Kanagawa in Half a Day: Yuigahama & Jomyoji bus stop — Guide Masa

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

The guests were a group visiting Japan from Asia. One of them was visiting Japan for the third time, while the others were visiting for the first time.

The main purpose of this trip to Japan was a ski trip to Hakuba. The day before, they had traveled to Kamakura via Tokyo. They planned to stay in Kamakura before returning home.

They mentioned, "Tokyo was crowded everywhere and tiring. In that respect, Kamakura is quiet, and we can spend our time in a relaxed way."

Since it was their first time in Kamakura, they said, "We would like to visit the major spots."

It was a tour under clear skies, in warm and pleasant weather.

We took the Enoden train from Yuigahama Station to Hase.

Both the Enoden train and the approach road were extremely crowded with tourists.

Along the way, I explained about "the history of Kamakura," "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "the feudal system," "the Meiji Restoration," and so on.

I also explained "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto."

There were questions such as, "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What other religions do people follow?"

We also went inside the Great Buddha, and they said, "Now I understand well how the Great Buddha was made."

There was also a question: "Which is bigger, this one or the Great Buddha in Nara? And which was made first?"

We moved on to Hasedera Temple, where they said, "The garden within the temple is wonderful. I would like to create a garden like this in my own garden."

Returning to Kamakura Station, we took a bus to Hokokuji Temple. They said, "We really want to see the bamboo grove."

Unfortunately, the temple was closed, so we could not go inside.

We took a leisurely stroll around the area, taking photos of the bamboo grove. They said, "I love the calm atmosphere," and "I definitely want to visit the bamboo path in Sagano in Kyoto too."

They asked, "What sect does this temple belong to?" "When was it built?" and remarked, "The atmosphere is quite different from Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo."

Returning to Kamakura Station, we walked along the approach road to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

I explained "about Shinto" and "how to worship at a shrine."

Although it was the end of the year, we strolled slowly through the very crowded streets.

We also worshipped at the Inari Shrine within the precincts.

After that, we walked through the very crowded Komachi-dori street back to Kamakura Station.

They commented, "Japan is very safe. I want to come back again," "There is no litter on the streets," "There are no homeless people to be seen," and "Everyone is polite."

I saw them off at Yuigahama Station, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local 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.