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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Meet @Hotel, board hired car
- 9:45 @Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- 10:45 @Hasedera Temple
- 11:30 @Kotokuin (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
- 12:15 Lunch @Minemoto Main Store
- 13:15 @Komachi Street
- 13:40 @Kakuonji Temple, with matcha
- 14:10 @Hokokuji Temple
- 15:00 Disband @Hotel
What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Kamakura? A Licensed Guide's Report
At the request of one of the guests, who wished to show Kamakura—a town visited over 30 years ago—to the group, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided them to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hasedera Temple, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura. In addition to explaining the difference between shrines and temples, I described the Japanese history of the Kamakura shogunate period, which the guests greatly enjoyed. They were impressed by the straight Wakamiya-oji avenue and the view of Yuigahama Beach from Hasedera Temple, but it seemed that the figure of the Great Buddha left the strongest impression.
After lunch at a soba restaurant on Wakamiya-oji avenue, we took a short walk along Komachi-dori Street.
Since the morning had been spent at busy, crowded spots, in the afternoon I guided the guests to the quieter Kakuonji Temple and Hokokuji Temple. After being overwhelmed by Kakuonji Temple, associated with Hojo Yoshitoki, they enjoyed matcha in the bamboo grove of Hokokuji Temple. Although it was a short time, they were very pleased to explore the temples and shrines of Kamakura, each with its own distinct atmosphere.
Click here for more details: Kamakura Zen Temples & Gardens Tour with Licensed Guide
Hi friends, I’m Seky, a tour guide in Tokyo, but I cover all over Japan, namely from Hokkaido to Kyushu. I have lived overseas for more than 15 years in total, such as US, UK, Singapore and others, and enjoyed local culture there. Back in Japan, I wish I could help travelers to Japan enjoy Japanese culture, and this is why I became a tour guide.
In Tokyo, my favorite places are Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and if you are interested in fish market, I’d love to take you to the world largest Tuna auction and/or if you are sports lovers, I’ll go to ball games (baseball) too.
May 8, 2025
J
jeanne_c
Sell was very…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sell was very knowledgeable and willing to talk…
May 8, 2025
J
jeanne_c
Sell was very…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sell was very knowledgeable and willing to talk on all kinds of subjects so we could get a
better understanding of Tokyo and Japan. He was also flexible with the itinerary so we could
prioritize according to our wishes.
Mar 2, 2025
Joe_F
Excellent Custom Tokyo Tour
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour, customized to my interests, Edo period…
Mar 2, 2025
Joe_F
Excellent Custom Tokyo Tour
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour, customized to my interests, Edo period cultural sites. Mr. Seky was an excellent guide who reached out to me before the tour and proposed an itinerary based on my interests. Tokyo is a large city, and having a tour guide who efficiently navigated the geography was invaluable. Also Mr. Seky was friendly, knowledgeable, and shared his insights and suggestions. I highly recommend this tour. Thank Mr. Seky.
Mar 1, 2025
R2911ISjoef
Excellent Custom Tours, Great Guides, Reasonable Prices.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a friendly…
Mar 1, 2025
R2911ISjoef
Excellent Custom Tours, Great Guides, Reasonable Prices.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide who customized the tour to my interests. As a seasoned solo traveler, my interests are specific and focused, my guide Seky san was a great match and provided a great itinerary that was realistic and varied with our time allotment. We covered a lot of ground in 8 hours, thank you Seky san!
Oct 27, 2024
Jennifer_G
Great day touring Tokyo !
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
We had…
Oct 27, 2024
Jennifer_G
Great day touring Tokyo !
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
We had a wonderful day with our guides. They happily accommodated our group and
worked with us on our chosen itinerary. They were very knowledgeable and patient. I highly
recommend Suzuki and Siky !