Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Start your cultural journey by crafting your own Goshuin stamp book—a treasured item in Japanese spiritual tradition—at a charming, old-style café in Kamakura.
Goshuin, meaning ‘honorable red seal,’ originated centuries ago as proof of temple visits and evolved into beautiful calligraphic art combined with unique temple seals.
After completing your book, savor coffee carefully roasted by the café owner or a soft drink, paired with a traditional monaka sweet. As you relax, enjoy stories from the owner about Kamakura’s history and culture.
Then, take your handmade Goshuin stamp book and explore a nearby famous Hokokuji temple, known as the bamboo temple, and collect an authentic Goshuin stamp—reflections of centuries-old devotion and artistry. At the temple, you can also enjoy matcha at the traditional tea house there.
This immersive experience blends tradition, local storytelling, and the serene beauty of Kamakura’s spiritual heritage.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Immerse yourself in Japanese tradition at a charming café in Kamakura. Learn about the centuries-old custom of Goshuin (御朱印), a unique tradition cherished by temple visitors. Goshuin are beautiful calligraphic stamps given at temples and shrines as a record of visits. The practice began in the Heian period (794–1185) and evolved into the artful stamps we see today. Each stamp features the temple’s name, a unique design, and sometimes a blessing or poem. Collecting Goshuin has become a popular pastime, creating a personalized spiritual record. Next, craft your own Goshuin stamp book as a unique souvenir. Afterward, walk to a historic temple in Kamakura, renowned for its spiritual heritage, and receive an authentic Goshuin stamp—a treasured keepsake of your visit. At the temple, you can also enjoy matcha at the traditional tea house there. This tour ends at Hokokuji temple. This experience deepens your understanding of Japanese tradition and creates lasting memories of Kamakura’s sacred sites.
Options
Make your Goshuin Stamp Book in Kamakura Retro Café
What‘s Included
Goshuin Book Crafting Experience Fee
English Speaking Guide
１ Drink (coffee or soft drink) and monaka (Japanese traditional sweet) at the retro cafe. Macha at Hokokuji temple is to be paid separately by the guests.
Public transportation
Admission Fee to temple and Goshuin Fee
Any drink and/or food except for the one served at the retro cafe.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Fun and Memorable Goshuincho-Making Experience
Wander28973807146,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a great time making my own Goshuincho! Even though I’m not very crafty, the process was easy to follow and enjoyable. There were many beautiful fabrics and traditional Japanese papers to choose from, which made the experience feel very personal. The instructor was friendly and explained every step clearly. A special thanks to Yamada-san for guiding us throughout the experience. I also enjoyed meeting Kuwata-san, the owner of the traditional café, who was very welcoming. The coffee was excellent and a perfect way to finish the experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique cultural activity in Japan!
A wonderful time in Kuwata san's café
yorikom724,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have spent a wonderful time in an authentic Japanese house café, making a Goshin stamp book. The workshop was organized in a very smart efficient way. It was so pleasant to realize my own beautiful Goshuin stamp book. Mr. Kuwata, the owner of the Café Bambu Bambu is such an interesting person who had the kindness to tell us the secrets of provenance of each objets placed in the pleasant room. Thank you for Mr.Yamada for the organisation. This activity is worth spending time during a stay in Japan. Highly recommend.
Goshuincho making and blissful cafe time in an old private house
Somey1,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I experienced making goshuincho at a nice old house in Kamakura. First, there was a careful explanation about the history and origin of Goshuincho, which even beginners could learn with interest. In the production, the instructor was very kind and guided me, and even the awkward me could work on it with peace of mind. The finished Goshuincho was a nicer finish than I had imagined and it was a very good memorial. After the experience, we had a relaxing time at the cafe. The conversation with the master was fun, and the authentic roasted coffee and monaka were very good. It is a recommended experience where you can enjoy making things, learn about Japanese culture, and enjoy a pleasant café time all at once. We would like to encourage visitors to join us.
A Special Japanese Cultural Experience with a Handmade Goshuincho
mamikok523,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A goshuincho is a special notebook used to collect goshuin, the beautiful calligraphy seals received at Japanese shrines and temples. I joined this tour because I thought it would be an incredible experience to use a goshuincho that I had made myself. Our tour began with a warm and friendly pick-up by our guide, Takeshi. We arrived at a charming traditional Japanese house café, where we received a detailed introduction to the process of making our own goshuincho. After that, our instructor, Yukari, carefully guided us through each step at a relaxed pace, making the experience enjoyable and easy to follow. We were able to choose from a wide variety of washi papers and kimono fabrics, allowing each of us to create a truly one-of-a-kind goshuincho. The finished product exceeded all of my expectations and turned out beautifully. At the end of the experience, we enjoyed Shunsuke’s carefully home-roasted coffee paired with delicious traditional Japanese sweets called monaka. The historic Kamakura house was beautifully decorated, and the garden landscaping was equally impressive. Another highlight was chatting with the café owner, who is originally from Hawaii. After the workshop, I visited a nearby temple and was able to receive my first goshuin in the notebook I had just created. Having the first page filled in my own handmade goshuincho made the experience even more meaningful and became one of the most memorable moments of my trip. This truly unique experience will undoubtedly become a treasured memory of any visit to Japan. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable cultural experience.
The Best Tour to Enjoy Authentic Kamakura
Chako A,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour indeed! Mr. Yamada, the tour guide, is very knowledgeable polite, and kind. He escorted me to a cozy cafe named Bambu Bambu in a traditional Japanese house with beautiful Japanese and foreign antique furniture and tableware. In such a beautiful ambiance, a very experienced and generous instructor taught me to make a Goshuin-cho, a booklet to receive beautiful hand-written calligraphy mementos from temples and shrines we visit. Making my own one-and-only-in-the-world Goshuin-cho booklet is a thrilling experience! After I made it, I enjoyed Bambu Bambu's aromatic coffee with a state-of-the-art delicious Japanese sweets named monaka which is made of a crispy outer rayer from Kyoto and tasty anko (sweet red beans paste) from Kamakura. The tour then proceeds to Hokoku-ji Temple (also known as the Temple of Bamboo Forest) where Japanese matcha tea is served. Among various tours offered in Kamakura, this is truly the best opportunity to enjoy authentic Japanese culture. Highly recommended to everyone who visit Kamakura. Please don't miss this great tour:-)
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Operated by Domo Japan Guide