Tokyo in One Day: Azabu-juban Station & Jomyoji bus stop — Guide Masa

What's a One-Day Private Tour of Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. This was part of a longer trip to Japan. After spending several days in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, before returning to Tokyo and then heading home. They mentioned, "Tokyo was crowded everywhere and tiring. We thought Kamakura might be quieter and more relaxing." Today, they wished to "visit as many of Kamakura's main spots as possible, even in a short time." It was a pleasant tour under clear skies with comfortable weather. However, all the spots were crowded with tourists. First, we took the Enoden train from Kamakura Station to Hase. Along the way, I explained "the history of Kamakura," "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "the feudal system," "the Meiji Restoration," and related topics. I also explained "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." They asked questions such as, "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" "What other religions are practiced here?" "Are there Catholics?" "Are there various sects within Buddhism?" They also went inside the Great Buddha and said, "Now I understand well how the Great Buddha was made." They also asked, "Which is bigger, this one or the Great Buddha in Nara? And which was made first?" We moved on to Hasedera Temple. They said, "The garden within the temple is wonderful. I'd like to create a garden like this at home," and "The view of Kamakura from the hilltop is magnificent." We returned to Kamakura Station and took a bus to Hokokuji Temple. We strolled slowly through the temple and its bamboo grove, taking photos. They said, "I love the calm atmosphere," and "I definitely want to visit the bamboo path in Sagano in Kyoto as well." They asked, "What sect is this temple?" "What kind of sect is Zen Buddhism?" "When was it built?" We returned to Kamakura Station and headed to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which was crowded with many tourists. A wedding ceremony was being held on the stage, which they enthusiastically photographed. There were also many visitors for Shichi-Go-San. I explained "about Shinto," "how to worship," "amulets," "ema votive tablets," and related topics. We also visited the Inari Shrine within the grounds. We walked along Komachi Street back toward Kamakura Station. We strolled slowly through the very crowded street. They seemed particularly interested in "curry bread." We returned to Komachi Street and took a short break at a café along the way. From Kamakura Station, we went to Kita-Kamakura Station. We quickly visited "Meigetsuin" and "Engakuji." They said, "I love the quiet atmosphere," and "I'd like to try zazen meditation someday." They commented, "Japan is very safe. I'd love to come back again," "There's no litter on the streets," "I don't see any homeless people," and "Everyone is so polite." They also commented, "The transportation network, including trains and subways, is so sophisticated." We headed back from Kita-Kamakura Station. I saw them off at Azabu-Juban Station, where we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Masa

Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.