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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 1. 08:55 Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura
- 2. 09:05 Travel: Train
- 3. 09:20 Stay @ Engaku-ji Temple
- 4. 10:10 Stay @ Kencho-ji Temple
- 5. 11:15 Travel: Train
- 6. 11:30 Stay @ Komachi-dori Street
- 7. 11:50 Lunch @ Mitsuhashi
- 8. 12:25 Travel: Bus
- 9. 12:45 Stay @ Hokoku-ji Temple
- 10. 13:25 Travel: Bus
- 11. 13:40 Stay @ Myohon-ji Temple, Hongaku-ji Temple
- 12. 14:15 Travel: Train
- 13. 14:35 Stay @ Kotoku-in Temple
- 14. 15:10 Travel: Train
- 15. 15:25 Disband @ JR Kamakura Station
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kamakura Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests had requested four spots: Kenchoji, Myohonji, Zuisenji, and Hokokuji. However, since Zuisenji is quite far even from the nearest bus stop, I added Engakuji, which is close to Kenchoji, to the course instead.
For lunch, I guided the guests along Komachi Street, and since it turned out that one of the guests could not eat meat, we went to a soba restaurant where vegetable-focused menu options were available. As the guests seemed interested in matcha, I suggested purchasing an admission ticket that included matcha at Hokokuji. The scenery there is lovely, so I plan to continue suggesting this in the future depending on the situation.
Since Myohonji and Hongakuji, which I guided them to in the latter half of the course, are very close to Kamakura Station, we ended up with a little extra time at the end. Therefore, with the remaining time, I took the guests to Kotokuin in Hase before returning to Kamakura Station to conclude the tour.
Click here for more details: Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kamakura Station～Kita-Kamakura Station | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kita-Kamakura Station～Kamakura Station | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kamakura Station Bus Stop～Jomyoji Bus Stop | 220JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Jomyoji Bus Stop～Kamakura Station Bus Stop | 220JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Kamakura Station～Hase Station | 200JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Hase Station～Kamakura Station | 200JPY |
| Total | 1,140JPY | ||
Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations