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
- 7:55 Meet, explanation of the historical significance of Kamakura. 8:45 Depart Shinjuku by train, arrive Kamakura 9:45. 9:06 Take the Enoden, get off at Hase, Goryo Shrine, Hasedera Temple, lunch, then Great Buddha of Kamakura. 13:45 Bus to Kamakura Station 14:15, via Komachi Street, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, return to Kamakura Station. 15:36 depart by train, arrive Shinjuku 16:37, ride together on the train, I get off at Yokohama Station at 16:00 and disband.
タイトル: What's a Private Kamakura History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests had a deep interest in Japanese culture and history, so before departure I explained the historical significance of Kamakura, along with the difference between the emperor and the shogun, how to distinguish between shrines and temples, and how these relate to our daily customs. At Goryo Shrine, they experienced the quiet Shinto atmosphere, and at Hasedera Temple they felt the Buddhist atmosphere. For lunch they enjoyed Japanese cuisine seated on tatami mats, where we talked about kanji characters and had an enjoyable time. They were impressed by the majesty of the Great Buddha and also observed its interior. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, I compared the Genpei War to the Wars of the Roses in England, which helped them feel a sense of familiarity. They were surprised by Komachi Street, which was so crowded it was almost impossible to move.
Click here for more details: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shinjuku～Kamakura | 950JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kamakura～Hase Station / Enoden Bus | 200JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Daibutsu-mae / Keikyu Bus～Kamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus | 220JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Kamakura～Yokohama | 440JPY |
| Total | 1,810JPY | ||
I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…
Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide. He answered any question we asked. He was well organised in dealing with our preferences and was able to taylor our itinerary to our interests. Overall a very enjoyable day. Would definitely recommend.
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro.…
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro. He gave us very comprehensive tour of Hakone. Did great explanation of history and explained a lot about culture of Japan. Very comprehensive.
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with…
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with our guide, Hiro. Despite the weather not cooperating (rain),
Hiro was great about making adjustments so that we could see as much as Hakone as
possible.
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was…
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was flexible for our first time in Hakone and the kids enjoyed it