FALL 2019
Special Tours with Kamakura Mind
Oct. 6 - Nov. 2, 2019
Welcome to Japan
Welcome to Kamakura
1 hour from Tokyo, 1000 years away
An ancient capital of Japan, and center of samurai culture and Zen Buddhism, Kamakura has rich history and abundant nature, just one hour away from Tokyo by train. Temples, shrines, art, crafts, literature, fantastic dining and locally grown produce. Come see why Kamakura is popular both with tourists and locals who want to get inspired or just get away.
How to Book:
Step 1
Find
Experiences
Step 2
Click
Learn More
Step 3
Book
& Pay Online
Step 4
Experience!
Looking for a unique cultural experience?
Discover Deep Kamakura with Marian
Discover Deep Kamakura with
Marian
If you would like to discover deep Kamakura, join a tour with local guide Marian Kinoshita. Marian is a US-native who has been living in Japan for 25 years. She loves showing visitors Kamakura's unique spots and hidden treasures. Marian will meet you at JR Kita-Kamakura station or Kamakura station, depending on the tour. A lunch-box is provided by our caterer, Suetei, featuring local ingredients.
Sun. Oct. 6th, 10am- 2pm
Indigo Dyeing Experience & Zen Temple Tour
This tour starts and ends at the West Exit of JR Kita-Kamakura Station. The tour includes an hour-long mindful indigo dyeing experience where you make your own tenugui (hand towel) followed by lunch at an old folkhouse in a forested valley, Takara-no-Niwa. The tour ends with a visit to Engaku-ji Temple, one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the second of Kamakura's five great Zen temples.
(Duration 4h, Group Size 3-6)
Sun. Oct. 13th, 10am- 2pm
Zazen Experience & Zen Temple Tour
This tour starts and ends at the West Exit of JR Kita-Kamakura Station.
The tour includes zazen meditation experience at an 85-year-old tea house, Houan. Beginners are welcome. Chairs provided upon request. Join us to enjoy the fresh morning breeze in forested Jochiji Valley at the foot of the mountain. After a 40-minute zazen session, you will enjoy homemade wagashi sweets and matcha tea with the priest. After lunch, the tour ends with a visit to Engaku-ji Temple, one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the second of Kamakura's five great Zen temples.
(Duration 4h, Group Size 5-10)
Sun. Oct. 20th, 10am- 2pm
Tea Ceremony (with Wagashi Making Demonstration) & Zen Temple Tour
This tour starts and ends at the West Exit of JR Kita-Kamakura Station. The tour includes
a demonstration of the tea ceremony while explaining the reasons behind each step. Gain a window into the Japanese mind through the tea ceremony. Experiencing tea ceremony at 85 years old authentic tea house will be memorable for sure. Demonstration of Wagashi making by a local wagashi artist is a bonus. After lunch, the tour ends with a visit to Engaku-ji Temple, one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the second of Kamakura's five great Zen temples.
(Duration 4h, Group Size 5-10)
Sun. Oct. 27th, 10am- 1pm
Goshuincho Stamp Book Making & Shrine Tour
This tour starts and ends at the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station. The tour includes 2 hours of Goshuincho Making Experience. Goshuincho is a book of special seals collected as proof of having visited a temple or shrine. After learning about the tradition and history of the Goshuincho, you will choose, cut, and glue beautiful Japanese washi paper to make your own book. After making your Goshuincho, you will move to the tatami room where you will learn the proper manners for receiving seals at temples and shrines while enjoying matcha tea and wagashi served by the tea master. After light lunch, the tour ends with a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu where you can receive your first Goshuin stamp. *The book can also be used as a diary or scrapbook.
(Duration 3h, Group Size 4-8)
Sat. Nov. 2nd, 10 am- 1pm
Make Wagashi Sweets & Tea Ceremony and Zen Temple Tour
This tour starts and ends at the West Exit of JR Kita-Kamakura Station. The tour includes wagashi making experience at an 85-year-old authentic tea house in Kita-Kamakura. First, you will make wagashi sweets with a local wagashi artist and then, you will learn tips on how to properly take a bowl of tea from a tea master. Enjoy matcha tea with your own handmade wagashi! After lunch, the tour ends with a visit to Engaku-ji Temple, one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the second of Kamakura's five great Zen temples.
(Duration 3h, Group Size 4-10)
Just want to cover the basics and meet the locals?
Kamakura for Beginners
with Saori & Masa
Kamakura for Beginners
with
Saori
Every Sunday in October & Sat. Nov. 2nd, 10 am- 1pm
Kamakura Basics with Local Guide
If you do not know much about Kamakura, but you're curious about the Big Buddha you've seen so much on Instagram, this is the tour for you. Explore the two most popular sites in Kamakura with local guides, and learn about the history, culture, customs and local living while walking through town. Don't know how to pray at the temples or shrines? No worries. Ask any questions about Kamakura or Japan! This tour starts and ends at the JR Kita-Kamakura Station.
(Duration 3h, Group Size 2-6)