Kamakura Photo Tour: Great Buddha & Hase Temple with Pro

Walk two temples with a photographer capturing your portraits at every stop

A 90-minute guided photo tour of Kamakura's Great Buddha and Hase Temple, led by a professional photographer who poses you for candid and stylized portraits throughout the route. You receive 30+ professionally edited photos in a private online gallery within 72 hours, along with historical commentary and posing guidance from your guide. The tour covers the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in temple and a 10-minute walk to Hase Temple, where you'll photograph against sea views, gardens, koi ponds and the temple dedicated to Kannon, the Buddha of Kindness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Great Buddha and Hase Temple

• Meet photographer-guide at Kotoku-in
• Learn about Great Buddha
• Take portraits with Great Buddha
• Walk 10 minutes to Hase Temple
• Explore Hase Temple and gardens
• Take portraits at Hase Temple

The Experience

The photographer-guide meets you at Kotoku-in, the temple housing the Great Buddha, and spends the first part of the tour finding the best angles and lighting for your portraits with the statue as your backdrop. Rather than moving quickly through the site, the guide shares historical details about the Buddha and the temple while positioning you for shots that work with the natural light and composition of the space. You're not following a group. The pace and posing are built around getting you comfortable in front of the camera.

After the Great Buddha, a 10-minute walk takes you to Hase Temple, a site the guide describes as often missed by standard tours. The temple sits above the coast with panoramic sea views, and the grounds include lush gardens, seasonal flowers, koi-filled ponds, and a labyrinth of ancient caves. The photographer continues capturing portraits as you move through these spaces, mixing candid shots with posed moments so the final gallery shows both natural movement and intentional framing.

Within 72 hours, you receive 30+ edited portraits in a private online gallery formatted for sharing. The photos are yours to download and keep, a record of the two temples and your time there that goes beyond a standard souvenir. Temple entry fees (300 yen at Kotoku-in, 400 yen at Hase) are separate, and you'll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point, though public transit serves the area.

What’s included

• 90-minute guided tour with a professional photographer.
• 30+ professionally edited portraits delivered within 72 hours.
• private online gallery to view, download and share your photos.
• personalized posing guidance for natural and flattering shots.
• candid and stylized portrait coverage at both temples.
• historical commentary and stories about the Great Buddha and Hase Temple from your guide.

Days and timesDaily · 5 departure times, from 09:30 to 15:30

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends elsewhereMeeting point, per the operator: “Meet us at the entrance of Kōtoku-in, the temple where the Great Buddha is located. As you approach the entrance, you'll notice a pair of impressive guardian st…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Photo Star

Is this one for you?Choose the language your guide speaks (English, Spanish, French or Japanese), so the historical details and posing direction are comfortable to follow throughout the 90 minutes.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Japanese.

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 24h before the start.

How many photos do I actually get to keep?

You receive 30+ professionally edited portraits delivered in a private online gallery within 72 hours of your tour, ready to download and share.

What is Hase Temple like compared to the Great Buddha site?

Hase Temple overlooks the sea and features gardens, seasonal flowers, koi ponds, and ancient caves carved into the hillside, plus a temple dedicated to Kannon, the Buddha of Kindness: a different atmosphere from the open grounds of the Great Buddha.

Do I need to buy tickets to enter the temples?

Yes, entry to Kotoku-in (Great Buddha) costs 300 yen and Hase Temple costs 400 yen. These are not included in the tour price and you pay them on arrival.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour includes a 10-minute walk between the two temples, and you'll move around each site for posing and photography. It's suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Can I bring a stroller or pram if I'm traveling with an infant?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller throughout the tour.