costs ￥500 to go up the 60-meter-tall lighthouse. You'll have a beautiful panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the peninsula, the seacoast, and the Hakone mountains.
Enjoy the fresh sea food!
The third shrine is the summer hall where Sea Goddess is said to have resided to avoid the typhoon-driven floods in the Iwaya Cave. The picture painted on the ceiling is known as "The turtle staring in all directions". It's a masterpiece by the famous artist in the Edo period.
High waves from the Pacific Ocean have eroded the cliff for nearly 80,000 years and made deep caves. There are two caves for adventure. It's really a fun. Admission is 500yen.The cave will be closed by the bad weather or high waves.
The operation of the ferry depends on the weather. If the ferry service is suspended, we walk all the way back to the Enoshima Benten Bridge.
This is the site where priest Nichiren, a founder of the Nichiren sect was about to be executed during the Kamakura era. The cave, bell, and five stories pagoda are on the precinct.
Enjoy the scenery from the retro tram.
The tour ends here.
At your hotel in Kamakura
Enoshima was the prayer hall for Samurai warriors in the Kamakura era and the spiritual spot for Edoites in the Edo period.
Guide fee
Transportation fares including bus, tram, ferry and taxi. We may take a taxi if necessary.
Admission (You and Guide) to Sea Candle, Cave and temples.
Lunch (for both you and guide).
Personal expenses
No insurance coverage
.
I changed to at least three days notice.
Available except Sundays
*This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
*The order of itinerary is subject to change due to operational circumstances, the traffic conditions and weather.
*Transportation fares such as bus, tram, train, ferry and taxi are not included. We may take a taxi if necessary.
*Ferry may be suspended because of a bad weather.
*Admission to temples and exhibition hall (for you and guide) are not included.
*Lunch (for you and the guide) is not included.
*No insurance coverage
.
What an incredible day with Taka visiting so many shrines and temples. His knowledge is absolutely amazing. He is such a kind person and it made the day all the better. He is so welcoming that I felt I was touring Japan with an old friend. Thank you Taka for a wonderful day. Please book with Taka when you come to Kamakura!
Thank you very much for your words that surely encourages me to introduce my hometown to visitors from all of the world. I am very happy that you enjoyed the tour in Kamakura. Thank you again for appreciating my tour guide. Taka
Takayasu was an excellent guide! His explanations were clear we, enjoyed the historical information he presented. He adjusted the day at our request, because of rain and our need to be at the airport for our return home. He made sure our bags were taken care of appropriately, walking us in to the counter . I would recommend him wholeheartedly !
Hi Lorraine, Thank you very much for your great words appreciating my guiding. It is a geat honor for me to have such warm review on my Kamakura tour. It was raining hard in the morning but it became sprinkling by the time we arrived at a shrine and temples. Therefore,we could visit more spots than I ecpected. I am glad to know you liked my explanation. Both of you were so eager to listen to my historical presentation. There are lots more spots in this ancient city. So please come again and I am happy to guide you.
Great tour
Dennis, Thank you very much for your wonderful comments on my tour. I am very glad to know that you and Sandra enjoyed the traditional spots,shopping and food. You visited two of three ancient cities in Japan. I would like to show you around my home town. Kamakura which you have saved for the next visit. Please keep in touch. Takayasu
Takayasu was full of information about the area. He knew exactly where to go in the quickest time and fitted in a tea ceremony for us. We ran out of time to complete the tour. We would recommend Takayasu and his tour to anyone
Rosalie, thank you so much for your deep gratitude to me and my tour. I am happy to know that you enjoyed the wedding, tea ceremony and my talk, which is my utmost pleasure. I remember having Bento lunch to save our limited time. Please get in touch with me and set up another visit plan to Japan. Takayasu