Known as the Bamboo Temple, Hokokuji was founded in 1334. It features a grove of about 2,000 bamboo stalks, creating a serene world of rustling leaves and shifting light, as well as a tranquil dry landscape garden with moss and carefully placed stones.

The bamboo grove has been awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, recognizing it as a site well worth a visit.

Jōmyō-ji, one of Kamakura’s Five Great Zen Temples, was founded in 1188 and offers a quiet atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Zen.

Its highlight is Kisen-an, a tea house overlooking a beautifully designed dry landscape garden.

Here, you can enjoy authentic matcha with a seasonal sweet, and choose between sitting on a chair or on tatami mats.

One of the charms of Kisen-an is that you can relax and enjoy tea without worrying about formal tea ceremony etiquette.

This space is designed for everyone to feel comfortable — you can simply sit back, admire the peaceful garden view, and experience the essence of Japanese tea culture at your own pace

Hase-dera, a historic temple said to have been founded in the 8th century, is known as the “Temple of Flowers.” The grounds feature well-tended gardens and charming small Jizo statues, and from its hillside terrace, you can enjoy sweeping views of Kamakura and the sea. In the main hall stands the majestic Eleven-Headed Kannon statue, adding to the temple’s spiritual presence. The temple is beautiful year-round, but from late May to June, it becomes especially stunning, when about 40 varieties and over 2,500 hydrangeas burst into color along the paths.

To reach the Main Hall (Kannon-do), there are about 100 to 120 steps from the entrance. If you continue to the Prospect Path (Hydrangea Path, especially in June) located behind the temple, please note there are an additional 130 steps

Be sure to take lots of photos!

We’ll end our tour at JR Kamakura Station.

I’ll be happy to explain how to get back to your hotel.