Zen & Serenity: An Exclusive Full-Day Journey through North Kamakura's Ancient Temples
Zen Immersion: Experience the spiritual heart of Japan on this exclusive Saturday tour. Begin at the grand Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, delving into the legacy of the samurai. In North Kamakura, admire the iconic "Window of Enlightenment" at Meigetsu-in before joining an authentic 90-minute Zazen meditation at the historic Engakuji Temple.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kamakura Station East Exit
- I'll be standing by the bus terminal at the East Exit plaza.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
A leisurely visit to Kamakura’s spiritual heart. Take your time strolling through the precincts and feel the breath of history. If you are lucky, you might witness a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony held at the Maiden (ritual dance stage). You can also fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture by trying Omikuji (paper fortunes), collecting Goshuin (temple/shrine stamps), and exploring the treasures at the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures.
Lunch at "Sakaemachi" Tuna Rice Bowl (Maguro-ju) at Kamakura Komachi Branch
Maguro-ju is a premium Japanese dish featuring high-quality bluefin tuna served over a bed of seasoned rice in a traditional lacquerware box (ju-bako).
What makes our Maguro-ju truly special is the pedigree of the fish. We source our tuna directly from Yamayuki, the legendary tuna wholesaler at Tokyo's Toyosu Market. Known as the absolute best in the industry, Yamayuki supplies the world's finest Michelin-starred sushi restaurants. You can enjoy the incredible depth of flavor, perfect fat distribution, and melting texture that only world-class tuna can offer.
Transit Head toward the Kita-Kamakura area.
Kamakura is vibrant, bustling, and alive with energy—where historic shrines meet crowded shopping streets and the refreshing ocean breeze. Kita-Kamakura, by contrast, is a serene world of whispers. Tucked away in the forested hills just one stop prior, it offers a quiet, contemplative escape defined by moss-covered temples, rustling bamboo, and a deep sense of Zen.
Enno-ji Temple
An audience with Enma Dai-o (the King of Hell). A brief but concentrated experience of Japan’s unique traditional views on life and the afterlife.
Having matcha and wagashi at a tearoom, enjoying the view of the Karesansui (zen garden). Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, typically made with plant-based ingredients like rice, flour, and sweet red bean paste called 'anko'.
Meigetsu-in Temple
Taking a walk and enjoying the seasonal blossoms.
Admire the breathtaking view through the "Satori no Mado" (Window of Enlightenment), a famous circular window that frames the seasonal garden perfectly.
Head to Engaku-ji Temple
A short 10-minute walk from Meigetsu-in. Check-in for the Zazen (Zen meditation) session at the Kojirin hall.
Engaku-ji Temple: Saturday Zazen Session
A 90-minute authentic experience of profound silence and mindfulness in a historic Zen hall. Note for Travelers: The Saturday Zazen session at Engaku-ji is a popular and solemn event. It is recommended to keep voices low and follow the monks' guidance strictly to preserve the meditative environment.
* Quick Guide to Zen Etiquette (Zazen)
Zazen is not just "relaxation"—it is a practice of discipline and mindfulness. To respect the monks and other practitioners:
Dress Code: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable pants.Dark or neutral colors are preferred.
Footwear: Remove your shoes and socks before entering the hall. Zazen is practiced barefoot.
The Power of Silence: Enter the Kojirin (meditation hall) in total silence. Avoid whispering or using your phone (keep it off or on silent).
The Bow (Gassho): When entering the hall and before/after sitting on your cushion (zafu), perform a deep bow with your palms together to show respect to the space and your fellow practitioners.
The Kyosaku (The Awakening Stick): During the session, a monk may walk around with a wooden stick. If they tap your shoulder, it is not a "punishment" but a gesture to help you regain focus or relieve muscle tension. Simply bow before and after receiving the tap.
Zazen Session Concludes
Strolling around Enkaku-ji Temple.
Departure & Stroll
Leave Engaku-ji and take a gentle stroll past the temple gates toward Kita-Kamakura Station
Dismissal at Kita-Kamakura Station
The tour concludes.
Ending Point
Kitakamakura Station
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
Guide fee, Lunch, Matcha, Snack expenses, Entrance tickets
Taxi Fee 25USD per group
Tour Important Information
*I can flexibly shorten or modify the course content to meet your preferences.
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
The Zazen sessions at Engaku-ji Temple are held only on Saturdays.
Important message from the supplier
Available on Saturdays, selected Sundays and weekdays(Mondays and Fridays)for exclusive private tours.
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 Masahiro A.
I am a National Licensed Guide Interpreter with a unique background. After a 30-year corporate career and obtaining an MBA, I decided to dedicate my life to mastering traditional Japanese arts. I am a graduate of professional schools for Sushi and Soba noodles. Currently, I am in the professional pottery course. My expertise isn't just from books — I practice these arts every day. While residing in Yokohama, I operate a traditional Japanese guest house (Minpaku) in a 150-year-old folk house in Minamiuonuma, Niigata. I also manage local rice fields through a contract farming model, contributing to the preservation of the region's renowned agricultural heritage. Certifications: MBA(2002),National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English 2012), DELE A2 (Spanish 2024). Culinary Arts: Certified Sushi Chef (Ginza Onodera Academy 2024), Food Hygiene Supervisor (Yokohama City), Professional Soba Maker (Issa-an 2025). Cultural Arts: Tea Ceremony (Enshu-ryu), Calligraphy, Professional Pottery Student(2024-2028). I can offer 1.The Artisan's Table: A deep dive into the world of Sushi and Soba with a professional chef's perspective. I can arrange private sushi and soba workshops for you. 2. Zen & Ceramics: I offer visits to historic temples and hidden ceramic galleries, along with private lessons on tea ceremony etiquette. Also I provide hands-on pottery workshops. 3. Stay at a traditional Japanese farmhouse in Niigata and experience authentic farming while embracing nature away from the city bustle. My global perspective is rooted in my time at the University of Florida. With over 10 years of experience in corporate communications at a major firm, I specialize in distilling complex information into clear, logical, and persuasive narratives. Beyond Sightseeing: Hablo un poco de español. ¡Bienvenidos! Tengo muchas ganas de verte. Nos vemos pronto. ¡Chao! ¡Chao!
$618/ per group
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kamakura
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Explore the connection between the Samurai Government and Buddhism!
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