Japan Tour - Kamakura's Zen Temples

Kamakura's Zen Temples

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OVERVIEW

Travel from the bustling capital to sleepy Kamakura where your adventure into the world of Zen architecture begins. Alongside your expert guide, you will visit temples including the 'Bamboo Temple' home to over 2000 bamboo trees, Jomyoji and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of Samurai. This afternoon, you will continue you to visit more of Kamakuras best known temples a receiving a comprehensive introductions and tours before heading back to Tokyo via train.

PROGRAM DETAILS

From Tokyo, you will make the 1 hour journey by train to the sleepy seaside town of Kamakura. On arrival at Kamkura station, you will be met by your expert guide who will take you on a Zen temple tour.

First you will visit Hokokuji Temple, known as 'Bamboo Temple' due to its stunning garden featuring over 2000 bamboo trees.

Jomyoji Temple is one of the Five Great Zen Temples in Kamakura, and in the tea room here you can be take a break, drinking matcha (green tea) whilst enjoying the dry landscape garden where rocks and well-trimmed trees are set out superbly.

Final stop of the morning is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamkaura's most important shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of Samurai.

After lunch, make your way to North Kamakura to visit the Zen Temples Engakuji, one of Eastern Japan's most famous Zen temples, and nearby Meigetsu-in Temple, also known as the 'Flower Temple' due to its garden of beautiful hydrangeas.

Today's final temple is Tokeiji Temple, a former nunnery which is home to

'Suigetsu (water moon) Kannon" said to be the most beautiful Kannon statue in Kamakura.

After the tour is finished, your guide will assist you will taking the train back to Tokyo.

PRICING: in JPY per person

Rates are valid until 31 December 2012