Kamakura & Enoshima walking tour: Great Buddha and coastal caves

Walk two islands in one morning, from the Great Buddha to sea caves carved by centuries of waves

A 4-hour guided walking tour of Kamakura and Enoshima with a native English-speaking guide, starting at Kamakura Station and visiting Hase-dera Temple, the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple, and Enoshima Island's shrines, observation tower, and coastal caves. All Enoden Line train fares and admission tickets are included. Optional extras inside venues are paid on-site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kamakura and Enoshima walking tour

• Visit Hase-dera Temple and gardens
• See Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple
• Ride Enoden Line to Enoshima Island
• Explore Enoshima Shrine complexes
• Relax at Samuel Cocking Garden
• Enjoy views from Enoshima Sea Candle
• Visit Enoshima Lover's Bell viewpoint
• Explore Enoshima Iwaya Caves

The experience

Kamakura Station is where the walk begins, and from there you move through Hase-dera Temple: one of the town's most atmospheric sites, set on a hillside with sweeping coastal views and a main hall housing a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The temple grounds include a small cave you can walk through and quiet pathways that offer a sharp contrast to the busier parts of Kamakura. Next is Kotoku-in Temple, home to the Great Buddha, a 13th-century bronze statue of Amida Buddha standing in the open air. You walk around it to take in its scale and craftsmanship, and can enter inside the statue itself for a perspective on how it was built.

The Enoden Line train ride connects the two towns, running along the coastline and through traditional neighborhoods. This is the scenic spine of the tour. Once on Enoshima Island, you visit a collection of three shrine complexes dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, art and prosperity, spread across the island and connected by pathways. Samuel Cocking Garden offers a quieter moment among seasonal flowers and landscaped grounds, while the Enoshima Sea Candle observation tower delivers 360-degree views of the coastline, Sagami Bay, and Mount Fuji on clear days. The Lover's Bell is a scenic viewpoint where couples attach padlocks as symbols of lasting love.

The Iwaya Caves are at the far end of the island: a series of passages carved by centuries of wave erosion, dimly lit and opening into larger chambers. You carry a small candle through parts of the cave, passing small shrines and statues inside, and emerge to dramatic views of the rocky coastline. Coastal rock pools are accessible if conditions allow. The guide is a native English speaker, and all train fares and main admission tickets are covered in the price.

What’s included

• Guided walking tour with a native English-speaking guide.
• all Enoden Line train fares.
• admission to Hase-dera Temple, Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha), Enoshima Shrine, Samuel Cocking Garden, Enoshima Sea Candle observation tower, and Iwaya Caves.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Monday and ThursdayDeparts at 13:30

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (under 12)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Bay to Temple Tours

Is this one for you?The 4-hour duration fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming the entire day, leaving time for meals or other activities in either town. A moderate level of physical fitness is needed for the walking and temple steps. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple like when you get there?

The Great Buddha is a 13th-century bronze statue of Amida Buddha standing in the open air on simple, open temple grounds. You can walk around it to see its scale and craftsmanship from different angles, and those interested can enter inside the statue to see how it was constructed. The unobstructed setting makes for excellent photos.

Can you really walk through the Iwaya Caves, or is it just a viewing area?

Iwaya Caves are walkable passages that you move through yourself, carrying a small candle through dimly lit sections that open into larger chambers. The caves have historical and spiritual significance, with small shrines and statues inside, and they end at dramatic views of the rocky coastline and ocean.

How does the train ride fit into the tour?

The Enoden Line train connects Kamakura to Enoshima, running along the coastline and through traditional neighborhoods. The ride is part of the guided experience, and all fares are included in the tour price.

Is there time to rest during the 4 hours, or is it walking the whole time?

Samuel Cocking Garden provides a built-in break with seasonal flowers, landscaped grounds and shaded areas where you can slow the pace, take photos and enjoy views of the surrounding coastline.

What happens if the weather is bad or the sea conditions are rough?

Coastal rock pools are accessible if conditions allow, so rough seas or poor weather may affect that part of the itinerary. The caves, shrines, gardens and observation tower are not weather-dependent and remain part of the tour.