The tour will start from this location. It begins at 2:00 PM, so please make sure to arrive early. The tour will proceed as scheduled even if you arrive late.

Hakkodo

In front of the Hakkodo Store

2 Chome-1-28 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0005

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ihEaQPCmVkbm48v96

For any inquiries about our tour, please contact through email.

info@zen-art.jp

For only an emergency case, please call 090-5780-8441.

Kamakura
Discover a Historical Gem Just an Hour from Tokyo
Embark on an immersive journey through Kamakura, the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Japan's first samurai government. Located just an hour from central Tokyo, Kamakura offers seamless access to a wealth of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and stunning natural scenery. Step back in time as you visit temples where Zen was born, marvel at timeless architectural wonders, and explore the enduring legacy of traditional craftsmanship passed down for over 800 years. Witness the remarkable artistry of local craftspeople as they carry on ancient techniques with pride and precision.

Hakkodo
Experience 800 Years of Zen-influenced Kamakurabori Art
Hakkodo represents a proud lineage of Kamakura carving, tracing its roots back 800 years to Unkei, the legendary Buddhist sculptor often called the "Michelangelo of Japan." Join our exclusive tour for an intimate encounter with the craftsmen behind this ancient art form, where tradition and innovation meet. Discover the evolution of Kamakurabori, a unique style of Japanese carving that blends time-honored techniques with contemporary beauty, reflecting the spirit of Zen.

Samurai Zen Legacy
Uncover the Zen that Shaped the Samurai
In Kamakura, Zen Buddhism flourished alongside the rise of the samurai, intertwining with both the cultural elegance of Kyoto’s court and the warrior values of simplicity and discipline. Delve into the deep connection between Zen temples and samurai, where meditation provided a sanctuary for warriors, offering discipline, inner peace, and strength in the face of battle.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
The Heart of Samurai Heritage
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is steeped in history, dating back to the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate by Minamoto Yoriyoshi, who brought the Hachiman deity from Kyoto to Kamakura as the clan's protector. Later, Minamoto Yoritomo, his successor, relocated the shrine to its current location, solidifying its significance as a cornerstone of samurai culture and spirituality. Explore this revered site and connect with the deep traditions that shaped Japan’s warrior heritage.

Kencho-ji
Zen Began Here: The First Zen Monastery in Japan
Step into Kencho-ji and feel the essence of Zen. As Japan's oldest Zen training monastery, Kencho-ji offers a profound connection to the discipline and tranquility of Zen Buddhism. Wander through its historic structures and carefully designed gardens, crafted to foster meditation and mindfulness. Experience where the story of Zen in Japan began and embrace the peaceful environment that continues to inspire seekers of inner calm and spiritual wisdom.

Kamakura National Treasure Museum
Journey Through Japan's Artistic and Samurai Heritage
The Kamakura National Treasure Museum showcases a remarkable collection of national treasures from the era of the Kamakura samurai government. The artifacts, including ancient scrolls, samurai armor, and sacred religious objects, provide a glimpse into the samurai way of life and their lasting cultural legacy. Since 1928, the museum has celebrated cultural exchanges, offering visitors a captivating journey through time and a closer look at the artistry and spirit that have shaped Japan.