1. Purpose and Structure

  Kamakura is a city that formed the spiritual pillar of Japanese culture alongside the establishment of the shogunate (1185–1333), a region that cultivated a unique aesthetic sensibility and religious outlook through the fusion of Shinto and Zen. This programme, grounded in this historical context, constitutes an academic cultural tour comprising four elements: ① Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, ② Kenchō-ji Temple, ③ Engaku-ji Temple, and ④ “Daisetz Suzuki and Zen Thought”. It aims to go beyond mere sightseeing, providing an integrated learning experience encompassing Japanese culture, religious rituals, and spatial experiences.

​

2. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu – Religious Hub of the Military Government

  Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a pivotal site of Hachiman worship, established by Minamoto no Yoritomo as the guardian deity of the Kamakura Shogunate. Its enshrined deities are Emperor Ōjin, Himegami, and Empress Jingū, and it possesses a history of functioning as a place of prayer for enduring military prowess, certain victory, household safety, safe childbirth, and protection from misfortune. This programme academically examines the relationship between samurai politics and the Shinto system, as well as the symbolism of rituals, through formal worship.

 

 

3. Kenchō-ji Temple – The Vanguard of Rinzai Zen Institutionalisation

  Kenchō-ji Temple, founded in 1253, is Japan's first authentic Zen Buddhist temple complex and ranks first among the Kamakura Gozan (Five Mountains). The coexistence of the principal object of worship, Jizō Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva), and Zen practice is a significant example illustrating the multi-layered nature of religious practice during Japan's adoption of Zen. By interpreting pilgrimage practices and temple layout, we grasp the temple's functions as a place of precepts, practice, and public space, alongside the ethical and aesthetic influence Zen exerted on medieval society.

​

4. Engaku-ji Temple—A Foundation for Zen Dissemination and International Influence

  Engaku-ji, ranked second among the Kamakura Five Mountains, served as a centre for Zen scholarship, practice, and propagation. Through public zazen sessions and Dharma talks, it continues to function as an educational institution open to international visitors. This programme combines Dharma talks by senior monks with zazen practice, deepening understanding of “impermanence, emptiness, and self-awareness” through the interplay of experience and theory. It examines iconographically and religious-historically the points of contact between the form of faith symbolised by the Crowned Shakyamuni Buddha and Zen thought.

​

5. Daisetsu Suzuki—The Internationalisation of Zen Thought

　Daisetsu Suzuki was a thinker who, building on his training experience at Engaku-ji, systematically introduced Zen concepts to the English-speaking world. By tracing the influence of Kamakura on his intellectual formation and the post-modern reception history of ‘ZEN’, we examine the processes of translation, transposition, and international circulation of religious thought. Introductions to related sites such as the Matsugaoka Bunko provide access points to primary sources.

​

6. Methodology and Learning Outcomes

　This programme is designed in three stages: (1) preparatory lectures (presenting foundational frameworks in history, religion, culture, and thought), (2) on-site guided tours (academic explanations of rituals, architecture, landscapes, and iconography), and (3) experiential learning (formal worship, zazen meditation, Dharma talks). The learning objectives are: ① Understanding the religious system and urban formation under the warrior government; ② Theoretical grasp of the interaction between Zen and Shinto; ③ Understanding the internationalisation process of Zen thought since the modern era; ④ Acquisition of universal literacy spanning the intellectual history of Japanese culture.

​

7. Overview of KAMAKURA GRAND TOURISM®

・Venue: Kamakura area, Kanagawa Prefecture

・Format: Small group (minimum 2 participants required) / Advance booking and payment required

・Guide: Accompanying interpreter (included in cost) and specialised guide seminar (Supervised by SAKATA Toru Ph.D. / Advisor, Tokyo National Museum)

・Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours

・Target Audience: Executives, travellers, corporate incentive tours, etc., seeking intellectual experiences from both Japan and abroad

・Costs ※Full advance payment by credit card only

　2–4 persons: ¥600,000 + tax
　¥100,000 + tax per additional person

・Included

・Admission fees, seminar fees, seminar venue fees, interpreter, lunch, transportation, facility guide fees, café expenses,

　・Interpretation: Languages other than English and Japanese can be arranged upon prior consultation (additional fees may apply)
　・Transportation, accommodation, meals: Can be arranged as separate options upon prior consultation (additional fees)
　※Costs may vary depending on consultation details.

 

 

Cancellation Policy

・Complies with standard travel agency terms and conditions ※Seminar fees are treated as a separate contract; cancellations made within one month prior to the travel commencement date incur a 100% cancellation fee.

・A change fee applies for modifications after contract confirmation.

・Schedule changes are possible up to one month prior to the travel date.

・Other details will be specified in the contract according to the specific arrangements.

​

８．Reservations

Please enquire via the contact form

​​

９．Booking Process

① Tour bookings and enquiries can be made via the enquiry form.

② We will confirm your requirements (dates, number of participants, etc.) via email and provide a quotation.

③ Upon your agreement to the quotation, full payment in advance via credit card is required (this confirms the contract).

④ Until the tour date, your contact person will provide necessary guidance and updates via email (adjustments possible up to one month before travel).

⑤ Should changes to the number of participants or other factors affect the cost after step ③, the revised amount will be confirmed upon receipt of payment by credit card.

⑥ On the day, please enjoy your special journey.

​

１０．Partner Travel Agency

　SERIKA TOURISM Co., Ltd. (Type 2 Travel Agency, ‘Tokyo Travel Agency Licence No. 2-0869’, with a General Travel Business Manager on staff.)

　Toru Sakata (Chairman of the Board)

　Mari Jingū (Representative Director)

　Chinatsu Jingū (Vice President)