Kamakura Zen Temples and Gardens Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Kamakura is considered the Capital of Zen. If you are interested in a more efficient way to explore Kamakura, with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide, this value-packed trip is a fantastic way of experiencing Kamakura!
Kamakura is a place famous for Zen Buddhism. This style of Buddhism blossomed in this area around the end of the 13th century. These days, there are many Zen temples in the Kamakura area, and we have selected the top five for you to experience the world of Zen Buddhism, the art of meditation and great gardens.
Let us know what you would like to experience, and your guide will arrange a six-hour tour that's best for you!
Note1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
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Kamakura Zen Temples and Gardens Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
What's included in Kamakura Zen Temples and Gardens Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Engaku-ji Temple
ngakuji (円覚寺) is one of the leading Zen temples in Eastern Japan and the number two of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Engakuji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in the year 1282, one year after the second invasion attempt by the Mongols had been reverted. One purpose of the new temple was to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian soldiers. Engakuji is built into the slopes of Kita-Kamakura's forested hills. The first main structure encountered upon entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, which dates from 1783. Behind it stands the temple's main hall, the Butsuden, which displays a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. The Butsuden was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building was lost in an earthquake.
Kencho-ji Temple
Kenchoji (建長寺, Kenchōji) is the number one of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. The oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, Kenchoji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era after which it was named. Its first head priest was Rankei Doryu, a Zen priest from China. Although considerably smaller than during its heydays, Kenchoji still consists of a large number of temple buildings and subtemples, and stretches from the entrance gate at the bottom of the valley far into the forested hills behind. After passing through the Sanmon main gate, visitors will see Kenchoji's temple bell (Bonsho), designated a national treasure, on their right.
Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple)
Meigetsuin Temple (明月院) is a temple of the Rinzai Zen Sect founded in 1160 in Kamakura. It is also known as Ajisaidera ("Hydrangea Temple") because hydrangea bloom in abundance on the temple grounds during the rainy season around June. 95% of the hydrangea here are of the Hime Ajisai ("Princess Hydrangea") variety; they are thus named because of their pretty blue colors. The temple was originally a repose built by a son in memory of his father who had died in the struggle for power between the Taira and Minamoto clans in the late Heian Period. It later became part of a larger temple complex called Zenkoji, which was abolished during anti-Buddhist movements soon after the Meiji Restoration, leaving only Meigetsuin to remain as an individual temple today.
Inclusions
- Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- eet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kamakura/Yokohama
- 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.
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.