Kamakura Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

Hello, my name is Yasuro (Mr). I was born and brought up in Kansai, graduated from a univ in Kobe city, after moved into Kanto, 30 years in Tokyo, 2.5 years in Nagoya city, 7.5 years abroad (KL & S'pore) as a rep of a construction company and I got the National Guide Certificate in 2011. My hobbies are making Haiku poems, singing various songs (voice-training for 18 years), playing the folk-guitar, trekking in mountains like Takao and Okutama in the West of Tokyo, visiting museums like in Ueno Park and travelling around Japan to make Haiku poems. Thank you for your attention.

Kaneo U.

4.97 / 5

(35 reviews)

I’m so excited to have a chance to show you around my favorite spots in Kanagawa prefecture. I was born in Kanagawa. I spent my whole school life, including university, here in Kanagawa. I worked as a high school English teacher here for 40 years. I love Kanagawa so much. We have many interesting tourist spots, like Hakone, Kamakura, Enoshima and Yokohama. I got my tour guide license in English in 2009. I am still an English teacher. To give an interesting and impressive lesson to young high school students, I’ve learnt and gathered many kinds of information. I also have a license to teach social studies, so I have a wide range of knowledge about Japanese culture and history. I’m sure to provide you an interesting tour.

Haruo T.

4.86 / 5

(7 reviews)

I live in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture. I have a license to teach in high schools and was admitted to the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language in the University of Birmingham. Until 2015 I had been teaching English at public high schools in Kanagawa for 37 years. During that time, I had some experience of guiding students from overseas through sister-school relationship around Tokyo and Kanagawa. Therefore, I had good command of English with the TOEIC score of 935. As for a tour guide experience I earned the certificate of National Government Licensed Guide-Interpreter in English and since then I have guided tourists to the popular sites around Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura and Yokosuka. My guiding focuses on introducing not only Japanese historical and cultural backgrounds but also giving tourists some tips to travel Japan only by themselves, such as how to use trains and subways, find good restaurants, reserve tickets, buy survenier, and speak basic Japanese. In addition, my tour includes opportunities to experience Japanese culture like Zen meditation, ninja performance, visiting anime's location sites based on tourists' request. Besides, by means of my hobbies of writing English Haiku and Waka (traditional Japanese poems) and performing Rakugo (traditional Japanese funny story telling) in English, I can surely entertain tourists during the tour. My moto as a tour guide is let the tourists have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Japan with my profound, intelligible and interestiog guiding.

Yoshi S.

(24 reviews)

Hello, I'm Yoshi!! I started my second career as a tour guide after retiring from the Japanese computer company I had worked for about 40 years. I was born in Asakusa and grew up in down town in Tokyo. I am married with two daughters and three grandchildren, two girls and a boy. I've experienced guiding international visitors in Tokyo and other famous sightseeing spots as a guide for several years. I will be so happy to help you enjoy your stay in Japan. Look forward to joining my tour!!

Hideaki M.

4.81 / 5

(47 reviews)

Hello! I’m Hideaki. Just call me “Mura” or “Mura-san”. “San” means “Mr.” or "Ms." in Japanese. I have a national tour guide license in English. I have guided for 201 days (576 guests) in 2023, 170 days (501 guests) in 2019 and 149 days (455 guests) in 2018. I have experiences to live in the following cities on business. - Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) Four years - Nantong (China) One and half years, - Jakarta (Indonesia) One and half years - Baton Rouge (Louisiana, USA) Two years. My hobbies are playing golf, listening classical music and watching football. My basic policy as a tour guide is to entertain my guests with my best hospitality. I really like to see my guests smiling. I myself also enjoy chatting with my guest about not only a general explanation about Japanese culture and history but everything based on my experiences and hobbies. Let’s enjoy a wonderful tour in Japan !

Takao M.

4.38 / 5

(13 reviews)

Hi, I'm Takao Mizushima. I like walking with my friends in the mountains, along rivers and beaches, and visiting historical places and museums. Usually, after enjoying these places, we take a dip in hot springs and drink beer. As a guide, however, I'll take up places easy to walk around. I assume not many people from abroad are prepared for sweating activities. If you like, though, I can modify my plan, connecting with a short hiking, hot bath and a drinking place.

Junichi N.

4.79 / 5

(114 reviews)

Hello, I am Junichi. I am a licensed tour guide. I worked at a bank for 41 years, including overseas assignments in NY & LA for 12 years. I started this tour guide in 2007. I'd like you to experience and enjoy a Japanese culture different from your own.

Tomoko H.

4.94 / 5

(160 reviews)

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Hi everyone! Hearty welcome to Japan. I’m Tomoko. I am an English-speaking licensed tour guide, and a registered nurse as well. “Fun Discovering Experience Walking like a Local!” – F-D-E-W-L! That’s what I suggest. 【Experiences】 My work history is as follows. 1) high school teacher ---12 years 2) nurse--8 years + 2 years as operational manager for Kamakura city vaccination team (during COVID period) 3) tourism related jobs such as tour conducting, guiding, and backyard supporting---10 years As a tour conductor, I’ve visited about 20 foreign countries (possibly yours?) as well as countless number of towns and villages in Japan. I’ve enjoyed these jobs while being a mother. Through these experiences with lots of people from different backgrounds, I've found it a great pleasure to share the joy of learning and experiencing something new! 【Guiding Areas】 <Basic> Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Fuji, Yokohama, Nikko, and other neighboring areas from Tokyo I’m a specialist in Tokyo and Kamakura as I have lived and enjoyed walking a lot in those cities for decades. To be honest, even after all my years here, I still enjoy exploring like a tourist as Tokyo is such an enormous city with great diversity and is constantly changing. Kamakura is a historical small city with nice beaches and hills and lots of hidden spots of beauty. Almost every time I go out, I feel I’m still making new discoveries. That’s why I cannot stop exploring. I would take you to some neighboring areas like Hakone, Yokohama, Nikko, and Mt. Fuji area (Lake Kawaguchiko), etc. <Based on Requests > *if my transportation & accommodation are covered Nagoya, Kyoto, Nagano(Nagano city, Snow Monkey park, Kisoji trail, etc.), Hida (Takayama, Shirakawa-go), Kanazawa, Oita, Yamagata, Akita, etc. My original family is from Nagoya, so I know their culture and even their language(dialect) well. Later in my life, I have lived in Oita, Kyushu(far south west of Tokyo) for nearly 10 years and traveled a lot in Kyushu. I love traveling Tohoku, the northern Japan area, too. I’ve planned and enjoyed visiting many of those local areas in the north, too. So, I could share those experiences with you even while having tours in Tokyo or online. 【Personality and others】 - I love meeting people, listening and talking to them. - I'm friendly and caring, I hope:) - I love nature and enjoy hiking and skiing. - I love seasonal flowers and good local food. - You will see a lot about Japanese culture, nature, and lifestyle with me. What has made you decide to come to Japan, by the way? Is it its scenic beauties, exotic culture, history, food, anime, or what else? Is it your business that has brought (or will bring) you here? Let me have a clue and customize your tour. I will make the best tour suggestion for you. Why don’t you contact me now? I’m looking forward to seeing you soon! Thank you! Arigato-gozaimas!

New Kamakura Tour Guides

Miya M.

My name is Miya and I’ve been guiding the visitors from overseas since 2017. Currently I guide small private group mainly in Tokyo with focusing on providing the tour of tuna auction at Toyosu market. Drawing on my experience of attending the guests as a expatriate in Singapore , I thrive to prepare according to interests of guests and tailor the guiding on their prefers pace.

Arisa S.

(2 reviews)

Welcome to our wonderful country! I just came back from Sydney on December. Now I'm feeling traveling Japan. Japan is the place where we can find ourselves. That's why I came back here. I have traveled to 20 countries so far.I love traveling and I am so interested in other culture. Let me know about your county and traditional things. Can't wait to know that! I will try to make you enjoy Japan by my experience in various countries. I hope you will fall in love with Japan and come back again. I am currently teaching English to Japanese children. Actually my English skill is no perfect but passion is second to none! I am good at taking photo, so I can make your best memories together. Feel free to ask anything! Hope see you soon! Thank you.

Hiro S.

Konnichiwa! I'm Hiro. I'm originally from Kobe, lived in United States for 10 years, Tokyo for 10 years and now I live in Kamakura with my family. I enjoy surfing, and trailrunning in Kamakura and keeping myself very active. I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world and it will be grateful to share some very interesting historical spots in Kamakura and whole Shonan area. Good thing about this area is that its beautiful all year around and you can enjoy even when the weather is not good. I look forward to meeting you very soon.

Yoko K.

I am national licensed English speaking tour guide. I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years, so I am well informed about Tokyo. Tokyo is full of charm. The more you know about Tokyo, the deeper you might fall. I will offer some prearranged tours but our itinerary can be personalized based on your interest. So feel free to tell me anything. And don't miss Hakone during your stay in Japan. Holiday resort for Tokyoite. You can enjoy magnificent scenery from various kind of rides such as tour boat, gondola and tram. Once I lived in New Jersey in the United States of America for 3 years. That was wonderful experience. It's great pleasure to experience different cultures and new people. I can't wait to share such precious rime with you. Let's experience the best of Tokyo and never-ending excitement together.

Johanna S.

Hola a todos. Soy Johanna, de Nicaragua. Estoy viviendo en Japon desde hace ya algún tiempo, 22 años. He vivido muchas experiencias inolvidables aquí y por eso decidí trabajar en el área de turismo, para poder compartir mis conocimientos con ustedes. Mis tours son personalizados, y generalmente en carro porque considero que se puede ver mucho en poco tiempo y al final del tour el cliente no se sentira muy cansado. Pero también puede hacer tours caminando por medio tiempo en áreas especificas. Tambien si el cliente lo desea ofrezco tours de un dia fuera de la capital por ejemplo a Kamakura, Hakone, Nikko y la Montaña de Fuji. En mis tours los cliente aprenderán la historia antigua y moderna Japonesa, la cultura, las costumbres, la gastronomía, la tecnología, religión, los sitios turísticos mas populares, y sobre todo el dia a dia que se vive en Japon. Mi meta e interés unico es la satisfacción al cliente y que se sienta feliz de haber visitado Japon. Diganme lo que quieren hacer en Japon, donde quieren visitar que desean comer? Comprar? Les aseguro que este país tiene mucho que ofrecerles y desearan volver no una vez, sino muchas veces mas. Vengan, los espero en Japon, vamos a redescubrir Japon juntos. Hello everyone. I'm Johanna, from Nicaragua. I have been living in Japan for some time now, 22 years. I have lived many unforgettable experiences here and that's why I decided to work in the tourism space. My tours are personalized, and generally by car or also half-a-day walking tours in specific areas. Also, I offer one day trips outside the capital for example to Kamakura, Hakone, Nikko and Fuji. On my tours clients will learn about ancient and modern Japanese history, culture, customs, food, technology, religion, and above all the everyday life in Japan. Tell me what you want to do in Japan, where you want to visit, what you want to eat? I assure you that this country has a lot to offer you and you will want to come back not once, but many more times.

Mai N.

(4 reviews)

Hi, I'm Mai. I have several years of experience as a volunteer guide and I've lived in Finland for half a year. Besides being a guide,I also study architecture as a hobby over the past several years. That’s why I registered on this platform to create an original tour featuring architecture and latest trends for local. Historical Japanese structures such as World Heritage is amazing, but Japan has many wonderful contemporary structures like shrines and museums, which is designed by various architects. I hope to show them with my tour. I was born in Hokkaido and it's been about 10 years since I moved to Tokyo area. I have always had a strong admiration for Tokyo, and have been exploring various attractive spots around the city. That's why I'll not only guide you to the main tourist spots ,but also arrange unique experience according to your preference :) ===== Traveling gives me a chance to get to know how other people live, their culture, and discovering new places . This is why I work as a guide, my goal is to give guests a real "local experience"--like what I've experienced on my travels so far. Don't worry if you are not good at English. Unfortunately, I can only speak Japanese and English, but I will do my best to make your tour as satisfying as possible using gestures and various other ideas. Hope to see you soon!

Mark R.

Greetings and Konnichiwa! I'm a seasoned British expat who's called Japan home for over a decade. With a passion for exploration that's taken me across the country, I've spent the last 10 years guiding adventurers through Japan's fascinating culture and history. Now, I've dedicated myself to unveiling the gems of Kamakura, the city I'm proud to call home. Why wander with me? Beyond the array of skilled Japanese guides, I offer the unique perspective of an expat deeply rooted in Japanese life. My tours are crafted to entertain, enlighten, and educate, always with a dash of fun at the forefront. My life in Kamakura has equipped me with insider knowledge of the finest local eateries, tranquil paths less trodden, and the secrets to immersing oneself in the authentic Japanese experience. Join me, and let's discover the soul of Kamakura together, veering off the beaten path and into the heart of the "real" Japan.

Tokiko T.

(4 reviews)

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Hi there! I'm Tokiko. I'm from Kanagawa, Japan. I am International sake sommelier / #国際唎酒師 International nihonshu tutor / #国際日本酒講師 I'm passionated with Japanese culinary culture! I'm a professional sake instructor, so I can show you a cozy nice bar or restaurant, and introduce about Sake!

Popular Kamakura Private Tours

Best Memories of Kamakura

Kamakura used to the capital of Japan during 12th to 14th century. It was the first period governed by the samurai warriors; Shoguns.Since samurai practiced Zen Buddhism, there are many Zen Temples which were built before those in Kyoto.

Bamboo Temple, Sugimoto Temple, and three other attractive spots in Kamakura

6 hours

Once the samurai capital of Japan, Kamakura is visited by as many as 20 million people a year. Some of the most popular spots among visitors are Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Great Buddha, and Hokokuji Temple nicknamed Bamboo Temple. On this tour, along with the three places, I would like to offer two more attractive spots to visit. We first visit three places in the north-eastern area of Kamakura, Bamboo Temple, popular for its bamboo glove with a teahouse serving powdered green tea, Sugimoto Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Kamakura dating back to the 8th century, Egara Tenjin, a shinto shrine enshrining deified Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning and scholarship. We take a bus to visit Bamboo Temple, but after that we enjoy strolling around the local residential areas while visiting two other places and the fourth destination, Tsurugaoka Hachiman Srine which was constructed by the first Shogun of the Kamakura Government. After coming back to Kamakura station, we take the Enoden Line to Hase station to visit the last destination, Great Buddha, an open-air Buddha sitting under the sun for some 750 years. This tour covers history of Kamakura from much before the establishment of the samurai government to just after the end of it, and of course, shopping in Komachi-dori street and at Masamune Sword and Blade Workshop by request.

One day trip to Kamakura

Kamakura is a very popular tourist destination and has a lot of beautiful places such as Buddhist temples with gardens, and Shinto shrines. The city has a lot of Japanese restaurants which offer lovely dishes. We’ll visit some of the most popular spots in Kamakura, such as Hokoku-ji temple (with a bamboo garden), Hase-dera temple (one of the oldest temples in Kamakura), and Kotoku-in temple which is well known for the Great Buddha. I hope you have a lovely day in Kamakura!

Flowers in Kamakura: Great Buddha, Hasedera & Eishoji Temple

Kamakura is a very healing city, which became the capital of Samurai at the end of the 12th century, and has a lot of temples where we can see lovely flowers. We will ride a train for approximately an hour or so from Tokyo/Yokohama/Kawasaki area to visit there. Appreciating the flowers, some temples and shrines, we can also enjoy the beautiful twilight seaview.

Kamakura Joyful 8 hour-tour from Tokyo

Starting from your hotel at 9:00 we will in 1 hour time arrive at Kamakura where there are historical temples, shrines and a great Buddha statue surrounded by evergreen hills and a long crescent sand beach. From Enoshima Island on the shore you may probably see Mt. Fuji. As the seaside town Kamakura is famous for its fresh seafood cuisines.

Private tour 　"My favorite Kamakura"

KAMAKURA! What a perfect place to escape from daily bustlness. The town famous for zen-buddhism and as the first de-facto capital ever established by samurais gives us splendid time to enjoy the rustic but solemn atmosphere.

Scenic Kamakura, 6 hours

6 hours

Kamakura, the birthplace of Zen Buddhism, is a beautiful residential area dotted with zen temples. The Great Buddha is another highlight. The Pacific Ocean’s gentle breeze adds to the tranquil atmosphere. We’ll find the most suitable mix of destinations to match your interests and physical exertion level. (See the ITINERARY) A walking tour is good value for money (H1)! We’ll get to experience 5 temples and shrines! For a more leisurely pace, a bus and a taxi are best. See you in Kamakura!

Kamakura Highlights with Local Expert - from Tokyo

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9 hours

One day fun excursion to Kamakura, a small, coastal city just one hour south of Tokyo. Sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, Kamakura offers numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments as well as beautiful beach and forestry hills. Refer to this model plan, and I will customize your tour based on your tastes and requests. Count on me, Kamakura specialist!

New Kamakura Private Tours

Kamakura Hiking Tour with an Expat!

Embark on a tranquil journey through Kamakura's spiritual heart. From the serene Myoho-ji to the lush vistas of Zuisen-ji and the historic Kencho-ji, this walking tour blends Zen gardens with natural beauty. Ascend the Tenen Hiking Course for breathtaking views, and find peace at Meigetsu-in, the 'Temple of Hydrangeas'. Spanning 12km with stops at each temple and a leisurely lunch, it's a day of discovery and reflection. Join me and immerse yourself in the soul of this historic town.

FROM$226/ per group

Mark R.

Kamakura Cycling Day Tour!

Join this Kamakura day tour on wheels for a blend of ancient spirituality and coastal charm. From the serene Komyoji and majestic Great Buddha at Kotokuin to the quaint Koshigoe fishing village and panoramic views from Samuel Cocking Garden, we'll explore the heart of Kamakura and Enoshima's treasures. Delight in local flavours and uncover the stories that make this region enchanting. Two wheels can help you see much more in a limited time at this wonderful portion of the Japanese coast.

FROM$197/ per group

Mark R.

Customizable Full-Day Kamakura Tour

It's not every day that you can see mountains, beaches, caves, and historical monuments all in the same place, but that's the plan on this tour! Kamakura has all that and more. Rank these five things in a message to me, and I'll craft a tour that will suit your tastes. 1. Historical sites 2. Nice views 3. Shopping/Food 4. Hiking/Nature 5. Beach fun The tour below is an example of one that I would make for someone who likes nature/hiking and historical sites, with some nice views thrown in too!

FROM$32/ per group

John L.

Kamakura Highlights with an Expat!

From the majestic Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine and the vibrant Komachi-dori Shopping Street to the tranquil Myohonji temple, splendid Hasedera, and iconic Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, this tour is a journey through the soul of Kamakura. Savor local delicacies, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the serene landscapes that have inspired for centuries. As a British expat now living in Kamakura, I aim to help you create memories to last a lifetime in this enchanting town.

FROM$197/ per group

Mark R.

(Vegan-Friendly) Hiking + Bamboo Forests + Matcha in Kamakura!! 6-Hour Tour

6 hours

Tired of the hustle and bustle? Well, this tour's for you! We'll hit up some of Kamakura's most beautiful, nature-filled temples, take a relaxing 1.5-hour hike through the low-lying mountains that surround Kamakura, and get somee delicious lunch (vegan or not). We'll also hit up some goregous bamboo forests, and even sip on some matcha in one!

FROM$32/ per group

John L.

Important Places to know the real history site of Kamakura!

We visit several important historical places in Kamakura to see how it has been survived until now. * Houkokuji Temple: Famous for its bamboo garden * Sugimotodera Temple: the oldest temple in Kamakura * Kamakuragu Shrine: Relatively new shrine built in 1920 * Egara Tenjinsha: It enshrines the deity of study, Sugawara no Michizane

Explore the connection between the Samurai Government and Buddhism!

The Kamakura Shogunate, established by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1192, marked the beginning of feudal military government. This period was characterized by the rise of the samurai class and the establishment of a feudal system. It was also marked by both the patronage of Buddhism by the ruling class and the rise of new Buddhist movements that catered to the spiritual needs of the samurai and common people alike. We will explore these facts by visiting some temples and shrines.

Essential Kamakura Full Day (Buddha, Shrines, Beach + Best Food) [7hrs]

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Ultimate Kamakura full day tour will cover some historical essential spots together with walking the trails of ancient capital city. We will eat at one of the best restaurant in the region for lunch. We will spend time at some must see shrines, temples and on the beach.

FROM$58/ per group

Hiro S.

Popular Kamakura Private Cars

Kamakura sightseeing with a private chartered van (1-12pax)

You can plan to visit several places around Kamakura within a limited time with our van. Our commuter can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h!

FROM$550/ per group

Van transportation M.

4.48 / 5

(153 reviews)

Kamakura private customize tour with luxury van

Fuji limousine service J.

9 hours

Our drivers have extensive geographic knowledge of Kamakura. Starting from Tokyo, we provide high-end exclusive chartered car reservation services for VIPs visiting Kamakura individually or in groups. According to the time and requirements of VIPs, we provide professional Kamakura customized tour services, allowing tourists to travel easily and comfortably.

FROM$473/ per group

4.91 / 5

(130 reviews)

☆Kamakura Day Tour with a Private Car

Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food.

Day Trips from Kamakura

Tokyo

Yokohama

Kanagawa

Chiba

Kamakura Tour Reviews

Kayling N.

5 / 5

Apr 18, 2024

Kamakura & Yokosuka: History of War and Peace Tour

Apr 18, 2024

“English translation of Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise”

Haruo T is an excellent tour guide. We booked him to take us to Sarushima Island, Mikasa Battleship and Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise. Haruo's English is very good. He explained the history of the area and pointed out interesting features which we would have otherwise missed. He even provided real-time translation of the narration onboard the Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise (the onboard narration is in Japanese only and the live narration varies every cruise depending on which vessels are currently docked in port). Haruo was flexible in accommodating our wishes e.g. when we asked to climb up the hill to look for a lunch spot. I highly recommend booking Haruo T as your tour guide. Your time in Japan will be greatly enriched by his tour guiding.

Lyubomir Y.

4 / 5

Apr 9, 2024

Day 4 ( March 28, 2024): One Day Kamakura Walking Tour from Tokyo

8 hours 30 min

Customized

Apr 9, 2024

“Kamakura Visit”

Despite the very long travel from Tokyo to Kamakura, we managed to spend a good time in this ancient capital of Japan. Definitely a worthy place to visit. Maybe for a one day trip we spent too much time on trains or walking from point A to point B instead of actually seeing the important sites. Still a great place to visit.

Shinya E.

(30 reviews)

Dear alyubomir, Thank you so much for your review. Regarding Kamakura, I understand that it took a little bit long from your hotel in Tokyo to Kamakura sightseeing sites in Kanagawa Prefecture. But I am sure you were able to see the sites, such as the Great Buddha Statue, and other nice sites. I hope you had a wonderful memories in Kamakura. Shinya

Mabel M.

5 / 5

Apr 8, 2024

Kamakura One-day Private Custom Tour