There are historically important and famous Zen temples such as Kencho-ji and Engaku-ji in Kita-Kamakura. Among them, Tokei-ji was so unique that it was one of the first nunneries in Japan and obtained an extraterritorial right for a woman to divorce, which was almost impossible at that time. Let’s explore science of mind in Zen Temples!
JR Kitakamakura Station
Engaku-ji Temple to see a typical Zen temple layout and the National Treasure of old Temple Bell
The Tokeiji Temple was established as a sub-temple of the Engakuji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. It was founded in 1285 by a nun named Kakusan-ni, the widow of Hojo Tokimune, the regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. It has a unique place in Japanese history and culture due to its role as a sanctuary for women. It is known as the "Divorce Temple" or "Kakekomi Dera" because it historically served as a refuge for women seeking to escape abusive or unhappy marriages. During a time when women had few rights and divorce was almost impossible to obtain, Tokeiji offered a unique solution.
Women who fled to Tokeiji and remained there for three years were granted an official divorce by the temple. This practice began in the 14th century and continued until the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century. Tokeiji was the only place in Japan where women could initiate divorce, making it an important institution for women's rights and social welfare.
We walk to a traditional Japanese restaurant called "Kamakura Gozan," which serves historical vegetarian foods such as "Kenchinjiru" fundamentally eaten by monks in Rinzai Zen Temples.
The name "Kamakura Gozan" could be drawing inspiration from the term used to describe the five great Zen temples of Kamakura, hinting at a possible cultural or thematic connection to the local heritage and the Zen Buddhist tradition.
The diet in Zen monasteries is vegetarian, designed to nourish the body and mind without causing harm to sentient beings. This cuisine, known as Shojin Ryori, is based on simplicity, mindfulness, and the use of seasonal ingredients. It's an integral part of the Zen Buddhist practice, reflecting the principles of non-violence, gratitude, and harmony with nature. The creation of "Kenchinjiru" by Rankei Doryu is often seen as an embodiment of the Zen Buddhist approach to food and life.
Jochiji Temple is the fourth ranked among the five great Zen temples, known as the Kamakura Gozan. It was founded in 1281 and belongs to the Engakuji school of the Rinzai Zen sect.
Jochiji attracts visitors, not only for its religious significance but also for its historical architecture, statues, and peaceful natural surroundings. It's a popular destination for those interested in Japan's cultural and spiritual history, as well as for those seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Kenchoji Temple holds the distinction of being the first Zen training monastery in Japan and was considered the most prestigious of the Kamakura Gozan (the five great Zen temples of Kamakura) during the Kamakura period.
Kenchoji was founded in 1253 by Rankei Doryu, a Chinese Zen master, under the patronage of Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura shogunate.
Kenchoji was not just a place of religious worship but also a hub of learning and cultural exchange. It played a critical role in the transmission of Zen teachings and practices from China to Japan. Furthermore, it was a center where various arts influenced by Zen, such as calligraphy, poetry, and tea ceremony, were cultivated and flourished.
The invention of "Kenchinjiru" is attributed to Rankei Doryu, a Chinese Zen monk who founded Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura. The story of how he developed this soup is more anecdotal and symbolic, reflecting the principles of Zen Buddhism and the simplicity and mindfulness of the monastic lifestyle. It is said that Rankei Doryu may have introduced the recipe as a way to teach the monks about living in harmony with their environment, making use of what's available, and being grateful for the nourishment provided by nature.
After visiting Kenchoji Temple, we walk to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Passing through the pricinct of Hachimangu Shrine, we keep walking to Komachi-doori Shopping Street to Kamakura Station.
At Kamakura Station
Visiting 3 Zen temples, you may realize Buddhism is faraway from a Western definition of religion but it is closer to science of mind. To know the concept of Buddhist teachings seems to be very important to understand Japanese mentality and behavior. You will know the history of 3 temples and reasons why they were built in Kamakura era, which was started in 1192 as the first samurai administrative organization in Japan.
In Engaku-ji, there is video showing how severely Zen monks are trained in order to improve mental strength to reach an enlightenment stage.
You will experience the importance of calm and tranquil mind while watching the pond in Zen garden from the veranda of Hojo.
In Kencho-ji, you may try how to sit for Zazen, sitting meditation at Hojo, after visiting to see sculptures and paintings in the series of temple structures.
"YAGURA" is a short of burial cave, which was the same as grave and peculiar in the Kamakura region. You will find special tomb stones there.
Guide fee and Hotel pick-up in Yokohama City
Transportation fee (for yourselves and your guide), Example: Tokyo - Kita-Kamakura = ¥ 800 per person
Entrance fees (Engaru-ji = ¥ 300, Tokei-ji = ¥ 300 Kencho-ji = ¥ 500),
Lunch (for yourselves and your guide)
Fees for transportation, admission and lunch for the group (including the guide) during the tour will be paid by the customer.
You will know the histories of these temples including their founders. There are some National Treasures which can be seen during the tour.
You will also determine who spread Zen Buddhism to overseas during Meiji era, which was started in 1868.
You may find major difference between religions spreading in the Western world and the Buddhism as the science of mind through the experiences during the visit.
Exceptional doesn’t describe our experience with Macky. When I booked our tour with him, he guided us through the process of booking Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Mishima (a group bucket list experience) and helped arrange a private bus for our group of 12. He met us at the station with a huge smile and provided not only great detail on the locations we visited, but also on the culture and customs of Japan. Macky was so great we joked that he had arranged for fantastic weather and an I encumbered view of the peak of Mt Fuji. The memories of the day will stay with us. Macky, Our group really wants you to know how much we loved our time with you and wish you the best! Mike
What a beautiful day with your guide Mackey. He is pleasant, accommodating, knowledgeable and successfully navigated the weather to ensure we had a great day. Highly recommend especially for cruise passengers.
Macky was extremely accommodating. We switched some things up and he went with the flow. I had originally booked someone else who had a health issue. We found it hard to understand him and had to concentrate a lot to understand the information. But we packed it in! We saw a lot.
Thank very much for your review with your honest opinions. Your comments will help me improve my activities as a tour guide from now on. I really appreciate you for taking the time to write your review.
We booked a Celebrity cruise around Japan. To avoid the large, impersonal tours offered by the cruise line we decided to book a private tour in Shimizu (Mt. Fuji). Macy we excellent. He met us at the cruise terminal and showed us how to navigate Japanese public transportation and visit some memorable sites. At Mino no Matsubara we got to see Mt Fuji out of the clouds! We toured several other sites including Sumpu Castle. A highlight was lunch at a historic stop on the Tokaido Road. He sent us an itinerary before our trip and took our suggestions on sites we wanted to see. Unfortunately the ropeway at Nihondaira was closed for repair. We highly recommend him – he speaks very good English and is extremely knowledgeable about Japanese history.