Explore rich history and culture by the sea in the ancient capital of Kamakura
Kamakura City, Kanagawa
Local stories
The cradle of the eponymous Kamakura shogunate founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199), Kamakura sat at the center of samurai society. Underlying the spirit of these warriors was Zen Buddhism, a cultural import from China. At Kenchoji, the first true Zen temple in Japan, a culture of self-sufficiency emerged, with trainee monks cultivating fields and preparing meals on their own. This tradition is said to have led to the creation of kenchin jiru, a now ubiquitous Japanese vegetable soup.
The idea that eating and Zen are inseparable persists today in the form of Kamakura vegetables and lies at the heart of the local food culture. With so many Zen temples erected in the area, vegetable cultivation flourished to support the trainee monks and temple communities. This is said to have formed the foundation for today’s Kamakura vegetables.
This plan allows you to harvest Kamakura vegetables and make your own shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), adding even more color to your trip. While tracing the history behind Zen Buddhism and Kamakura’s food culture, experience the city’s hospitality and see how traditional culture continues to be passed down today through interactions with local farmers and monks.
Local culinary delights
Kamakura’s food culture is closely connected to Zen Buddhism. Vegetables aren’t just ingredients but gifts of life to be cherished. On this tour, you will harvest local, seasonal vegetables to prepare your very own shojin ryori dinner. You can also make kenchin jiru at a restaurant in front of Kenchoji—the soup’s supposed birthplace—using the full potential of “imperfect” vegetables. This comes with pickles and carved Kamakura-bori chopsticks as souvenirs.
Recommended model course
Embark on a sensory journey that explores the former samurai capital of Kamakura, Zen, and agriculture
Example itinerary
This authentic Kamakura stay lets you experience the Zen teachings that formed the spiritual backbone of its samurai and the agriculture at the heart of its food culture. Savor some mindful moments by performing monastic tasks like harvesting vegetables and making shojin ryori at a Zen temple, staying the night in a traditional folk house, and experiencing seated Zen meditation, and explore the true essence of Kamakura with all your senses.
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Reservation Website URL:
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Contact:
Schedule
Day One
1:00 p.m. | Arrive at Kita-Kamakura Station1:15 p.m. | Tour Engakuji and its grounds and listen to the history guide explain the history of Zen Buddhism and the temple’s architectural style3:00 p.m. | Experience harvesting at a Kamakura vegetable farm (listen to the guide explain the history of Kamakura vegetables and harvest seasonal vegetables for dinner with instructions from farmers)5:00 p.m. | Arrive at Kohaku -Amber-, your traditional folk-house accommodations
Enjoy a homestay at Kohaku -Amber-, a renovated traditional folk house built over 100 years ago. Just steps away is Zaimokuza Beach, with rows of eateries adored by the community all around. Besides eating out, there’s an evening workshop where you can learn the basics of preparing shojin ryori, using the fresh, local vegetables you harvested. At the end of the day, take a dip in the hot tub and let the fatigue of travel melt away.
6:00 p.m. | Experience making shojin ryoriFrom 8:00 p.m. | Enjoy free time
Day Two
Depart from your accommodationsFrom 6:00 a.m. | Experience morning seated Zen meditation at Engakuji
Engakuji is a historical temple founded in 1282 to spread Zen Buddhism. The Shariden, or Hall of Relics, is a National Treasure, while its Myoko Pond is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. Engakuji has a lot to see, such as its beautiful Buddhist statues and garden. The early morning seated Zen meditation sessions are open to the general public, offering a rare opportunity to quietly clear your mind in the crisp morning air and refresh both your body and spirit.
7:30 a.m. | Return to your accommodations and eat a healthy Japanese breakfast10:00 a.m. | Depart from your accommodationsFrom 10:30 a.m. | Tour Kenchoji
Kenchoji is the head temple of the Rinzai school of Japanese Buddhism and is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. Some highlights include the temple bell—a National Treasure—its buildings designated Important Cultural Properties, and its beautiful garden that changes from season to season. Kenchin jiru is said to have originated here. The guide will explain the origin story of kenchin jiru and other food-related history.
From 12:15 p.m. | Have local cuisine and kenchin jiru for lunch at a restaurant outside the Kenchoji gatesFrom 1:30 p.m. | Walk around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Komachi Street3:00 p.m. | Arrive at Kamakura Station and part ways
Access
From Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station on the Yokosuka Line (1 hour)
From Yokohama Station to Kamakura Station on the Yokosuka Line (25 minutes)
From Haneda Airport to Yokohama Station on the Keikyu Airport Line and then to Kamakura Station on the Yokosuka Line (1 hour)
From Narita Airport to Ofuna Station on the Narita Express and then to Kamakura Station on the Yokosuka Line (2 hours)
From Kamakura Station to Koshigoe Station (22 minutes) or to Enoshima Station (26 minutes) on the Enoshima Electric Railway
Contact
Kamakura Agritourism Council
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URL (Japanese Only) :
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)3-6263-0423
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese
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Email :
Recommended Accommodation
Amber/Jade
This vacation rental is a restored 100-year-old private residence. On the first floor is a spacious, modern Japanese-style space named Amber, with a luxurious jacuzzi and stunning views of the rugged coastline Zaimokuza. On the second floor is a compact one-bedroom unit named Jade, which can accommodate up to two people. Guests can enjoy surfing and other marine activities just a stone’s throw away at Zaimokuza Beach.
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Address :
6-4-4 Zaimokuza, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)3-6263-0615(Brain Trust from The Sun)
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese, English, French
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Access :
22-minute walk from Kamakura Station
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Check-in :
3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
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Check-out :
10:00 a.m.
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Rates :
Amber—from ¥36,000 for two people with no meal; Jade—from ¥13,000 for two people with no meal
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Accepted Credit Cards :
Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB
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Bedroom :
Entire building can accommodate up to 5 people (with lock); Western beds
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Bathroom :
Bathroom available (with lock); bathtub available from check-in to Check-out
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Toilet :
Western style
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Meals :
Available
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Wi-Fi :
Available
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Website URL :
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Reservation Website URL :
Recommended Accommodation
Pine Tree
This cozy vacation rental is a renovated one-bedroom house with a living room and kitchen and is just a one-minute walk from Koshigoe Beach, a haven for surfers. Close by are sightseeing spots and a bustling shopping street lined with various stores, where guests can explore and enjoy local Kamakura life. The building also contains an identical vacation rental named Leaf.
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Address :
201 Sunny Maison Shonan, 3-11-29 Koshigoe, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)3-6263-0615(Brain Trust from The Sun)
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese, English, French
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Access :
7-minute walk from Enoshima Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway
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Check-in :
3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
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Check-out :
10:00 a.m.
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Rates :
From ¥15,000 per night for two people
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Accepted Credit Cards :
Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB
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Bedroom :
Private room for up to two people (with lock); Western beds
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Bathroom :
Bathroom available (with lock), bathtub available from check-in to Check-out
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Toilet :
Western style
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Meals :
Not available
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Wi-Fi :
Available
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Website URL :
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Reservation Website URL :
Recommended Restaurant
DROP IN
At this casual dining spot close to Zaimokuza Beach, visitors can have breakfast, lunch, or some freshly picked fruit while gazing out over the beautiful ocean. The most popular lunch is the ‘Share Sandwich Course,’ which includes a sandwich, salad, and dessert. There is also a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, perfect for a relaxing drink while enjoying the sunset.
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Address :
6-4-24 Zaimokuza, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)467-91-7836
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese, English
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Access :
From JR Kamakura Station, take the Keihin Kyuko bus bound for Zushi/Hayama Station to the Zaimokuza bus stop (7 minutes) and then walk for 1 minute.
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Opening Hours :
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
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Closed :
None
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Cuisine :
Café
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Foreign Language Menu :
Available
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Accepted Credit Cards :
Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB
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Website URL (Japanese Only) :
Recommended Restaurant
Namihei
This dining spot is a favorite, known for the local specialty Shonan shirasu (whitebait). The rice bowl of yuzu and whitebait is one of Namihei’s most popular dishes, famed for its generous portion of delicious, fresh whitebait with a hint of refreshing yuzu. Various set menus and à la carte dishes are also available.
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Address :
3-2-14 Koshigoe, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)467-66-1431
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese, English
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Access :
3-minute walk from Koshigoe Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway
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Opening Hours :
Noon–3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
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Closed :
Irregular holidays
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Cuisine :
Japanese
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Foreign Language Menu :
Available
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Accepted Credit Cards :
None
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Website URL (Japanese Only) :
Recommended Experience
SURFING & STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD (SUP) LESSON
This invigorating trial lesson is conducted by a local surf shop. Private lessons for up to four people are available for all skill levels, from complete beginner to advanced surfer. Surfboards and wet suits can be rented.
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Meeting Place :
Varies by day
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)90-1702-7302
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese, English, French
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Access :
Varies by day
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Duration :
2 to 3 hours (includes a 1-to-1.5-hour lesson)
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Fee :
1 lesson at ¥8,000
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Languages Supported :
Japanese, English, French
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Accepted Credit Cards :
Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB
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Website URL :
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Reservations :
Phone or DM on Instagram (@t_reef.surfboard) for reservations
Recommended Experience
Harvesting experience (Yamamori Farm)
Stay at the T-Reef Vacation House inn, and harvest tasty fresh vegetables on this hands-on tour. Many kinds of delicious Kamakura vegetables are grown in the fields of Yamamori Farm, a place where participants can experience the fun of farming.
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Meeting Place :
To be confirmed at the time of reservation
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)3-6263-0615 (Kamakura Agritourism Council)
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese
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Access :
Depends on meeting place
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Duration :
1–3 hours (negotiable)
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Fee :
Varies by course (consultation required)
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Languages Supported :
Japanese
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Accepted Credit Cards :
None
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Reservations :
By phone
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