Art of Zen
Kamakura Historical Tour
Exclusive tour to meet craftsman at the home of Samurai and Zen
Reserve your spot
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3-hour walking tour in Kamakura in English and Japanese
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Starts from 2pm weekdays and weekends
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For details please visit booking site
Explore Kamakura, the birthplace of Zen and Japan's first samurai government, on this immersive tour. Kamakura is just one hour away from central Tokyo, offering easy access to its rich historical sites, cultural landmarks, and beautiful natural landscapes. Delve into the rich history as you visit the temples where Zen Buddhism was born and admire architectural marvels. Experience the enduring legacy of traditional crafts, passed down through generations for over 800 years, and witness the skillful artistry of local craftspeople.
Kamakura, the origin of Japan's samurai culture, served as the rural stronghold where the samurai spirit took root and flourished. Here, Zen Buddhism and samurai culture are deeply intertwined, reflecting a shared philosophy of discipline, honor, and simplicity. The tranquil temples and serene landscapes of Kamakura offer a glimpse into the harmonious balance between the physically demanding life of the samurai and their meditative Zen practices.
As you traverse this historic city, you'll uncover the profound connections between the samurai warriors and their spiritual pursuits, witnessing sites and relics that celebrate their deep connection with samurai and Zen, and their enduring influence on Japanese history and culture. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and historical significance, bringing to life the profound impact of Kamakura's storied past.
Discover Kamakura: Birthplace of Zen, Samurai Government, and Timeless Craftsmanship
800 years of journey through Japan’s rich cultural and art tapestry
Hakkodo, a famous family of Kamakura carving, has been in existence for 800 years, and is the ancestor of Unkei, the genius Buddhist sculptor known as the Michelangelo of Japan.
Touch the 800 years of history embedded in Kamakurabori art pieces. As you explore our collection, encounter both ancient and contemporary works that showcase the evolution of this exquisite craft. Each piece, whether centuries old or recently completed, tells a story of artistic dedication and cultural reverence. Up close, you can appreciate the intricate details and the skillful blending of traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.
This unique opportunity allows you to connect directly with a rich artistic heritage, offering a tangible link to the past and a deeper appreciation for the continuity and innovation of Kamakurabori craftsmanship.
Experience 800 years of Zen-influenced Kamakurabori art with Hakkodo.
Join our exclusive tour to meet the craftsmen and discover the evolution of traditional Japanese carving, blending ancient techniques with modern beauty.
Zen flourished in Kamakura alongside the rise of the samurai government, resonating with Kyoto's court culture and samurai values of simplicity.
Zen temples held a special place in the hearts of samurai, offering spiritual refuge and a space for contemplation amidst the chaos of their warrior lives. These places of worship became sanctuaries where samurai could find solace, reflect on their actions, and seek inner peace, forging a deep bond between the warriors and the Zen monastic tradition.
Zen played a pivotal role in the spiritual development and mental fortitude of samurai through rigorous training and meditation practices. This dedicated zen practice instilled discipline, focus, and resilience in samurai, preparing them both mentally and spiritually for the rigors of combat and the challenges of life as a warrior.
Samurai Zen Legacy: Discover the Zen that Shaped the Samurai.
Explore the bond between Zen temples and samurai, where meditation offered warriors refuge, discipline, and inner peace amidst battle.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine holds a rich history dating back to the transfer of the Hachiman deity by Minamoto Yoriyoshi, founder of the Kamakura shogunate, from Kyoto to Kamakura. With a deep reverence for Hachiman, Yoriyoshi enshrined the deity as the clan's patron at Yuigahama, marking the beginning of the shrine's legacy. Minamoto Yoritomo, successor to Yoriyoshi, further elevated the shrine's importance by relocating the deity to its present site and establishing the foundations of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
Yoritomo's profound respect for the shrine made it an integral part of the samurai government's establishment in Kamakura. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu was revered as the guardian deity of the shogunate and eastern Japan, hosting significant festivals like hojoe and traditional ceremonies within its grounds. As a spiritual and social hub, the shrine continues to symbolize the heart of eastern Japan's cultural and historical heritage.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: The Heart of Samurai Heritage
Discover the sacred shrine that shaped the samurai government, serving as a spiritual and cultural hub in Kamakura for over 700 years
Walk into Kencho-ji and experience the heart of Zen. As the first Zen training monastery in Japan, Kencho-ji offers a profound connection to the serene and disciplined spirit of Zen Buddhism. Stroll through its ancient structures and zen gardens, designed for meditation and mindfulness.
Here, you can witness daily rituals and practices that have been a cornerstone of this sacred site for centuries. Kencho-ji provides a peaceful environment for reflection and spiritual insight. Embrace this gateway to tranquility and inner peace during your visit, allowing the essence of Zen to enrich your journey.
Kencho-ji: Where Zen in Japan Began in Kamakura
Discover the origins of Zen in Japan at its first training monastery, where ancient rituals and serene gardens offer a tranquil gateway to inner peace and spiritual insight.
Established in 1928 after the devastating Taisho Kanto Earthquake, the Kamakura National Treasure Museum, also known as Kamakura Kokuhokan, was created to protect and showcase historic cultural properties. With generous donations from the "Kamakura Doujin-kai" and artifacts from local temples and shrines, the museum became a vital repository of Japan's cultural heritage.
The collection includes many national treasures from the Kamakura Samurai government era, such as ancient scrolls, armor, and religious artifacts, offering insights into the samurai's way of life and their significant legacy.
Among its prized exhibits, the museum displays original Zen arts and crafts influenced by Chinese traditions. These works, spanning ceramics to calligraphy, illustrate the profound impact of Zen Buddhism during the Kamakura period and highlight the cultural exchanges between Japan and China. Visitors can explore these treasures and experience the serene beauty and disciplined craftsmanship that define Zen art.
Explore Japan's Artistic Heritage at Kamakura National Treasure Museum.
Journey through time with national treasures from the Kamakura Samurai era and original Zen arts showcasing cultural exchanges since 1928.
Experience the essence of Zen through the enduring craftsmanship of Kamakurabori artisans. For over 800 years, these skilled craftsmen have carefully preserved the same techniques, infusing each piece of lacquerware with deep meditative focus and spiritual discipline. As you witness artisans at work, observe how each motion and detail embodies a Zen practice, harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.
This tradition not only produces exquisite art but also serves as a living meditation, passed down through generations. Discover how the dedication and tranquility of these artisans bring the Zen philosophy to life, one precise creation at a time.
Embark on a Zen Artisan's Journey at Kamakurabori.
Normally hidden from the public, this exclusive tour unveils the meditative artistry of Kamakurabori, blending tradition and serenity.
Reserve your spot
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3-hour walking tour in Kamakura in English and Japanese
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Starts from 2pm weekdays and weekends
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For details please visit booking site
12,000 JPY / per person
Get ready for the tour
Tour Details
・3 hour walking tour
・Guide is available English and Japanese only
・Tour starts at Hakkodo store.
For further contact, please send an email to info@zen-art.jp.
Address: 2 Chome-1-28 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0005 | Google Map
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Tour Guide
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Each venues’ entrance fee
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Transportation fee
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Depart from 2 pm in front of Hakkodo Store and return by 5 pm on each tour.
Walking course is not accessible ready. It includes stares and slopes.
TBD.
Itinerary
Tour starts from in the front of Hakkodo store. This is a three-hour walking tour.
If you have any questions about our tour, please contact by email; info@zen-art.jp.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: Where Samurai Spirit Meets Spiritual Serenity.
Step into history at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s most revered shrine. Founded by Minamoto Yoriyoshi and later elevated by Minamoto Yoritomo, this sacred site played a pivotal role in the rise of the samurai government. Explore over 700 years of samurai legacy and spiritual significance, where ancient rituals and festivals continue to thrive.
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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Kencho-ji: Where Stillness Meets Spirituality.
Enter Kencho-ji, Japan's first Zen training monastery, and immerse yourself in a sanctuary of serenity and enlightenment. Established over centuries ago, Kencho-ji offers a portal into the essence of Zen practice and meditation. Walk through its ancient halls and peaceful gardens, designed for introspection and mindfulness. Witness daily rituals and traditions that have shaped this sacred space, nurturing spiritual growth and wisdom. Experience a profound connection to Japan's spiritual heritage and the transformative power of Zen teachings at Kencho-ji.
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Kencho-ji
Reserve your spot
-
3-hour walking tour in Kamakura in English and Japanese
-
Starts from 2pm weekdays and weekends
-
For details please visit booking site
12,000 JPY / per person
Kamakura Kokuhokan: Gateway to Kamakura's Treasured Past.
Step into Kamakura Kokuhokan, a treasure trove showcasing the essence of Kamakura's heritage and historical treasures. This museum celebrates the cultural richness of the region, offering unique insights into Kamakura's past through an array of artifacts and exhibits. From ancient scrolls to warrior armor, each piece at Kamakura Kokuhokan narrates a story of Japan's bygone era. Explore the preserved relics and immerse yourself in the vibrant history that shapes Kamakura's cultural identity.
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Kamakura Kokuhokan
Hakkodo, Kamakura-bori: Where Artistry Meets Tradition.
Their ancestors were Kamakura Buddhist sculptors, carrying on a tradition of artistry that spans over 800 years. The lineage of expertise is evident in every intricate detail of the Kamakura-bori lacquerware crafted at Hakkodo, where tradition and skill combine to create timeless pieces of beauty.