The Zen Journey: Kamakura's Top Zen Temples Tour
Embark on an 8-hour private tour of Kamakura's Zen temples to engage all five senses. Our standard route visits 5 temples efficiently using trains, walking, and a short taxi ride. (The visited locations can be customized upon request!)
【Experience Zen】
A mindful zazen (meditation) moment with your guide, Sutra-copying, a delicious Japanese lunch, and Matcha at a Japanese garden. Enjoy mindfulness at a perfect pace! (Please note that experience fees are not included in this tour.)
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
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) moment with your guide inside the main Buddha hall to calm and center your mind.
Jyochi-ji-Temple
~Kamakura Gozan Rank 4: A Serene Sanctuary of Moss and Greenery~
Nestled in the rich nature of Kita-Kamakura, Jochi-ji Temple is a tranquil haven surrounded by lush trees and beautiful moss. After passing through its signature bell tower gate, a walk through the quiet grounds brings you to the stone statue of Hoteison—one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Kamakura and Enoshima—welcoming you with a warm smile. Away from the bustling crowds, you can refresh your mind and body while experiencing a peaceful, enchanting atmosphere.
Kencho-ji Temple
~Kamakura Gozan Rank 1: Authentic Sutra-Copying~
Japan's oldest Zen training temple and the first rank of Kamakura Gozan (5 mountains). 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. (The sutra-copying fee is 1,000 yen.)
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.
Jyufuku-ji Temple
~Kamakura Gozan Rank 3: Beautiful Moss and Stone-Paved Approach~
A historic temple ranked third among the Kamakura Gozan (Five Mountains). The lush green moss and beautifully paved stone path leading straight to the main gate offer one of the most picturesque and atmospheric views in Kamakura. Although the main grounds are generally closed to the public, you can enjoy a peaceful walk along this magnificent, tree-lined approach and soak in the rich history and quiet beauty.
We will travel by taxi.
We will take a taxi from Kamakura to Jomyoji Temple due to the distance.
(Taxi fares are not included.)
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." (This experience costs 600 to 1,000 yen.)
Ending Point
At hotel or station in the Kamakura and Fujisawa areas
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
-English-speaking guide fee
-Hotel or station pick-up and drop-off (Within the Kamakura and Fujisawa areas)
-Insurance
- Public transportation fee
-Taxi fares: Approx. 1,500 yen
- Temple admission fees: Approx. 300 to 500 yen per person
- Sutra copying experience: 1,000 yen per person
- Matcha experience: Approx. 600 to 1,100 yen per person
- Lunch: From 2,000 yen per person
- Food and drinks / 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, food, or drinks.
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
About Tour Guide Akari U.
Hi, I'm Akari! Your local guide for Kamakura, Enoshima, and Yokohama.
Before settling down in beautiful, historical Kamakura, I lived in Tokyo and Yokohama for over 10 years, giving me a deep understanding of both big-city energy and coastal charm—nestled between the ocean and mountains, which I love the most!
As I used to teach Japanese, I love bridging cultural gaps and sharing the "Why" behind our customs and traditions. For me, guiding isn't just about hitting the famous sightseeing spots—it's about giving you those "Aha!" moments through our rich history and customs.
As a local, I'm obsessed with exploring hidden gems outside the capital. Whether it's a quiet bamboo forest in Kamakura, a stunning sunset spot in Enoshima, or a cozy local cafe and 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!
$379/ per group
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