Kamakura, an ancient city where history and nature coexist in harmony. Here, you can do more than just ‘see’ the sights—you can ‘experience’ traditional Japanese culture. In this article, we introduce five cultural activities that are especially popular among travelers!
Top 5 Most Popular Cultural Experiences
1. Shakyo
Sutra copying (shakyo) is a quiet practice of transcribing Buddhist teachings. In Kamakura’s temples, tourists can participate in sutra copying experiences, making it accessible even for beginners. Temples like Kenchō-ji and Hase-dera sometimes offer guidance in English, making it a recommended activity for those seeking inner peace.
Kamakura – Hase-dera Temple
・Location: Shoin Hall (South side of the temple grounds, adjacent to the Main Hall)
・Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (open for registration at any time)
・Fee: ¥1,200 per sheet (Heart Sutra / Enmei Jukku Kannon Sutra / Buddha Image Tracing)
・Experience Details:
In a serene environment, participants quietly copy sutras or trace Buddha images using a brush or brush pen.
After completion, participants write their wish, address, name, and the date, then offer the work at the Sacred Hall or Kannon Hall.
All materials are provided. Please note that tracing Buddha images may take longer (up to about 3 hours).
・Duration: 15 minutes to over 3 hours
– Heart Sutra: approx. 60 minutes
– Enmei Jukku Kannon Sutra: approx. 15 minutes
– Buddha image tracing: approx. 3 hours (optional)
・Recommended Point:
Popular among international visitors, this “meditative writing” offers a peaceful moment to calm the mind after enjoying views of the Great Buddha and the scenic heights of Kamakura.
Kamakura – Kenchō-ji Temple
・Location: Hōjō Hall (Sutra copying venue, next to the main entrance)
・Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (open for registration at any time)
Note: May be unavailable during special events
・Fees:
Offering: ¥1,000 per scroll (one sutra copying)
Separate admission fee: ¥500 for adults, ¥200 for elementary/middle school students
・Experience Details:
Participants copy either the Heart Sutra or the Enmei Jukku Kannon Sutra onto a special sheet.
All necessary tools—brush, ink, inkstone, and paperweight—are provided.
Those who wish may offer their work to the temple or take it home.
・Duration:
– Heart Sutra: approx. 60 minutes
– Enmei Jukku Kannon Sutra: approx. 20 minutes
・Recommended Point:
As one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura, Kenchō-ji offers an open, beginner-friendly experience with no reservations required—anyone can join casually.
2.Japanese Sweets (Wagashi) Making Experience
Japanese sweets, known for their visual beauty, are gaining international attention as ‘edible art.’ In Kamakura, there are workshops where you can experience making wagashi, creating original sweets using seasonal motifs.
Kamakura Rakuan
・Location: About a 3-minute walk from Hase Station
・Experience Details:
Participants make 2–3 pieces of jo-namagashi (high-grade Japanese sweets) using nerikiri dough.The sweets are shaped into seasonal motifs like flowers and enjoyed with a cup of matcha tea.
・Duration: Approximately 60 minutes per session
・Fee: ¥3,000 (tax included) – includes tea
・Language Support: English guidance available (confirmation recommended at time of booking)
・Reservation: Advance reservation required via the official website
For the latest information and to make a reservation → Kamakura Rakuan Wagashi Experience Page
3. Pottery Experience
A hands-on pottery experience, where you can create your own unique pieces, offers a chance to feel the essence of Japan’s “wabi-sabi” culture. Surrounded by Kamakura’s natural beauty, many studios now offer lessons in English, making this a popular activity among international visitors.
Haseto Pottery Studio
Located just a 3-minute walk from Enoden Hase Station, “Haseto Pottery Studio” is a popular destination for travelers to enjoy pottery experiences. The studio offers beginner-friendly programs, so even first-timers can participate with confidence.
- Experience options: Electric pottery wheel, Buddhist statue making, hand-building pottery
- Address: 2-13-46 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa
- Access: 3-minute walk from Enoden “Hase Station”
- Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 (Last session starts at 16:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays (announced on SNS)
- Reservations: By phone (0467-40-5972) or via the official website
- Official website: www.kamakura-pottery.com
- Recommended point: Enjoy a peaceful and creative experience in the quiet Hase area of Kamakura.
4. Zazen Meditation Experience
The word “ZEN” has become widely recognized overseas. At Kamakura’s Zen temples—such as Engakuji and Kenchoji—you can experience authentic zazen (seated meditation). Spending quiet time calming your mind in these serene surroundings provides a refreshing escape from daily life.
Engakuji Temple
Beginners welcome, no reservation required, easy to join
Location: Buddha Hall, Kojirin, and Daihojo (Gather next to the Buddha Hall for zazen)
Schedule:
- Gyoten Zazen Session (Morning Zazen): Every day at 6:00 AM (except the 1st and 15th of each month and certain other dates)
- 2nd & 4th Sunday each month: 9:00–10:00 (sermon) → 10:00–11:00 (zazen)
- Every Saturday & 1st & 3rd Sunday each month: 14:30–16:00, etc.
Participation fee: Donation (offer what you wish in the donation box). Temple admission fee (500 yen) required separately
Details: Zazen in the Buddha Hall (Beginner guidance on posture and breathing)
Sermon on Sundays
Duration: About 30 minutes for the morning session, about 1 hour on Sundays (sermon + zazen)
Recommended point: A unique experience to clear your mind in the crisp morning air
More details on the official website: https://www.engakuji.or.jp/zazen/
Kenchoji Temple
Location: Hojo Hall
Schedule: Every Friday and Saturday, 15:30–16:30 (1 hour)
Participation fee: Free (Temple admission fee of 500 yen required separately)
Details: Guidance on zazen posture, explanation on how to receive “keisaku” (a flat wooden stick used for encouragement)
Duration: About 1 hour (regular session)
Recommended point: Beginners can join with ease and peace of mind
More details on the official website: https://www.kenchoji.com/zazen/
5. Kimono Rental Experience
Nothing complements the historic streets of Kamakura like the beauty of a kimono. Around Kamakura Station and Komachi Street, you’ll find many kimono rental shops offering a variety of packages that include dressing, hair styling, and even photography sessions.
Summary
In Kamakura, there are many opportunities to experience Japanese culture firsthand—not just as a spectator. These cultural activities are sure to become unforgettable memories for international visitors. When planning your trip, be sure to consider adding these hands-on experiences to your itinerary.