The Kamakura Course covers the Great Buddha and major historical sites in the Kamakura area. Additionally, you can choose one of three side trips to Enoshima, Yokohama, or Odawara.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
- Free pick up/drop off at your hotel within Tokyo 23wards.
Kamakura Core Course (5 hours)
• Great Buddha of Kamakura: Admire the 13-meter-tall bronze Buddha surrounded by lush gardens.
• Hasedera Temple: Visit this stunning temple known for its beautiful hydrangea gardens and views of the coastline.
• Komachi Street: Stroll along this charming shopping street offering local snacks and artisan goods. Don’t miss the famous Kamakura sausages.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Visit this prominent Shinto shrine set against a scenic backdrop.
Lunch: Local Kamakura delicacies in Komachi Street.
Option A: Enoshima Island (3 hours)
Enoshima Benten Bridge
Cross the scenic causeway linking the mainland to Enoshima Island, with sea breezes and occasional Mt. Fuji views.
Enoshima Shrine
Visit this historic shrine complex devoted to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, wealth, and water.
Enoshima Sea Caves (Iwaya Caves)
Walk along the dramatic rocky coastline to explore these ancient wave-carved caves filled with myth and mystery.
Option B: Yokohama (3 hours)
Red Brick Warehouses
Explore Yokohama’s iconic Meiji-era port buildings, now home to stylish shops, cafes, and bay-view promenades.
Yamashita Park (Optional Walk Along the Bay)
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront at this historic park with views of ships and the harbor skyline.
Yokohama Chinatown
Wander through Japan’s largest Chinatown, rich with vibrant gates, temples, and bustling food stalls.
Kanteibyo Temple
Visit this ornate and colorful Chinese temple dedicated to the god of business and prosperity.
Chinese Buffet Dinner (Optional)
End your visit with an all-you-can-eat feast at one of Chinatown’s popular dim sum or Chinese cuisine buffets.
Option C: Odawara Castle (3 hours)
Odawara Castle Main Keep
Explore the elegant main tower of this historic fortress, showcasing samurai armor and stunning views of the surrounding city.
Lunch at Daruma Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal at Daruma, a beloved local eatery known for its seasonal set menus and homestyle flavors.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Tour Guiding
Japanese/English Interpreting
Hotel Pick up/Drop off within Tokyo 23wards
Your Lunch and/or dinner
Your admissions
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Please read before reaching out. Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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Are the tours rail-based?
Yes—tours are primarily rail-based, especially within Tokyo. On the first day, I’ll help you learn the Tokyo rail system, assist with IC card setup, and explain how to navigate confidently.
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Can you book tickets for us?
I don’t handle advance reservations. Most people want to visit places like teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Studio Ghibli, or the Sumo Lunch in Tokyo. These must be booked separately on your own. I can include these as part of the tour day or drop you off there, but I can’t make bookings on your behalf due to liability issues and platform commission.
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What about Mt. Fuji?
Due to visibility issues and common misunderstandings about access and logistics, inquiries about Mt. Fuji often don’t lead to bookings. A group bus tour is usually the better option.
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history.
I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood.
If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider:
One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights.
Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience.
Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests.
For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations.
While most guests book Tokyo-based tours, I also guide in other regions—especially Kyoto, where I’ve visited every World Heritage Site. I regularly lead tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and other locations easily reached by rail. Multi-day and custom tours are available on request.
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation
Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
Kiran J.
“awesome tour”
grant was an excellent guide…he was ver6 able/receptive to accommodate our specific requests.
Judy C.
“Efficient and fund way to see and learn about Tokyo!”
We highly recommend Grant for touring around Tokyo! We hired Grant for 2 tours to see Tokyo efficiently. Grant is from the US but his knowledge of Japan, the history of Japan, Japanese culture and the language was amazing. It was both fun and informative. Grant is easy going and was able to offer other recommendations during our stay in Tokyo. Thank you Grant! Highly recommend!
Judy C.
“Super fun day!”
We highly recommend Grant for touring around Tokyo! We hired Grant for 1.5 days to see Tokyo efficiently. Grant is from the US but his knowledge of Japan, the history of Japan, Japanese culture and the language was amazing. It was both fun and informative. Grant is easy going and flexible as far as switching things up a bit to fit our desires. Thank you Grant! Highly recommend!
$273/ per group