KAMAKURA GRAND TOURISM

Discover the history and influence of Shinto and Zen in the ancient city of Kamakura on this private academic cultural tour. True history buffs can take a deep dive that goes beyond mere sightseeing, on a special guided journey created by an advisor for the Tokyo National Museum.

This in-depth tour will start off at majestic Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine, where guests will learn about how samurai politics and the Shinto system intertwined, as well as the symbolism of Shinto rituals.

Next up is Kenchoji Temple, founded in 1253. Japan's first authentic Zen Buddhist temple complex, this is the ideal place to discover how temples function and the ethical and aesthetic influence Zen exerted on society at the time.

Serene Engakuji Temple has long been a center for Zen scholarship and practice. Guests will get to listen to a dharma talk by senior monks and take part in zazen meditation practices, deepening their understanding of impermanence, emptiness, and self-awareness.

Finally, see how Zen was disseminated outside of Japan by tracing the life and thoughts of Suzuki Daisetsu, a thinker who built upon his training experience at Engakuji to introduce Zen concepts to the English-speaking world.