Title: What Is a Private Kamakura Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest was a visitor from North America. Although the booking was originally for two people, in the end I attended one guest. The guest had a deep interest in history and religion, listening intently to the explanations at each site and asking many detailed questions (for example, the difference in enlightenment between Zen Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism), so I was fully engaged in drawing on all of my knowledge throughout the tour. On this occasion, I guided the guest to an antique shop on Komachi Street that deals in items from the Edo to Meiji periods, where a genuine sword was brought out for the guest to touch (and photograph), which was greatly appreciated. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, we happened to encounter a family celebrating Shichi-Go-San, and we were able to share in that happiness. At the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple, the guest saw Japanese people lighting incense and praying, and I believe this gave a good understanding of how Shinto and Buddhism are woven into everyday life in Japan.

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Tour Report by Sawa

Hello, my name is Sawako. I grew up in Shizuoka, but I’ve been living in Kamakura for over 25 years, so it now feels like my second home.

I’ve been working as a volunteer staff member for an English community newspaper in the Shonan area for 25 years, and as a volunteer tour guide in Kamakura for the past 6 years.

Currently, I also work part-time as an English teacher for children and am studying the art of the tea ceremony.

Kamakura is known as the home of the samurai and the birthplace of Zen, both of which have had a profound influence on Japanese culture and customs.

If the weather allows, I’d be happy to guide you in a kimono, making your visit an even more memorable experience.

I look forward to meeting you and sharing a delightful time together. Thank you!