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
- 10:10 Meet up @ Kamakura Station
- 10:40 Hokokuji Temple
- 11:30 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- 12:15 Komachi Street
- 12:40 Lunch @ Ginza Kagari Kamakura branch (ramen)
- 14:00 Hasedera Temple
- 14:50 Kotokuin Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
- 16:05 Disband @ Kamakura Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:10 at @ Kamakura Station and ended at 16:05. The day ran to 5 hours and 55 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Ginza Kagari Kamakura branch (ramen) at 12:40.
Over the course of the day the route took in Hokokuji Temple at 10:40, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine at 11:30, Komachi Street at 12:15, Hasedera Temple at 14:00 and Kotokuin Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura) at 14:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kamakura to Jomyoji by bus (220JPY); Jomyoji by bus (220JPY); Kamakura to Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture) by train (200JPY); Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture) to Kamakura by train (200JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 840JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time. They planned to visit Tokyo and Kamakura before continuing on to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka. At Hokoku-ji, they seemed deeply impressed by the beautiful bamboo grove. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, they listened with great interest to my explanation of the differences between shrines and temples, as well as the history of the Kamakura shogunate. Along Komachi-dori, some of the guests were drawn to the many souvenir shops. At Hase-dera, they enjoyed the large Kannon statue and the beautiful ocean view from the observation deck. At Kotoku-in, they appeared impressed by the enormous Great Buddha of Kamakura. I responded to the guests' wishes throughout the tour, so I believe they were satisfied.
This private day tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Click here for more details: Kamakura Hidden Trails Day Hike with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Kamakura～Jomyoji / Keikyu Bus | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Jomyoji / Keikyu Bus～Hachimangu / Keikyu Bus | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Kamakura～Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture) | 200JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)～Kamakura | 200JPY |
| Total | 840JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kanagawa tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Kamakura Station at 10:10, and the tour finished at @ Kamakura Station at 16:05.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 55 minutes in total, from 10:10 to 16:05.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hokokuji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Komachi Street, Hasedera Temple and Kotokuin Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 840JPY per person across 4 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Seizo is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kanagawa itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
Jul 10, 2026
surferbikerdude1
Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
Seizo Kamiuto was out…
Jul 10, 2026
surferbikerdude1
Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
Seizo Kamiuto was out guide for this wonderful and beautiful area of Kamakura. He was full of cultural and historical knowledge and provided valuable context during our walks and visits. Makes me want to visit again hopefully in the near future.
Jun 9, 2026
stacy_grana
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…
Jun 9, 2026
stacy_grana
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing. He was informative without being overwhelming, matched
our pace, and offered recommendations at each location. Highly recommended!
Jun 6, 2026
U9351HJjakes
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…
Jun 6, 2026
U9351HJjakes
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a great personality, kept us on
schedule, and knew what we would like! He was receptive to our needs at every moment.
May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…
May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende gids. De metro van Tokio is een doolhof en zonder hem zou ik een hoop tijd verloren hebben, we bezochten de highlights en Seizo wist overal wat te vertellen. Het tempo lag wel hoog en het was warm maar Seizo wist ook waar we een frisse pint konden drinken. Kortom ik ben zeer tevreden.
太陽の下の東京
Seizo Kamintoさんは素晴らしいガイドです。東京の地下鉄は迷路のようですが、彼がいなければ多くの時間を無駄にしていたと思います。私たちは見どころを巡り、Seizoさんはどこでもいろいろと説明してくれました。ペースはやや速く、暑さもありましたが、Seizoさんは冷たいビールを飲める場所も知っていました。
要するに、とても満足しています。