
Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine worth booking?
Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine is a 8.8-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from $170 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 9 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (9)
- Duration
- 8.8 hours
- From
- $170 per person
Embark on a transformative journey to uncover the essence of Zen in Kamakura Kamakura is an historic city connected deeply to the spiritual tradition of Zen. Powerful samurai clans worshipped at Zen temples during the Kamakura period, making it a center for Zen practice. The city's serene temples and gardens embody Zen principles, offering visitors a peaceful and contemplative experience. [Highlights] - Find inner peace as you practice Zazen with a Buddhist priest at the historic Hokaiji Temple. Our guide will interpret the priest's explanations into English. - Experience the scenic tranquility at this temple, which is renowned for its serene bamboo grove. Enjoy sipping a cup of matcha surrounded by towering bamboo trees. - Enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegan cuisine). *Please note that the restaurant has been changed starting in April 2025.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a transformative journey to uncover the essence of Zen in Kamakura Kamakura is an historic city connected deeply to the spiritual tradition of Zen. Powerful samurai clans worshipped at Zen temples during the Kamakura period, making it a center for Zen practice. The city's serene temples and gardens embody Zen principles, offering visitors a peaceful and contemplative experience. [Highlights] - Find inner peace as you practice Zazen with a Buddhist priest at the historic Hokaiji Temple. Our guide will interpret the priest's explanations into English. - Experience the scenic tranquility at this temple, which is renowned for its serene bamboo grove. Enjoy sipping a cup of matcha surrounded by towering bamboo trees. - Enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegan cuisine). *Please note that the restaurant has been changed starting in April 2025.
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Kamakura’s tranquil and hidden route!
It was a great experience visiting a bamboo temple and having a real matcha in the tranquility of the temple’s surroundings. Zazen meditation part was brief but enough to disconnect from the big city noise and to feel a light spring breeze. The food was also amazing in a somewhat special place. I’m not a vegan but the proper Japanese shojin ryori or monk’s food is really delicious. Strolling a bit in the streets of Kamakura was also fun! Thanks a lot for the experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you for traveling with us! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your Kamakura tour. It is fantastic that the bamboo temple and matcha experience resonated with you, and we are delighted you found the Zazen meditation and Shojin Ryori so satisfying. We hope to welcome you back on another Tranquwell retreat soon!
via Tripadvisor
A relaxing time at a bustling tourist destination
I joined the zen retreat tour at the beginning of February and it was a great opportunity to have some time to relax during the busy everyday life. We started with a visit to a temple with a bamboo forest and were lucky, that even on a Saturday morning, there were not many people and so we also could enjoy a cup of matcha peacefully. We also had time to explore the temple grounds and see the beautiful stone garden. Next we had a zen meditation experience at a small temple. We learned a lot from the monk about Zen and Buddhism in Japan, all translated by our guide. The short meditation was nice, but also pretty cold, as it was winter and temples don't have a heating system. It was nice going to the lunch break afterwards where we could warm up with a warm drink and a delicious vegan lunch. Even though I am not vegan, it was nice to try and experience some alternatives to regular dishes. Later we walked along the shopping street of Kamakura, where out lovely guide showed us some of the popular shops and we ended up with a little snack before the tour ended.
Response from the operator: Thank you for traveling with us! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed the peaceful morning at the bamboo temple and the serene atmosphere for your matcha. We appreciate your honest feedback about the meditation experience. Indeed, temples can be quite chilly in winter. We are always looking for ways to improve guest comfort during colder months. For future winter retreats, we are considering providing warmer seating options, such as cushions with heating elements, or scheduling meditations during the warmest part of the day. We are glad you found the monk's teachings insightful and that you enjoyed the warm and delicious vegan lunch. We hope to welcome you back on another Tranquwell retreat soon!
via Tripadvisor
Peaceful zazen and delicious shojin ryori
Some time ago, I joined a wellness tour in one of my favorite cities—Kamakura. The highlight, and my main reason for joining, was zazen, or Zen meditation. Zazen is a core practice of Zen Buddhism, focusing on posture, breathing, and awareness rather than guided visualization. Practitioners sit in full-lotus (kekkafuza) or half-lotus (hankafuza), with a straight back and hands in the cosmic mudra (palms facing upward, one over the other, thumbs lightly touching). No pictures are taken during meditation, so I don’t have any to share, but I do have some from the other spots we visited. We began with matcha at a beautiful bamboo grove temple, soaking in the peaceful morning atmosphere before heading to our private zazen meditation. I have to admit, I struggle with meditation—my thoughts tend to wander—but I still found it deeply calming. The chirping birds, fragrance of incense, and soothing voice of the monk created a truly serene experience. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious shojin ryori lunch. Shojin ryori is a Japanese Buddhist cuisine, entirely plant-based, emphasizing simplicity, seasonality, and mindfulness. It was beautifully presented on Kamakura-bori. Kamakura-bori, the city's traditional lacquerware, is known for its intricate carvings and deep lacquer finish. Unlike other lacquerware that relies on multiple smooth layers, Kamakura-bori is distinct for its wood carving techniques, inspired by Buddhist temple carvings. Even though I’m not a vegetarian, I loved the lunch—the balance of flavors was perfect! I especially enjoyed the ume plum tea, which was unlike any I’d had before—not as sour, but wonderfully balanced. I wanted to buy some, but sadly, it wasn’t for sale. 😞 After lunch, we strolled through Kamakura with our lovely local guide, Yoriko-san. It felt great to walk off the meal, and even though shopping isn’t really my thing, I enjoyed the experience thanks to the wonderful company. It seems like this tour attracts like-minded people!
Response from the operator: Thank you for traveling with us! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the zazen meditation, shojin ryori lunch, and the guided stroll through Kamakura. We are especially glad that you found the zazen experience calming, despite the usual distractions. That is exactly what we aim to provide - a tranquil space for reflection and connection with oneself. We hope to welcome you back on another Tranquwell retreat soon!
via Tripadvisor
Exactly what I needed today.
Today, I participated in a Zen retreat in Kamakura, it was exactly the day I needed. We first visited Hokokuji Temple, famous for its bamboo grove, where we enjoyed a bowl of matcha while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Then, we took part in a private Zazen (Zen meditation) session at Hokaiji Temple, which was undoubtedly the highlight of the day. Every time I try to meditate at home, it feels so difficult—but today, 20 minutes felt more like 20 seconds. The monk’s calm voice, presence, and guidance, the light breeze carrying the scent of spring through the open windows, the chirping birds outside, and the aroma of incense inside the old temple’s walls created the perfect environment to unwind and lose (or perhaps find?) yourself in your own breath. It was a truly healing moment and an unforgettable experience. After the meditation, we enjoyed a delicious and beautifully presented Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegan cuisine) lunch, served on handcrafted traditional Kamakura lacquerware. Following lunch, we strolled through the streets of Kamakura with our local guide, Yoriko-san. Her English was perfect, and she was such a pleasure to chat and laugh with. Last but not least, my two fellow participants, Adriana and Alex, made this tour a perfect day—one where I could truly connect with myself, nature, and other people. Although I usually travel solo and plan my own itineraries, I love joining tours and group experiences from time to time. If you pick the right one, you end up meeting like-minded people, which is such a gift in our busy world.
Response from the operator: Thank you for traveling with us! We are delighted you found it restorative. Creating a serene environment for self-connection is what we strive for. We are also glad you enjoyed the Shojin Ryori lunch and that you connected with fellow participants – it is wonderful when such connections are made. We hope to welcome you back soon!
via Tripadvisor
Having a great zen experience in Kamakura
Had a lovely day discovering this area with Yoriko! The tour was about a Zen experience starting by discover the bamboo temple, and could also treat myself with a delicious tea while contemplating the bamboo garden. This temple was a hidden gem! Then had the opportunity to do meditation session presented by a monk in an other temple, directly in the main sacred building temple, it was such an experience! The vegan lunch was also very interesting with a lot of flavors I was delighted to try on, it was explained by the chief itself! Then Yoriko showed the popular area of Kamakura to do some shopping, had a great experience with her!
Response from the operator: Thank you for traveling with us! We are glad to hear that you had a great time in Kamakura. We look forward to seeing you again for another wellness retreat in Japan.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine cost?
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Prices start at $170 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine take?
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Plan for about 8.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.
Is Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 8.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tokyo?
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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set, Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What happens to Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Tokyo. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Kamkura: Private Zazen, Matcha at Bamboo Temple & Mindful Cuisine?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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