Kamakura is a treasure chest for photography lovers. Its mix of ancient temples, iconic statues, lively streets, and seaside scenery makes it a perfect setting for capturing memorable images. Whether you’re after a portrait session against historic architecture or want to immortalize yourself with Mount Fuji in the background, Kamakura offers a variety of options. One of our favorites is the Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, which combines culture with personalized portraits. Its skilled guide ensures you get the best angles, plus you leave with professionally edited photos as a keepsake.
For a more playful take, the Anime Train & Fuji Sunset tour lets you pose at sites inspired by the beloved series “Slam Dunk,” with stunning sea views and Mount Fuji if the weather cooperates. If your interest leans toward iconic landmarks, the Great Buddha & Hase Temple offers a classic backdrop for striking portraits, combined with panoramic vistas. With these options, Kamakura becomes more than just a sightseeing spot—it turns into your personal photo studio.
Quick Overview
Kamakura’s top photography experiences include guided tours around historic sites like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, iconic statues such as the Great Buddha, and lively streets filled with local flavor. These tours range from cultural portrait sessions to playful, anime-inspired shoots, all led by professional photographers. The best part? You’ll come away with high-quality, professionally edited images. Below, we explore each experience in detail, helping you pick the right fit for your style and interests.
1. Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine
At number 1 on our list, this Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu takes you to Kamakura’s most recognizable shrine, famous for its stunning architecture and historical significance. The tour includes a 2-hour guided walk starting at Kamakura Station, where your photographer guides you through the shrine’s scenic gardens, serene ponds, and iconic Great Torii gate, capturing portraits that highlight the shrine’s grandeur. The guide shares stories about the samurai era, enriching your experience beyond just photos.
What makes this tour stand out is the personal portrait session integrated into sightseeing. The photographer’s ability to find the best lighting and angles results in over 30 professionally edited portraits delivered in an online gallery. It’s ideal for travelers who want both cultural insight and a high-quality photo collection. The price is $243.13 per group (up to 8), making it a good value considering the personalized service and high-quality images. The walk itself is easy, with no admission fees, and the lively Komachidori street provides a lively post-shoot scene for more casual photos.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a deep dive into Kamakura’s history combined with personalized portraits at one of its most iconic sites.
2. Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Anime Train & Fuji Sunset
For fans of anime and scenic landscapes, this Anime Train & Fuji Sunset tour offers a lively 2-hour session capturing your playful side. Priced at $103.99 per person, it’s a budget-friendly option that focuses on iconic spots like Kamakura Kokomae Station, where the famous Enoden train crossing provides a perfect backdrop for fun, dynamic photos. Your photographer guides you through natural poses and candid shots, making sure your photos reflect the vibrant spirit of Kamakura.
The tour also includes a visit to Shichirigahama Beach, where you can pose with Enoshima Island and potentially Mount Fuji in the distance if weather permits. The professional photographer captures over 30 high-quality images, delivered within 72 hours, making it an ideal quick keepsake of your trip. The tour’s relaxed vibe and focus on playful, lively photos appeal to travelers who want casual, memorable images rather than traditional portraits.
Bottom Line: Perfect for anime fans or beach lovers who want fun, energetic photos with a scenic backdrop, all at a reasonable price.
3. Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Anime Train & Fuji view
This Anime Train & Fuji view tour offers a 2-hour exploration of the sites that inspired the anime “Slam Dunk.” It’s tailored for those who want a mix of playful and scenic photography, with a professional guide capturing your portraits amid landmarks like Kamakura Koko-mae Station and Enoden train crossing. Starting from Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station, you’ll stroll between photo stops, soaking in the coastal scenery and cinematic views.
What sets this apart is the combination of fun photos at local filming locations plus panoramic views of the sea, Enoshima Island, and potentially Mount Fuji. The guide shares engaging stories about the anime’s cultural impact, adding depth to your experience. The tour costs $133 per group (up to 10), making it suitable for larger groups or families wanting lively, themed photos with a scenic backdrop.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for anime enthusiasts and families seeking a playful, scenic photoshoot with a local flavor.
4. Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Great Buddha & Hase Temple
Number 4 is the Great Buddha & Hase Temple, a 1.5-hour tour that zeroes in on two of Kamakura’s most beloved landmarks. The tour begins with a visit to Kamakura’s Great Buddha, an imposing bronze sculpture that’s perfect for dramatic portraits. Your photographer guides you to spots with ideal lighting, and you’ll have plenty of time to get creative with your poses.
Next, the tour proceeds to Hase-dera Temple, a peaceful and less crowded site with panoramic views of the sea, lush gardens, and koi-filled ponds—great for relaxed, natural shots. This tour is valued at $206.64 for up to 10 people. The guide shares interesting facts about each site, enriching your photo experience. The combination of outdoor statues, temple architecture, and scenic views makes this a rewarding option for those looking for classic Kamakura scenery in their photos.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for travelers who want iconic landmarks and tranquil gardens captured professionally, with ample time for portraits.
5. Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Great Buddha & Hase
This Great Buddha & Hase tour offers a similar focus but at a slightly lower price—$210 for groups up to 10. It includes a guided walk through Kamakura’s Great Buddha and Hase-dera Temple, with the photographer capturing your portraits at the most picturesque spots. The tour emphasizes natural posing and delivers over 30 edited photos within 72 hours.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance of cultural highlights with personalized photography. The guide ensures you visit the best angles and lighting conditions, creating a relaxed atmosphere for your portraits. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it perfect for those who want a quick, high-quality photo session combined with cultural sights.
Bottom Line: A good option for travelers seeking professional portraits at two of Kamakura’s top sites without a lengthy sightseeing schedule.
6. Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Tsurugaoka shrine
At number 6, this Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine offers a 2-hour guided walk focused on Kamakura’s most famous shrine. Starting at Kamakura Station, you’ll stroll through cherry-lined avenues to the shrine’s tranquil gardens and historic structures. Your photographer guides you to the most scenic spots, including the Great Torii and surrounding gardens, to capture natural portraits with a sense of place.
This tour emphasizes storytelling and cultural context, with the photographer sharing insights into Kamakura’s samurai history. The photos—over 30 professionally edited images—are delivered digitally within 72 hours, making this an excellent choice for travelers who want both culture and high-quality portraits. The cost is $204 per group, which is competitive considering the personalized service.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a cultural tour combined with portrait photography at Kamakura’s most iconic shrine.
$204 per group up to 8
7. Tour in Kamakura Great Buddha Shogun Shrine with Photographer
Finally, for a longer, more comprehensive experience, this Kamakura Great Buddha and Shogun Shrine tour extends over 4 to 6 hours. It includes visits to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the Great Buddha, and other key sites, with photography at each location.
This tour is suited for travelers with ample time who want a full day of exploration and photography. The guide captures a variety of settings—from shrine gardens to Buddha statues—ensuring a diverse photo collection. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts who want a thorough immersion combined with professional portraits, but note that the price ($172.70 per person) is higher, reflecting the longer duration.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want detailed photos across multiple Kamakura landmarks and have the time for a full-day tour.
$172.70 per person
How to Choose Your Kamakura Photography Experience
When selecting among these tours, consider your budget, time availability, and what kinds of photos you want. If cultural portraits at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and the Great Buddha appeal, the Kamakura Tour with Pro Photographer: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu provides a balanced mix. For lively, playful photos with scenic backgrounds, the Anime Train & Fuji Sunset or Anime Train & Fuji view are ideal. Those seeking a deeper cultural dive with multiple sites should consider the Full Kamakura Day Tour.
Practical tips include booking early, especially in peak seasons like spring and autumn. Consider your walking stamina—most tours involve some walking—and decide whether you prefer classic landmarks or more playful, seaside shots. For family groups or larger parties, tours with up to 10 people provide a good balance of intimacy and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Kamakura offers a fantastic range of photography experiences suited to different interests. From historic shrines and majestic Buddha statues to anime-inspired sites and seaside scenery, there’s plenty to inspire your camera. For a personalized portrait session amid Kamakura’s iconic sites, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine tour remains a top pick. Meanwhile, anime fans will appreciate the fun atmosphere of the Anime Train & Fuji Sunset.
Whatever your style, booking early ensures you secure a spot for these sought-after experiences. Kamakura’s combination of history, scenic beauty, and lively culture makes it a photographer’s paradise—so don’t wait to capture your perfect shot.