Kamakura · A private half-day experience

Mindful Kamakura Journey

A half-day walk through Kamakura with the Zen2.0 founder.

Not a sightseeing tour, but a deep experience of the mindful and historic Kamakura.

Kamakura, Japan

Program Overview

Anbling walking meditation in Kita-Kamakura — illustration

This is not a tour. It is a guided experience to feel Kamakura as it is.

Walking itself becomes a form of mindfulness — much like the ancient Greek philosophers who walked and talked together along the Peripatos. Here, you simply walk the paths of Kamakura with someone you care about.

About This Experience

Have you ever had an experience where simply walking changed something in you?

After the pandemic, something unexpected began happening to me. Three, four times a month, I found myself guiding visiting friends from abroad through the Zen temples of Kita-Kamakura.

Walking slowly along the quiet paths of Kita-Kamakura, deep in conversation, I watched people's expressions change before my eyes.

A short zazen experience, followed by an unhurried time of sitting and talking together. Somehow, participants would leave as genuine friends.

We came to call this phenomenon the "Anbling™ Effect."

Mindful Kamakura Journey adapts this experience for travelers in Japan. Within the limited time of your stay, it offers a chance to feel Kamakura itself — not just see it — together with someone you care about.

Who This Is For

Families, couples, or groups of friends traveling in Japan who want to spend one special day together
Those who want to feel Kamakura more deeply than a typical sightseeing tour
Those curious to try zazen, forest bathing, or shakyo (sutra copying), without pressure
Those who'd like to experience Kamakura's air through the guidance of the Zen2.0 founder

The Day's Flow

Start (near Kita-Kamakura Station) ↓ Zazen experience at a Zen temple (beginner-friendly guidance) ↓ Anbling™ Walk | Forest bathing through Kamakura's woods (bamboo grove, backstreets, coastline, or mountain trail — your choice) ↓ Shakyo (Sutra Copying Practice) — optional ↓ Tea time ↓ End

Duration: 4–5 hours. The exact route and pace may vary with the weather and conditions on the day.

Service Coverage

Warm lounge interior with sofas and shoji screens

Included in Your Experience Fee

Guided CompanionshipMiki and/or Utsunomiya, depending on arrangement; 4–5 hours of dedicated guiding for your small group (family, couple, or group of friends).
Anbling™ Kita-Kamakura Walk (Forest Bathing)A walking meditation through bamboo grove, backstreets, coastline, or mountain trail.
Zazen ExperienceBeginner-friendly guidance at a Zen temple.
Shakyo (Sutra Copying Practice) — optionalA quiet practice of hand-copying sacred text at a Zen temple; the temple fee is charged separately.
Tea TimeUnhurried conversation, not a structured debrief.
Pre-Experience ConsultationApprox. 15-minute video call to adjust the content to your group's composition.

Not Included (Arranged by You)

TransportationTo and from the meeting point and local transportation on the day (on foot, taxi, etc.).
Temple Admission FeesFor example, Engaku-ji ¥500 and Kencho-ji ¥500 per temple visited. Estimated total: ¥1,000–1,500; please bring cash.
Shakyo (Sutra Copying) FeeIf chosen, charged separately by the temple (approx. ¥1,000).
AccommodationNot included in this program.
MealsAside from light tea refreshments, meals are not included.
Travel InsuranceStrongly recommended.

Why this structure? By not including transportation, accommodation, or admission fees, you can combine this experience with your own schedule and budget while we focus on the quality of the guided experience.

Program Details

Date: To be arranged based on your travel schedule.
Meeting Point: Near JR Kita-Kamakura Station; details are shared upon booking.
Main Locations: Kita-Kamakura area (Engaku-ji, Kencho-ji, etc.).
Capacity: One private group (family, couple, or friends).
Experience Fee: ¥100,000 per private group, including tax and payment fees.
Fee Basis: Guiding fee, facilitation fee, and operating costs, on a cost basis.

Important The experience fee does not include transportation arrangements, temple admission fees (e.g. Engaku-ji ¥500, Kencho-ji ¥500, if visited), shakyo (sutra copying) fees, or tea/refreshment costs beyond what is noted above. Local transportation is arranged by participants (on foot / taxi, etc.). Admission fees are paid directly by participants on the day.

What to Bring

A hat
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes
Water/drinks
Rain gear (just in case)
Small bills and coins for temple admission

Your Guide

Kouji Miki

Co-Chair, Zen2.0 / CEO, enmono Inc. / Founder, zenschool

Driven by a passion to share the wisdom of Zen and mindfulness that transformed his own life, Miki proposed "True Innovation®," an innovation theory rooted in ikigai, and founded zenschool. He co-founded Zen2.0, one of Japan's largest international mindfulness conferences, and serves as its co-chair. Through the "Mindful City Kamakura" initiative, he continues to explore the possibilities of mindfulness in contemporary society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can we join if we don't speak Japanese?

A: Yes, the experience can be conducted in English. Please let us know your preference when booking.

Q2: We're traveling as a family — is there an age limit for children?

A: No specific limit. We adjust the pacing and depth of zazen and shakyo based on your children's ages.

Q3: Can couples or groups of friends join, not just families?

A: Absolutely. This experience is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike.

Q4: Do we need to arrange our own accommodation?

A: Yes. Accommodation is arranged separately. We're happy to recommend options if needed.

Q5: Do we need prior experience with meditation or zazen?

A: No, beginners are very welcome. All guidance is designed for first-time participants.

Q6: What should we bring?

A: Comfortable clothing and walking shoes, a hat, drinks, rain gear, and small change for temple admission fees.

Q7: What is your cancellation policy?

A: Cancellation requests received at least 14 calendar days before the program start date are eligible for a full refund. Requests received 7–13 calendar days before the start date are eligible for a 50% refund. Requests received fewer than 7 calendar days before the start date are subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Please submit cancellation requests in writing to [email protected].

Q8: What happens in case of rain?

A: Based on the weather forecast at 10:00 AM three days before the event, we may cancel the program at our discretion (100% refund in this case).

Travel Business Act Notice

This program, "Mindful Kamakura Journey," is a guided experience designed for self-exploration and mindfulness practice.

It is not a travel product under Japan's Travel Business Act.

Transportation arrangements are not included.

Temple admission fees and transportation costs are the responsibility of each participant.

Begin Your Journey

Contact: [email protected]

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