Kamakura: Zen Journey

Meet the guide at Kamakura Station (east end) and take a bus to Kakuonji Temple. Explore this medieval temple which contains many Buddha statues dating from the 14th century. Follow the hiking trail from Kakuonji to Kenchoji. Enjoy a landscape made of greenery, rocks and sea views, which may remind you of Hayao Miyazaki films. Kenchoji is the first Zen temple in Japan, founded in the 13th century, containing buildings, Buddha statues and the magnificent garden. Zenkyoin Temple is located opposite Kenchoji and belongs to the Kenchoji school of Rinzai. Have a bento lunch at Zenkyoin before participating in a Zazen session given by Master Yamanad, a French-speaking Japanese monk. The master will talk about the philosophy of Zen, his own experience and his Zenkyoin temple before proceeding with the practice of Zazen: posture, breathing, Zazen, reading the sutra aloud and free questions to the master. Leaving Zenkyoin, walk to Tsurugaoka hachimangu to visit this Shinto temple which was considered protector of the Minamoto family, founder of the Kamakura Shogunate. Then, visit a Kamakura bori shop, late carved and lacquered products and an incense shop, rest in a cafe, before returning to Kamakura station.