This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Tour Itinerary
- 1. 10:30 Meet up @ JR Kamakura Station East Exit
- 2. 10:35 Travel: Train
- 3. 11:00 Visit @ Hasedera Temple
- 4. 12:00 Visit @ Kotokuin Temple
- 5. 12:25 Lunch @ Hase Shokudo
- 6. 13:10 Travel: Train
- 7. 13:30 Visit @ Enoshima
- 8. 15:50 Travel: Train
- 9. 16:20 Disband @ JR Kamakura Station West Exit
What Is a Private Day Tour of Kamakura and Enoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Following a request in the previous message to see something other than temples and shrines, I decided to incorporate Enoshima into the latter half of the course. I kept the relatively distinctive Hasedera Temple and Kotoku-in in the itinerary and guided the group there first, and after having lunch in Hase, I took them to Enoshima.
Before lunch, I learned that the guests preferred certain foods and that one of them had a peanut allergy, so I paid very close attention when selecting from the menu. I regularly use Hase Shokudo, and I was able to confirm that the meat used in their curry is chicken and that no nuts such as peanuts are used, so I could recommend it with confidence.
It had been more than ten years since I last visited Enoshima, but there had been no major changes, so I was able to guide the group without any problems. It was especially well received by the group. This time I guided them all the way to the Iwaya Caves, but as the stairs are steep and demanding, I felt that depending on the age of the guests it might be better to leave this off the course. I also learned that when accompanying guests, a guide can visit the caves free of charge with a special ticket by presenting a guide license, which was useful to know.
Click here for more details: Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kamakura Station～Hase Station | 200JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Hase Station～Enoshima Station | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Enoshima Station～Kamakura Station | 260JPY |
| Total | 720JPY | ||
Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful…
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful guide. So knowledgable and friendly. He turned a rainy day into a great experience! We had so much fun at the sites we visited and would highly recommend him to anyone who would like to have some help navigating all of the things you can do in Tokyo. If you are even considering a guide, book a tour with him right now!
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best…
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best tour and the best tour guide ever (thank you Sam!!)! I cannot recommend this for anyone who is in Tokyo. Today was our first full day in Tokyo and we started at 9am with Sam who kindly picked us up at our hotel and reviewed our customized plan for our day. It was more than perfect.
Sam – we simply cannot thank you enough for making today a special memory for us. We hope to see you again soon!!
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!! He communicated well throughout the process and was extremely personable. He went above and beyond to meet our every wish. This was a wonderful introduction to Tokyo!!
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable and energetic. It was a pleasure touring Tokyo with him.