Hello, I’m Shigenori Murata, a Tokyo-born Cultural Experience Guide and specialist in Japanese philosophy, religion, Zen, aesthetics, and food culture.
I guide visitors through Tokyo and Kamakura with a mix of local stories, cultural insight, food, history, spirituality, and friendly conversation.
My walks are for travelers who want to enjoy Japan beyond ordinary sightseeing — whether that means tasting delicious seafood in Tsukiji, enjoying Tokyo’s evening food culture in Shibuya, walking through the sacred forest of Meiji Shrine, exploring the old streets of Asakusa and Nihonbashi, or visiting the temples and shrines of Kamakura.
I love helping guests discover not only famous places, but also the small details that make Japan come alive: the meaning of a shrine gate, the taste of seasonal food, the atmosphere of a market, the quiet beauty of a temple garden, or the way old traditions still appear in everyday life.
My background combines academic study, meditation practice, and professional guiding experience. I hold a DPhil from the University of Oxford, where I specialized in Japanese philosophy and religious thought, especially Nishida philosophy and its connection with Zen. I have also studied Buddhism, Shinto, Japanese aesthetics, and contemplative practice for many years.
Kamakura is especially personal for me. I grew up there from elementary school through high school, lived near the Great Buddha and Hase Temple, and attended a high school connected with Kenchoji, Japan’s oldest Zen temple. Because of this, I can introduce Kamakura not only through history and scholarship, but also through lived experience and personal memories.
As a guide, my aim is to make each walk thoughtful, enjoyable, and meaningful. I like to create experiences where guests can ask questions freely, enjoy good food, notice beauty, and feel a deeper connection with the places we visit.
I currently guide visitors in areas such as:
- Tsukiji
- Shibuya
- Meiji Shrine and Omotesando
- Imperial Palace and Nihonbashi
- Asakusa
- Kamakura
If you are looking for a private cultural guide who can combine food, history, religion, philosophy, aesthetics, local experience, and warm conversation, I would be happy to guide you.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to arrange a private cultural walk in Tokyo or Kamakura, please feel free to contact me.
Email:
muratameditation@gmail.com
Instagram: Follow my walks, food experiences, and cultural reflections on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/zen.walks.japan/