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Discover Japan’s Living Landscapes: Architecture and Community in a Coastal Town ‘Manazuru’
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Joined 2016
Discover how a small coastal town in Kanagawa has made 'beauty' a civic priority. Just two hours from Tokyo, Manazuru invites you to explore its unique town ordinance, Bi no Kijun (“The Standards of Beauty”), which guides architecture, landscape, and daily life. This walking tour offers insight into how design, nature, and community values come together to shape a harmonious townscape. Perfect for those interested in architecture, urban planning, and sustainable living rooted in tradition.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Manazuru Station
- I'll be waiting just outside the ticket gate of Manazuru Station.
Briefing over Lunch
Over lunch, I'll introduce the tour’s concept and outline, including the town ordinance known as ‘The Standards of Beauty.’
Community Manazuru
We'll visit Community Manazuru, a public facility and an architectural example that reflects the principles of Manazuru’s town ordinance known as the “Standards of Beauty.”
Architectural Walk
We’ll walk through the town’s quiet streets and visit some architectural highlights that embody "Bi no Kijun".
Sample stops:
-Manazuru Publishing, a local cultural hub that uses architecture to express editorial values and community engagement.
-Michikusa Bookstore, tucked into a quiet alley, showing how small-scale architecture can enrich the townscape.
-Hon to Biyōshitsu (Books & Hair Salon), a creative hybrid space that reimagines how buildings can serve multiple roles while remaining true to the town’s aesthetic.
Tea Break
We’ll take a short tea break to relax and reflect on the town’s design philosophy.
Ending Point
JR Manazuru Station (or at a place convenient for you)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Lunch (for guests and the guide), street food/snacks, drinks
Public transportation fee
Any personal expenses
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Please bring enough cash (about 5,000 yen pp at least) since credit cards are not available at many shops and restaurants in Manazuru.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Important message from the supplier
I can guide you in Kyoto & Osaka, and Tohoku area (such as Miyagi and Iwate Pref.) if you pay my transportation fee.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2016
About Tour Guide Macco K.
Hello :) I am Macco, a licensed tour guide. I love eating and traveling, so I call myself "EATraveler". I'd like you to experience "tasty (oishi)" Japan, so my tour will be full of nice food.
I was born and grew up in Osaka, and now I live in a small fishing town called Manazuru (near Hakone area) after living in Tokyo for more than 10 years. I fell in love with the beautiful scenery of the sea and mountains of Manazuru, and I really enjoy a relaxing life here. So I'd like to show you around this cozy town, which will make you feel nostalgic and relaxed.
I also work as an editor & writer. My recent works are mainly books about food and drinks, such as fermented food, dried food, cocktails and bars, Japanese sake, coffee, cheese, tea, as well as agriculture and food issues. Based on this background, I'd like to offer you amazing food experiences in Japan and enjoy EATraveling together :)
Looking forward to seeing you in Manazuru!
Reviews
Yvonne M.
“Dinner in Kagurazaka ”
A Memorable Japanese Dinner in Kagurazaka with Macco Macco took us to an amazing dinner in Kagurazaka on the evening we arrived in Japan. I chose her tour because our hotel was nearby, and it turned out to be the perfect introduction to the country. She selected a cozy, welcoming restaurant and had made reservations in advance, which made the experience feel seamless and special. Macco was thoughtful and attentive—she asked about our food preferences and chose dishes accordingly. Her kindness, consideration, and deep knowledge of the area made the evening both relaxing and enriching. It was the perfect welcome dinner and set the tone for the rest of our trip. Highly recommended!
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Macco K.
Thank you so much again for your warm words, Yvonne san! It means a lot to me. I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the dinner in Kagurazaka. I also had a great time with you all :) Hope we can spend some time together in the near future!
Yvonne M.
“Airport Pickup”
We had the most wonderful experience with Macco, our amazing tour guide in Tokyo! From the moment we arrived, she went above and beyond to make our trip smooth and stress-free. Traveling to a new country can be daunting—especially when you don’t speak the language—but Macco made our arrival seamless and welcoming. She kindly offered to pick us up from Haneda Airport, which was a huge relief after a long flight from the U.S. Macco was in constant communication before our arrival, confirming flight numbers, times, and even asking whether we preferred a taxi or train into the city. We chose a taxi, and she handled everything, including communicating with the driver and making sure he had our hotel information. Her fluent Japanese and calm presence immediately made us feel at ease—not just us, but the taxi driver too! On the way to the hotel, we enjoyed a lovely conversation and felt like we were already getting a warm, personal introduction to Japan. Macco is thoughtful, organized, and genuinely kind. She tailored the experience just for us, and we couldn’t have asked for a better welcome or a more capable guide. I highly recommend Macco to anyone visiting Tokyo, especially first-time travelers. Her professionalism, warmth, and deep knowledge of Japan made our start unforgettable.
Macco K.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a good review with 5-star! I really appreciate that. I was happy to welcome you at the airport and enjoy a taxi ride to your hotel together. It was also an unforgeattable experience for me. Thank you for choosing me as your guide. Hope to welcome you back in Japan sometime soon...!
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Stephanie S.
“Airport pickup”
Maco speaks perfect English and I wish we had more time together. I enjoyed talking with her and she was well organized. She made my first night in Tokyo a smooth one. She even helped me set up this spur of the moment photoshoot and I was able to get the USB drive with the pictures faster than their normal processing time since I was only there a few days. Thanks for all your help Macco! Hope to see you next year!
Macco K.
Thank you for your kind words, Stephanie san! I was happy to meet you and spend some time together. It was my great pleasure to help you, and glad to hear that you enjoyed the photoshoot :) Looking forward to seeing you again next year! Macco
$138/ per group
More tours by Macco K.
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Enjoy Japanese Dinner at Kagurazaka
Let's walk around Kagurazaka where you find nice restaurants and traditional shops, and enjoy nice dinner at a cozy Japanese restaurant :) I'll book a restaurant of your favorite Japanese food such as Yakitori, Soba, Yakiniku/Shabushabu, or some local cuisine from different regions (Okinawa, Kumamoto, Niigata, etc). You can explore Kagurazaka including small alleys, and enjoy both traditional and modern atmosphere of the area as well.
Enjoy Japanese Dinner at Kagurazaka
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Hidden Japan: Manazuru Walking Tour with Local Flavors and Ocean Views
Just two hours from Tokyo, step into the timeless charm of Manazuru—a fishing town where tradition lives on in every alley and aroma. Stroll through quiet streets, savor freshly grilled himono (dried fish), and share stories with warm-hearted locals. This walking tour offers more than scenic views and delicious food—it’s a journey into Japan’s slower rhythms, where sea breeze, community, and culture come together. If you're seeking a heartfelt escape from the city, Manazuru welcomes you.
Hidden Japan: Manazuru Walking Tour with Local Flavors and Ocean Views
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kanagawa
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Mt. Oyama Half day tour at Isehara
Just 1 hour train ride will bring you from modern urban sight to local cozy atomosphere. Mt. Oyama was well-known tourist spot in the history because of the symbol of sacred place and rich nature. Oyama dera temple and Afuri Shrine are the highlight of the tour and let you feel the history of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. If you want to go to local restaurants, I will suggest some good places around Isehara station.
Mt. Oyama Half day tour at Isehara
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Oyama Pilgrimage - Japan Heritage
Oyama is the name of mountain located in Kanagawa pref. wesern neighbor of Tokyo. During the Edo period(A.D.1600 -1868) , Mt.Oyama became a popular pilgrimage site for common people. This tour will cover this pilgrimage main destinations -Oyama-dera Temple and Afuri-jinja Shrine. We did a monitor tour on the same itinerary. The average satisfied point was 4.7/5.0. Guests were impressed in nature, shrine/temple, hiking, cable car and history. These are what you will experience in this tour.
Oyama Pilgrimage - Japan Heritage
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Kamakura one-day tour starting from Kamakura station
For a quick tour of Kamakura, I suggest a 6 hour-tour. Kamakura is an ancient capital in Japan and the seat of the first military government of Japan. Choose three of the options as follows. Big Buddha, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, Komachidori shopping street, Hokokuji temple, Jomyoji temple, Kenchoji temple, Meigetsuin temple
Kamakura one-day tour starting from Kamakura station
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Hinata Yakushi and Oyama Pilgrimage- Japan Heritage
We will visit Hinata Yakushi-Hojobo and Oyama area where is designated as Japan Heritage. These are located in Kanagawa prefecture western nabor of Tokyo. You can see differnt views of Japan other than big cities as Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. In this tour, you will view old temples, statues, shrines and Michelin 2 stars awarded landscape. You can feel and understand what old local Japanese people saw , thought and believed those are the basis of we current Japanese people.
Hinata Yakushi and Oyama Pilgrimage- Japan Heritage