Private Guided Tours - Kamakura Photo Tours

Kamakura Photo Tours

Endless Discoveries

Guided tours with a photographer

Step into the heart of Kamakura, the city of the samurai, with a local photographer. We value direct communication to fully understand your expectations and create a journey of lasting memories tailored just for you. Tours are available in English and French. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive a download link with 20 professionally edited photos, allowing you to relive and share the highlights of your unforgettable day.

Secret Kamakura

Private 3-hour tour for 2 to 6 guests, photo package included, starting from 9.000 JPY per person.

Begin your journey in Kita-Kamakura and follow the scenic Daibutsu Hiking Trail with a local photographer as your guide. Along the way, discover two of Kamakura’s most atmospheric hidden shrines: Zeniarai Benten, tucked inside a cave, and the mystical Sasuke Inari, lined with red torii gates. This off-the-beaten-path experience offers a unique opportunity to explore, learn, and capture the spirit of Kamakura beyond the usual tourist routes. The tour ends near Kamakura Station, where the city’s energy and tradition meet.

Extended Kamakura

Private 5-hour tour for 2 to 6 guests, photo package included, starting from 12.000 JPY per person.

Explore the spiritual heart of Kamakura on this extended private tour guided by a local expert. Starting from Kamakura Station, you’ll visit peaceful temples like Jufuku-ji, Eishō-ji, Kaizō-ji, and Jōchi-ji, followed by a relaxing lunch in central Kamakura. The journey continues with a visit to the secluded Kakuon-ji Temple, reached by local bus. This thoughtfully paced experience combines walking and public transport, offering a deeper connection to Kamakura’s hidden beauty, Zen traditions, and timeless charm. Along the way, your guide shares stories and insights to help you experience the city like a local.

Zen & Matcha

Private 3-hour tour for 2 to 6 guests, photo package included, starting from 9.500 JPY per person.

Step off the beaten path and discover a more intimate side of Kamakura with a local photographer. This private walking tour blends quiet backstreets, hidden temples, and lush gardens with moments of calm and cultural immersion. From the serene Egara Tenjin shrine to the bamboo grove of Hokoku-ji, and a peaceful matcha tasting in a Zen teahouse, you’ll experience Kamakura’s spirit through the lens of someone who knows it deeply. Designed for those who love photography, history, and authentic encounters, this experience offers a rare and inspiring look at Japan’s ancient samurai capital.

More tours

Private tours are available for groups of 2 to 6 guests. Tailor-made experiences, crafted to suit your interests and needs, are also available upon request. Scouting services for photo shoots and TV reportages can be arranged as well. Feel free to contact me for more information.

About me

Hello ! My name is Bruno. I’m a photographer, photojournalist, and videographer based in Kamakura, a charming seaside town located along Shonan Bay, about 50 kilometers south of Tokyo. I’ve been living in Japan for over 12 years, capturing its people, culture, and landscapes through a documentary eye. Having explored every corner of Kamakura, I would be happy to share its hidden gems and stories with you.

Kamakura is often referred to as the city of the samurai because this former political capital of Japan was established and ruled by warlords for nearly three centuries. It also became an early center for Rinzai Zen Buddhism and played a key role in its spread throughout the country. The city, also known as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, is home to some of the oldest Zen temples in the archipelago.

A Brief History of Kamakura

In 1181, Minamoto no Yoritomo, victorious over the Taira clan, settled in Kamakura, which would become the political and economic capital of Japan. Appointed shogun in 1192 by the emperor, who remained in Kyoto, he established the bakufu, the military government, and ushered in the Kamakura period. This era lasted until 1333, when the city was invaded and defeated by the forces of Emperor Go-Daigo.

Visual Stories

Forget the selfie stick! Your guide, also a professional photographer, will capture the highlights of your journey and take group photos at each stop so you can fully enjoy the moment. Within 24 hours of your tour, you’ll receive a secure link to download a curated selection of carefully edited, high-quality images — a lasting memory to cherish and share your story. Book your photo tour today and discover the timeless beauty of Japan’s former samurai capital!