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.
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.
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.
Hello ! My name is Bruno. I’m a French 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.
Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref, Japan
info@kamakuraphototours.com