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. 10:00 Meet up@Hyatt Regency Yokohama
  • 2. 11:30 @Kotoku-in
  • 3. 12:30 @Hasedera Temple
  • 4. 13:15 Lunch@Hase Soba Restaurant
  • 5. 15:15 Disband@Hyatt Regency Yokohama

What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America who reside at two different locations. Some of the guests had visited Japan before, and the group had heard about Japan through a family member who had once stayed in Kobe for work, so they had various interests and curiosity about the country. On this occasion, they arrived by cruise ship, stopping at the ports of Muroran, Hakodate, and Shimizu, and the previous day they had visited the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre and Sengen Taisha Shrine. Because the Kamakura tour began shortly after disembarking from the cruise ship and dropping their luggage at the hotel, the guests told me at the outset, "If we get tired, we would like to head back early."

We walked bravely from Hase Station on the Enoden line, and upon arriving at our first destination, Kotoku-in, a short rest sitting down at the entrance became necessary. However, the moment the guests saw the Great Buddha of Kamakura, they were deeply moved. "Seeing just this made the trip worthwhile," they remarked.

From there, we walked to the next destination, Hasedera Temple. We first visited the garden and cave that do not require climbing stairs. In the end, due to a leg condition, part of the group waited below while one of the guests climbed the stairs together with me to see the Eleven-Faced Kannon statue, the seated Amida statue, and the view of Yuigahama beach. For the things that could be photographed, the guest showed the photos taken after coming down to the rest of the group.

At that point, they decided to return to the hotel after having lunch. At a soba restaurant we found nearby, they enjoyed tendon and shrimp tempura soba, savoring them and saying, "This is even more delicious than we expected." Having previously heard from a friend that "soba is delicious," the guest even drank all of the broth.

The return train was delayed due to a personal accident and was quite crowded, so for a little while it was difficult for the guest with a leg condition to get a seat. We parted a little earlier than planned, and since they had a Tokyo tour the next day, we said goodbye with the plan for them to rest well.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainMinatomirai Line Nihon-odori Station~JR Yokosuka Line Kamakura Station580JPY
Section 2TrainEnoden Kamakura Station~Hase Station200JPY
Section 3TrainEnoden Hase Station~Kamakura Station200JPY
Section 4TrainJR Yokosuka Line Kamakura Station~Minatomirai Line Nihon-odori Station580JPY
Total1,560JPY

Hello, I’m Noripy.
I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

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