Kanagawa in One Day: Hase-dera Temple & Kamakura Station — Guide Ryoko

What's a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Great Buddha, Hasedera, and Bamboo Temple

The guests were a pair visiting from North America. They were longtime former colleagues who had come to Japan to board a cruise ship together. One of the guests had done a homestay in Tokyo 50 years ago and had visited Kamakura at that time, and shared a nostalgic photo, saying, "Today I really want to go to this place in Kamakura!" The photo showed them standing in front of the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in 50 years earlier. Smiling and saying, "Today is your day!", the other guest was there in a supporting role but had a wonderful time. On this day, one of the party had successfully climbed Mount Fuji on a second attempt and was descending; they exchanged messages by phone many times, concerned about each other's condition. One guest had an injured knee and had given up on climbing Mount Fuji.

Arriving in Kamakura, we headed straight to the nostalgic Kotoku-in! Seeing the Great Buddha again after 50 years, they were overcome with emotion. We also did the walk inside the statue. Looking at their old photo, it seemed they had also visited Hasedera 50 years ago, so we took a photo at the same spot. We returned to Kamakura Station and decided on a lunch spot while walking along Komachi Street.

They requested, "Since we start the cruise tomorrow, we'd like to eat something local." After looking at the menu photos and hearing my explanation, they said, "We want to try it!", so we decided to go into a shirasu-don restaurant. They ordered a shirasu and Misaki tuna seafood bowl and a tempura set, respectively, and seemed absolutely delighted at how delicious it was. The chawanmushi and clear soup also suited their taste, and they said many times, "Perfect! This is exactly what I wanted to eat!"

After lunch, we passed through Komachi Street to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and experienced passing through the chinowa ring. Finally, we visited Hokoku-ji, famous for its bamboo grove. On this day the area around Kamakura seemed to be congested with traffic, and the round trip between Kamakura Station and Hokoku-ji took longer than expected, making the tour run long, but I was delighted to see them captivated by the quiet space of bamboo and moss, savoring it deeply. They also greatly enjoyed the "authentic matcha" experience.

Touching on the guests' feelings for Kamakura, I was truly happy and grateful to be able to spend this day together. Thank you for a wonderful day.

Click here for more details: Yokohama & Kamakura in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by Ryoko

Hi! I’m Ryoko, your friendly and dedicated local guide for an authentic Japanese journey. Based in the Tokyo area, I offer deep insights into this vibrant, modern metropolis and its hidden gems. I also have a strong connection to the Kansai region, including Kyoto and Nara, where Japan’s rich history and traditional culture began. This background allows me to bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern life for my guests.

I am particularly passionate about traditional Japanese arts, such as Sado (Tea Ceremony) and Kado (Flower Arrangement). I love sharing the philosophy and unique beauty behind these practices to bring each location to life. My ultimate goal is to become a guide who can introduce the diverse charms of every corner of Japan, from iconic landmarks to quiet local neighborhoods.

Whether we are exploring historic temples or bustling city streets, I strive to provide a seamless and personalized experience tailored to your specific interests. Let’s discover the deep culture and diverse beauty of Japan together. I look forward to welcoming you soon and making your trip truly unforgettable!