This walking tour focuses on visiting Zen temples in the Kita-Kamakura area which is wrapped in the natural and traditional atmosphere. Visitors will feel peace and quiet in the sacred precincts of; the internationally known Engaku-ji; Jyochi-ji with beautiful green mosses; Meigetsu-in, famous for blue hydrangea; and Kencho-ji, the first Zen practice hall; and more. After lunch, we walk the Ten-en HikingTrail.
At your hotel in Kamakura
Hotel pick-up
Going up the stone steps to the entrance gate, tall cedar trees welcome the visitors. The main hall is dedicated to the seated Buddha with the crown on his head. A dragon is drawn on its ceiling. The Grand Bell and the Relic Hall are our national treasures. The view of the garden from the abbot's hall is terrific.
The temple is famous for blue hydrangeas in early summer and autumn leaves. The 'Round Window' in the sanctuary, the dry landscape garden, are marvelous. The tomb cave here is the largest in Kamakaura..
The approach is covered with beautiful green mosses. Take pictures at the impressive entrance. The tall Japanese umbrella-pine tree stands in the precinct. Three main statues are enshrined in the temple hall
The founder is Nun Kakusan-ni, wife of 8th Regent Tokimune. Highborn ladies became the abbess. The temple was known as "Divorce temple" or a sanctuary for women fleeing from husbands.
Enjoy Japanses food
The temple is dedicated to the worship of ten kings who control the afterworld. The statue of Enma Great King is designated as the national important cultural property.
Kencho-ji has many attractive spots on the precinct.The big bell, a national treasure, the framed calligraphies, 700 years-old juniper trees, a dragon drawn on the ceiling and the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in ascetic practices. The beautifully decorated Kara-mon gate and statues of "long-nosed goblins" are good for taking pictures.
Two hours trail from Hanzo-bo on the precinct of Kencho-ji to Zuisenji via Mt. Ohira-yama, 159meters high.
If we have a rainy day, we go by Plan B. Please see the Important messages below.
The founder is Muso Soseki, a prominent priest, who designed the garden on the precinct. The mountains behind the temple look like a golden screen at the season of the autumn colors.
Yoritomo built Yofuku-ji to commemorate souls of the soldiers died in the battle to conquer the northern territory, especially his half blood brother and Fujiwara Yasuhira. It was burnt down in 1405. The city government is now carrying out the excavation.
We take a bus to return.
At your hotel or Kamakura station
This tour features the historical heritages.
Engaku-ji was built to commemorate both the deaths of Mongolian and Japanese soldiers in 1282. The temple is also famous for its two national treasures: the “Grand Bell” cast in 1301 and the “Relic Hall” that is believed to hold Buddha’s tooth. The temple was sponsored by the 8th regent Hojo Tokimune.
Take pictures at the impressive Jyochi-ji entrance. In the main hall you’ll see three worlds’ Buddhas, which are Amitabha, Sakyamuni and Maitreya representing the past, present and future respectively. There is a statue of Hotei, God of Happiness. Rub his belly to get energy and happiness.
At Meigetsu-in, you’ll smell the fresh green fragrance and beautiful blue flowers in early summer. The back yard will be open twice a year, in early summer and fall.
I tell you the history of Tokei-ji on its precinct.
At Kencho-ji, you’ll see 760-year-old juniper trees grown from seeds sown by a founder priest from the Sung Dynasty. The ground bell, our national treasure, is one of the 3 big bells in Kamakura. A dragon is drawn on the ceiling of the lecture hall. The temple was sponsored by the 5th regent of the Kamakura Shogunate, Hojo Tokiyori.
We also visit Tokei-j, Ennou-ji, and after the trail Zuisen-ji and the old site of Yofuku-ji.
Guide fee
Public transportation fare for you
Taxi fare
Lunch (you and guide)
Admission to temples and exhibition hall (you and the guide)
I changed to at least three days notice.
This tour is available on September 8, 2023.
PlanB on a rainy day: We walk from Kencho-ji to Kamegayatsu -zaka pass, which is one of the Seven Passes during the old days. Today it is paved.
We will visit temples such as Yakuo-ji, Jyokomyo-ji, Kaizo-ji, Eisho-ji, and Jyufuku-ji on the way to Kamakura station.
*This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
*The order of itinerary is subject to change depending on operational circumstances, the traffic conditions and weather.
*Transportation fares such as bus, tram, train and taxi are not included. We may take a taxi if necessary.
*Admission to temples and exhibition hall (for you and guide) are not included.
*Lunch (for you and the guide) is not included.
*No insurance coverage
What an incredible day with Taka visiting so many shrines and temples. His knowledge is absolutely amazing. He is such a kind person and it made the day all the better. He is so welcoming that I felt I was touring Japan with an old friend. Thank you Taka for a wonderful day. Please book with Taka when you come to Kamakura!
Thank you very much for your words that surely encourages me to introduce my hometown to visitors from all of the world. I am very happy that you enjoyed the tour in Kamakura. Thank you again for appreciating my tour guide. Taka
Takayasu was an excellent guide! His explanations were clear we, enjoyed the historical information he presented. He adjusted the day at our request, because of rain and our need to be at the airport for our return home. He made sure our bags were taken care of appropriately, walking us in to the counter . I would recommend him wholeheartedly !
Hi Lorraine, Thank you very much for your great words appreciating my guiding. It is a geat honor for me to have such warm review on my Kamakura tour. It was raining hard in the morning but it became sprinkling by the time we arrived at a shrine and temples. Therefore,we could visit more spots than I ecpected. I am glad to know you liked my explanation. Both of you were so eager to listen to my historical presentation. There are lots more spots in this ancient city. So please come again and I am happy to guide you.
Great tour
Dennis, Thank you very much for your wonderful comments on my tour. I am very glad to know that you and Sandra enjoyed the traditional spots,shopping and food. You visited two of three ancient cities in Japan. I would like to show you around my home town. Kamakura which you have saved for the next visit. Please keep in touch. Takayasu
Takayasu was full of information about the area. He knew exactly where to go in the quickest time and fitted in a tea ceremony for us. We ran out of time to complete the tour. We would recommend Takayasu and his tour to anyone
Rosalie, thank you so much for your deep gratitude to me and my tour. I am happy to know that you enjoyed the wedding, tea ceremony and my talk, which is my utmost pleasure. I remember having Bento lunch to save our limited time. Please get in touch with me and set up another visit plan to Japan. Takayasu