Hello.
My Name is Hiroto in Tokyo Japan.
Many people who know Japan often visit Kyoto and Nara.
Or, in Tokyo, Akihabara, Harajuku and Shibuya are also well known.
Have you ever heard of Kamakura?
Kamakura is a small town located on the south side of Tokyo.
I knew the name Kamakura, and I also knew that there were famous shrines and temples there.
It’s not a world heritage site, so for me, it was a place I would go once every few years or not.
But after I knew Goolge Local Guide, my mind was change.
I was a heavy user of Google Maps, so I immediately started working as a Google Local Guide.
Until that time, I had only used Google Maps for eating, but by changing my perspective, I was able to enjoy it in various ways.
One of them is the discovery of the shrines and temples in Kamakura.
There are approximately 81,000 shrines and 77,256 temples in Japan.
The total is 158,000 shrines and temples, which is more than the number of convenience stores that exist in Japan.
We love going to museums when we go on trips.
For example, if you go to Russia, it’s like the Hermitage Museum, if you go to France, it’s like the Louvre.
I haven’t really tried to go to the local culture or historic sites until I know Google Local Guide. Old people love the local culture and historic sites though.
For one thing, we have an interest and longing for an unknown culture.
However, I found that directing that same passion to the local culture and historic sites was an affirmation of my identity.
That’s the great benefit of Google Local Guides.
Once, I decided to tour Kamakura as a Google Local Guide while looking at Google Map, so I went.
Many people are interested in Kyoto and Nara because they are recognized as World Heritage Sites.
Kamakura is not a world heritage site, but it is a very quaint town.
The most famous shrine in Kamakura is Tsuruoka Hachiman Shrine.
However, there are so many unique and historical shrines and temples in Kamakura that surpass them all!
This is Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine.
Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine is located in the middle of the mountain, through the entrance of a cave dug in stone.
There is a legend that if you wash your money at this shrine and then spend it on various things, the money will be returned to you many times over.
And This is Houkokuji Temple.
Houkokuji Temple is on the outskirts of Kamakura, but it’s very quiet and makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
As you enter this temple, you naturally feel as if time has slowed down.
And this is Sugimotodera Temple.
Sugimotodera Temple is very famous for its mossy staircase.
The city of Kamakura is one piece of art.
And at the end of our walk through the city, we’ll have a delicious dinner with my friends!
A good time with friends is irreplaceable for anything.
Google Local Guide teaches me to know my identity once again.
And by getting to know my city, I wanted to know the world even more.
I am really looking forward to meeting Google Local Guide from another country at Connect Live 2020.
Thank you for reading.