• Engaku-ji Temple - Engakuji (円覚寺) is a prominent Zen temple in Eastern Japan, ranking second among Kamakura’s five great Zen temples. It was established by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in 1282, a year after the second Mongol invasion was repelled. The temple was partly built to honor the fallen soldiers from both Japan and Mongolia.

Engakuji is nestled into the forested hills of Kita-Kamakura. Upon entering, visitors first encounter the Sanmon main gate, dating back to 1783. Beyond it lies the Butsuden, the main hall, showcasing a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. The Butsuden was reconstructed in 1964 after the original was destroyed by an earthquake.

• Kencho-ji Temple - Kenchoji (建長寺, Kenchōji) is the foremost of Kamakura’s five great Zen temples. Founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era, it is the oldest Zen temple in Kamakura. Its first head priest was Rankei Doryu, a Zen priest from China.

Though smaller than in its prime, Kenchoji still boasts numerous temple buildings and subtemples, extending from the entrance gate at the valley’s base into the forested hills. After passing through the Sanmon main gate, visitors will find Kenchoji’s temple bell (Bonsho), a national treasure, on their right.

• Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple) - Meigetsuin Temple (明月院) belongs to the Rinzai Zen Sect and was founded in 1160 in Kamakura. Known as Ajisaidera (“Hydrangea Temple”), it features abundant hydrangea blooms during the rainy season in June. 95% of these are the Hime Ajisai (“Princess Hydrangea”) variety, named for their lovely blue hues.

Originally a memorial built by a son for his father who died in the Taira and Minamoto clans’ power struggle in the late Heian Period, it later became part of a larger temple complex called Zenkoji, which was dissolved during anti-Buddhist movements after the Meiji Restoration, leaving Meigetsuin as a standalone temple.

• Jochiji Temple - Jochiji (浄智寺, Jōchiji) ranks fourth among Kamakura’s five great Zen temples. It is a branch temple of the Engakuji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, with its head temple, Engakuji, located just a few hundred meters away across the railway tracks.

Founded in 1283 by members of the ruling Hojo family after the untimely death of a son, Jochiji was once a large temple complex with many buildings and subtemples. Today, it is small and tranquil. In its main hall, the Dongeden, a Buddhist trinity of the Amida Buddha, Shaka Buddha, and Miroku Buddha is displayed.

• Jomyo-ji Temple - Jomyoji Temple (浄妙寺, Jōmyōji) is a Zen temple in the eastern hills of Kamakura. Ranked fifth among Kamakura’s five great Zen temples, it was founded by the influential Ashikaga family and once comprised seven buildings and several pagodas. Over time, many structures were lost to fire, leaving only the historic main hall, reception hall, main gate, and warehouse.

The main hall, located at the end of a garden, houses a statue of Shaka Nyorai, the historical Buddha. Jomyoji Temple also features a restored teahouse where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea for a small fee while admiring a beautiful dry garden. Behind the main hall is a spacious cemetery, and a path leads up the hill to a small western-style restaurant operated by the temple, offering splendid views over Kamakura from its patio.

• Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple) - Hokokuji Temple is renowned for its stunning, small bamboo grove behind the main hall, featuring over 2000 dark green bamboo stalks. Narrow pathways lead through the bamboo to a tea house where, for a small fee, visitors can enjoy a cup of matcha tea while taking in views of the bamboo grove. Behind the temple are shallow caves carved into the hillsides, believed to hold the ashes of some later Ashikaga lords.
• Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura) - The Great Buddha of Kamakura (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu) is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha located on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. Standing at 11.4 meters tall, it is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, surpassed only by the statue in Nara’s Todaiji Temple and some recent creations.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - This shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin, identified with Hachiman, Hime-gami, and Empress Jingu, are enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
• Zeniarai Benten Shrine - Zeniarai Benten Shrine (銭洗弁天) is a popular shrine in western Kamakura, where people visit to wash their money (zeniarai means “coin washing”). It is believed that money washed in the shrine’s spring will double.

Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura government, ordered the shrine’s construction after a god appeared in his dream, advising him to build the shrine to bring peace to the country. As the dream occurred on the day of the snake, in the month of the snake, in the year of the snake, the shrine was later dedicated to Benten, a Buddhist goddess associated with snakes.

• Enoshima Island - Just a short train ride west of Kamakura, Enoshima (江の島) is a charming tourist island off the coast, connected by a bridge to the mainland. The island offers various attractions, including a shrine, park, observation tower, and caves. On clear days, visitors can enjoy views of Mount Fuji.

Enoshima is divided into a yacht harbor accessible to motorized traffic and a forested hill, which can only be explored on foot (and paid escalators) and contains most of the sights. Several shrine buildings, collectively known as Enoshima Shrine, are found around the island and are dedicated to Benten, a popular goddess of good fortune, wealth, music, and knowledge. Benten is believed to have created Enoshima before subduing a five-headed dragon that had been terrorizing the area.

• Ankokuronji Temple - Ankokuronji (安国論寺) is one of several temples of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism along the southeastern hills of Kamakura. Nichiren himself founded Ankokuronji around 1253 when he first arrived in Kamakura, and he is said to have lived at the temple for several years.

Visitors can enjoy a short hiking trail through the wooded hills around the temple buildings, offering a pleasant view of Kamakura city. Some trail sections are quite steep and should be explored with good walking shoes and during dry weather.

• Hase-dera Temple - Hasedera (長谷寺) is a temple of the Jodo sect, renowned for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The 9.18-meter-tall, gilded wooden statue is one of Japan’s largest wooden sculptures and can be viewed in the temple’s main building, the Kannon-do Hall.
• Zuisenji - Zuisenji (瑞泉寺) is a picturesque Zen temple in the far east of Kamakura, nestled in a narrow valley and surrounded by wooded hills. It is a branch temple of Engakuji Temple.

Zuisenji was founded by Muso Kokushi, a leading Zen master and one of Japan’s most famous garden designers. The temple is celebrated for its pure Zen rock garden behind the main hall, designed by Muso himself. The temple grounds also feature many flowers and blooming trees, including a large number of plum trees.

• Myohonji Temple - Myohonji (妙本寺, Myōhonji) is one of several temples of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism along Kamakura’s southeastern hills. Founded by Hiki Yoshimoto in 1260, it features a statue of Nichiren to the left of the main hall.

The temple is connected via the Gionyama hiking trail to other nearby temples and a shrine. The trail leads through Kamakura’s wooded hills and should be explored with good walking shoes and during dry weather due to some steep and rough sections.

• Kamakura Hiking Trails - Kamakura is bordered by the ocean to the south and wooded hills in all other directions. Scenic hiking trails wind through these hills, connecting various atmospheric temples. They offer a delightful way to travel between Kamakura’s sights. Many trails are short, typically taking 30 to 90 minutes, allowing visitors to enjoy a blend of nature and cultural attractions.
• Tokeiji Temple - Tokeiji (東慶寺, Tōkeiji) is a small branch temple of the Engakuji school within the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Its head temple, Engakuji, is located just a few hundred meters away across the railway tracks.

Founded by the wife of regent Hojo Tokimune in 1285 after his early death, Tokeiji served as a refuge for women suffering abuse from their husbands, seeking divorce. An official divorce could be obtained by staying at the temple for three years.

• Jufukuji Temple - Jufukuji Temple (寿福寺) ranks third among Kamakura’s five great Zen temples. It is a branch temple of the Rinzai sect’s Kenchoji school.

Jufukuji was established by Minamoto Yoritomo’s wife Masako after his death. Its founding priest was Eisai, who introduced Zen Buddhism to Japan. Besides the often-photographed pathway leading to the temple, Jufukuji is not open to the public.

• Eishoji Temple - Eisho-ji Temple (英勝寺) is the only surviving nunnery in Kamakura, located near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Founded in the early Edo period by a woman connected to the Tokugawa family, it is known as a “flower temple” for its seasonal blooms.

Visitors can enjoy a serene bamboo grove and a graceful Amida Buddha statue, said to be by the famous sculptor Unkei. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a hidden gem worth visiting.

• Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kamakura
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private transportation
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Kamakura is recognized as the epicenter of Zen Buddhism. For those seeking an optimized journey through Kamakura, employing an official, knowledgeable, and polyglot tour conductor makes this comprehensive excursion an exceptional means to delve into the city!

Renowned as a hub for Zen Buddhist practice, this spiritual discipline flourished here since the late 1200s. Presently, a wealth of Zen monasteries dots the region of Kamakura, and we’ve handpicked a quintet of these spiritual sites for your immersion into the Zen discipline, meditation practices, and exquisite temple gardens.

Share with us your desired experiences, and your guide will customize a six-hour exploration tailored specifically to your interests!

Note1: Kindly identify your preferred destinations from a selection provided in the tour details to personalize your tour plan.
Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter qualification is bestowed by the government of Japan and signifies extensive proficiency in Japanese culture and heritage.

• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.