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The Zen Journey: Kamakura's Top Zen Temples, Meditation, Sutra Copying & Matcha

Kenchoji

View from Hansobo, Kenchoji

Kenochoji

Sutra Copying

Hansobo, Kenchoji

Engakuji

Matcha tasting

Teahouse in Jomyoji

Jochiji

Lunch

The Zen Journey: Kamakura's Top Zen Temples, Meditation, Sutra Copying & Matcha

Day Trip

Joined 2026

Akari U.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kamakura

English, Japanese (Native)

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Akari U.)

Up to 6 people

Embark on an 8-hour private tour of Kamakura's Zen temples to engage all five senses. Our standard route visits 4 temples efficiently using trains, walking, and a short taxi ride. (We can customize to visit all 5 upon request!)

【Experience Zen】

Zazen meditation, Sutra-copying, a delicious Japanese lunch, and Matcha at a garden. Enjoy mindfulness at a perfect pace!

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

At hotel or station in the Kamakura and Fujisawa areas

- -We can decide on the exact station and meeting details via message after booking, depending on your hotel or preferences!

Engaku-ji Temple

~Kamakura Gozan Rank 2: Zazen & Meditation Experience~

Located right in front of Kita-Kamakura Station, this historic temple exudes a solemn and sacred atmosphere. After a peaceful stroll through the quiet grounds, you will experience a short Zazen meditation session inside the main Buddha hall to calm and center your mind.

Walking

We will walk to Kencho-ji Temple (about 10 mins). Let’s enjoy a stroll through the scenic streets of Kita-Kamakura!

Kencho-ji Temple

~Kamakura Gozan Rank 1: Authentic Sutra-Copying~

Japan's oldest Zen training temple and the first rank of Kamakura Gozan. After admiring the grand Sanmon Gate and Dharma Hall, you will try "Shakyo" (sutra-copying) inside the main hall. Focus your mind while overlooking a beautiful, traditional Japanese garden.

On a clear day, we can visit Hansobo deep inside the temple grounds. It involves a 15-minute walk and climbing many stairs, but leads to a stunning viewpoint with a beautiful view of Mount Fuji.

【Lunch】Choose Your Favorite Traditional Japanese Dish

① Nagashi Somen (Apr-Oct): A fun experience catching flowing noodles on bamboo tracks, served with tempura.

② "Kenchin-jiru" Soup: Authentic Buddhist vegetarian soup made from Kenchoji Temple's direct recipe. it can be enjoyed with rice balls, soba noodles, or unique honey curry.

③ Unagi (Eel): Premium, fluffy charcoal-grilled eel—a luxurious culinary highlight.

④ Washoku Assortment: Great for enjoying various favorites like sushi, tempura, and soba all at once.

⑤Flexible Requests: We can choose other restaurants based on your preferences, dietary needs, or requests.

Jochi-ji Temple

Jochiji Temple (Rank 4)

A short drive from Kenchoji and Engakuji, Jochiji offers a serene atmosphere that beautifully showcases "Wabi-Sabi." Stroll down mossy paths and visit a mystic cave to rub the belly of the Hotei-son statue for good luck—a unique local ritual.

We will travel by taxi.

We will take a taxi from Kita-Kamakura to Jomyoji Temple due to the distance. (Taxi fare is included in this tour.)

Jomyo-ji Temple

~Authentic Matcha Experience at Jomyoji Temple~

Visit a stunning teahouse within the temple grounds, for an authentic Matcha experience. Savor premium Matcha while overlooking a beautiful Karesansui (dry landscape) Japanese garden. It is the perfect finale to deeply immerse yourself in the spirit of Zen and "Wabi-Sabi."

Optional Plans / Add-on Options

Please let us know which of the 4 options you would like to choose when booking!

・Option 1: Visit 2 Additional Temples or Gardens

You can choose to visit two more spots based on your interests, such as Hokoku-ji Temple (famous for its bamboo forest), Ichijo Ekansanso, or Sugimoto-dera Temple.

・Option 2: East Kamakura Alley & Hidden Spots Stroll

We will guide you through the backstreets of the East Kamakura area, visiting multiple hidden spots known only to locals.

・Option 3: Visit All 5 Zen Temples (Full "Kamakura Gozan" Route)

We can adjust the itinerary to include Jufuku-ji Temple if you wish to see all five top Zen temples.

・Option 4: Fully Customized Plan Based on Your Interests

We are happy to create a personalized plan tailored specifically to your requests, interests, or any spots you are curious about.

Ending Point

At hotel or station in the Kamakura and Fujisawa areas

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

What‘s included

-English-speaking guide fee

-Taxi fare from Kita-Kamakura to Jomyoji Temple

-Hotel or station pick-up and drop-off (Within the Kamakura and Fujisawa areas)

-Insurance

What‘s not included

- Temple admission fees: Approx. 300 to 700 yen per person

- Matcha experience: Approx. 600 to 1,100 yen per person

- Lunch: From 2,000 yen per person

- Personal expenses

- Any expenses incurred for optional plans

Tour Important Information

Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour fees do not include temple admission fees or meals.

This tour is primarily a walking tour, so we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.

Please be aware that the route includes stairs and uneven paths inside the temples.

The itinerary is completely flexible and may be adjusted to match your pace, interests, traffic, or weather conditions.

Lunch is not included in the tour fee. However, we would be delighted to suggest several dining options based on your preferences.

If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please let us know in advance.

If you have any health concerns, please feel free to let us know. We are more than happy to tailor the route to your needs.

*Highly flexible! The tour duration and schedules can be customized based on your preferences.

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 2026

Akari U.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Akari U.

Hi, I'm Akari! Your local guide for Kamakura, Enoshima, and Yokohama.

After studying abroad in the US during high school and working as a Japanese language teacher, I fell in love with connecting with people from all over the world. Teaching Japanese culture and customs showed me how exciting it is to bridge cultural gaps!

For me, guiding isn't just about showing you famous spots—it's about sharing the "why" behind our traditions and giving you those "Aha!" moments.

As a local, I'm obsessed with exploring hidden gems outside of Tokyo. Whether it's a quiet bamboo forest in Kamakura, a stunning sunset spot in Enoshima, or a cozy local eatery, I can't wait to share my favorite places with you.

What I offer:

-Fully customized private tours tailored to your pace, interests, and curiosity.

Feel free to send a message. Let’s make your Japan trip unforgettable. See you soon!