Japan
›
Kanagawa
›
Tours
›
Nature & Outdoor
›
Self-awareness Zen walk “Iza Kamakura — it’s time to go to Kamakura”

Self-awareness Zen walk “Iza Kamakura — it’s time to go to Kamakura”

Nature & Outdoor

Joined 2025

Dmitrijs B.

5.00 / 5

(5 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kanagawa

English, French, Japanese, Latvian (Lettish) (Native), Russian

3 hours

Private tour (only you and Dmitrijs B.)

Up to 10 people

This walk, led by a local artist, emphasizes a quiet, meditative, and meaningful experience. It deliberately avoids crowded tourist spots and streets, instead offering a tranquil route through the green hills that gently slope toward the ocean. Along the walk, we will visit four temples — three of which belong to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism — including one founded by Eisai, the monk who introduced Zen Buddhism and culture of green tea to Japan.

Itinerary

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

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Kita Kamakura station East Exit

- I will be waiting for you at the East Exit of Kita Kamakura station. If you are coming from Tokyo, please proceed in the direction of the train head. The East Exit will be on your left. https://maps.app.goo.gl/WX4wyYMn7rNvYehj8

09:10 AM

Engaku-ji Temple

Introduction to the history of Kamakura, Zen Buddhism, and its cultural influence in Japan.

entrance fee ¥500

option: matcha tea at one of the sub-temples, entrance fee ¥100, bowl of matcha ¥700

10:00 AM

Optional Hike or Walk

If you wish, and if the weather is good, we’ll take a 30-minute hike through a forest trail toward Genjiyama — a hill that is actually 93 meters tall.

If the weather isn’t suitable or you prefer not to hike, we’ll walk instead through Kamegayatsu Kiridoshi, one of the seven ancient gateways to Kamakura.

10:30 AM

Kaizō-ji Temple

Known as the “Water Temple,” with its mysterious 16 wells, lotus pond, and atmosphere of peaceful solitude.

11:00 AM

Visit Eishō-ji Temple

You’ll hear the story of Lady Okaji, a remarkable historical figure associated with this temple and Edo.

entrance fee ¥300

11:30 AM

Visit Jufuku-ji Temple

Founded by Eisai, who introduced Zen Buddhism, green tea, and the origins of the tea ceremony to Japan.

We’ll also visit the memorial place of Hōjō Masako and her son Minamoto no Sanetomo, the third Kamakura shogun, as well as the resting place of renowned haiku poet Takahama Kyoshi.

Ending Point

End of the walk near Kamakura Station or Hachimangu shrine on your choice

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

- guide fee

What‘s not included

- Entrance fees to the temples (for you and for the guide)

- Matcha green tea at the temple, if you decide to enjoy it

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves a total walking of up to 3km and elevation of up to 100m (hike option), so please make sure to wear comfortable shoes (open shoes would be not suitable for the hike option).

* Summer months may be very hot and humid in Japan. We'll try to walk along shadow paths, but there may be some parts of the rout exposed to the strong sunlight on the clear days. Please kindly consider your tolerance to the heat before applying.

* If you are bringing children, please kindly consider whether this type of hike or walk would be enjoyable for them.

* This tour is not recommended for those with back/knee problems or for those how generally doesn't like walking or hiking.

* Unfortunately this tour is no wheelchair accessible.

Important message from the supplier

I will be happy to adjust my schedule to your needs.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding your visit to Tokyo, Yokohama, or Kamakura.

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 2025

Dmitrijs B.

5.00 / 5

(5 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Dmitrijs B.

I have lived in Japan for 12 years so far, including 7 years in Tokyo and 5 years in Kamakura. I know these two places very well and would be glad to share my knowledge of Japanese history and culture with you.

I speak four languages, including Japanese, and I enjoy meeting new people. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or requests.

P.S. English is not my native language. I received a TOEFL iBT score of 108 many years ago, which corresponds to the advanced C1 level. However, there may still be some accent or occasional vocabulary slips. I appreciate your understanding :)

Reviews

Harinder M.

5 / 5

Apr 23, 2026

6 Hours Introductory Tour: Heart of Tokyo

Apr 23, 2026

Tokyo

6 hours

“Excellent Guide”

Our family had an absolutely wonderful experience with Dmitrijs during my parents' recent trip to Tokyo. Since it was their first time navigating Japan, we wanted someone who could make them feel at ease, and Dmitrijs exceeded every expectation. He was incredibly kind, personable, and professional from start to finish. Beyond his deep knowledge of Tokyo’s history and culture, what really stood out was his ability to make my parents feel comfortable and confident in a completely new environment. He struck the perfect balance with the pacing of the tour—ensuring they saw the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Dmitrijs also went above and beyond by sitting down with them to review the rest of their Japan itinerary, offering invaluable local insights that helped shape the remainder of their trip. Most importantly, my parents enjoyed his company immensely; he wasn't just a guide, but a friendly face who made their visit truly special. If you are looking for a knowledgeable and thoughtful guide in Tokyo, we cannot recommend Dmitrijs highly enough!

Terese and colm M.

5 / 5

Mar 30, 2026

6 Hours Introductory Tour: Heart of Tokyo

Mar 30, 2026

Tokyo

6 hours

“Great City Tour with Dmitrijs”

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Dmitrijs. His guidance in navigating the city and getting us to our desired destinations was indispensible and this, accompanied with his knowledge of history and his friendly manner, was a real pleasure.

Dmitrijs B.

Thank you very much, Terese and Colm, for your kind review! I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Thank you for choosing me as your guide during your stay in Tokyo. I look forward to seeing you again here someday.

Oleg and marina G.

5 / 5

Feb 26, 2026

6 Hours Introductory Tour: Heart of Tokyo

Feb 26, 2026

Tokyo

6 hours

“Great introduction to Tokyo”

Tokyo can be hard to navigate for the first time visitors, and this tour was really helpful. Dmitrijs was excellent: the tour was well-planned, he modified the amount of walking for us, was knowledgeable, flexible, tactful, and organized. We have seen many famous landmarks and learned a lot about the history and contemporary life of this vibrant city. His fluent Japanese came in handy in many situations. We are really thankful and can highly recommend him for both Russian and English-speaking tourists.

Dmitrijs B.

Thank you very much, Oleg and Marina, for your kind feedback. I’m truly happy to hear that you enjoyed our walk and tour. It was a great pleasure meeting you, and I hope to see you again in Tokyo!