What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Kamakura’s tranquil and hidden route!

  japanic official,,Mar 16, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  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!

  

  

  

  

• A relaxing time at a bustling tourist destination

  yokoLiJ,,Mar 16, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  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.

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Peaceful zazen and delicious shojin ryori

  hascikr,,Mar 4, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  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!

• Exactly what I needed today.

  Betiful World,,Feb 25, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  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.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Having a great zen experience in Kamakura

  maevam528,,Feb 3, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  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!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Amazing solo trip - serene and refreshing

  94audreyo,,Feb 1, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I had an incredible solo guided tour in Kamakura that was both peaceful and enriching. My guide took me to a hidden temple away from the crowds, where I learned about Zen Buddhism and had the opportunity to meditate in a serene setting. The experience was deeply calming, allowing me to slow down and truly appreciate the moment. We also enjoyed a traditional matcha tea session at the temple, which added to the authenticity of the experience. It felt like a perfect blend of culture, mindfulness, and relaxation. Afterward, we visited an amazing vegan restaurant that served one of the best meals I’ve had in Japan—beautifully presented and full of fresh, seasonal flavors. Even as someone who isn’t strictly vegan, I was impressed by how satisfying and delicious it was. The day ended with free time to explore Komachi Street, where I found unique handcrafted souvenirs and enjoyed the lively yet charming atmosphere. As a solo female traveler, I love the whole experience. My guide was sweet and friendly, she also patiently wait for all of us.

  

• This tour gave me such a unique and authentic experience of Japanese wellness!

  Voyager48050295790,,Jan 16, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  One of the most memorable moments was savoring matcha and traditional Japanese sweets in a quiet space overlooking a bamboo grove, its green colors made even more vibrant by the rain. It was a beautiful setting, like a scene from a movie. My first zazen meditation experience was also unforgettable. The monk kindly guided us through preparatory exercises and how to meditate. The guide translated everything into English, so it was easy to understand even for a beginner like me. I felt so relaxed and refreshed afterwards. The healthy lunch and dessert were beautifully presented on Kamakurabori lacquerware. The delicate and beautiful cuisine was like a work of art. We also got to enjoy the scenery from a local bus and stroll down Komachi-dori Street, fully experiencing the charm of Kamakura. We had lively conversations with the other participants, and it was lovely connecting with fellow wellness enthusiasts. I had a truly special time and am very satisfied. I would love to join this tour again in a different season. Thank you Tranquwell!

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Amazing Zen tour!

  Guide01930553214,,Jan 6, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I had a great time joining their Zen Retreat in Kamakura. Even though I've been to Kamakura multiple times, they took me to so many places I didn't know. The meditation experience in the temple was amazing as well!

• Mindful Escape

  mizhellea,,Dec 8, 2024

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  Joining the Kamakura tour was a truly refreshing experience. It was my first time trying zazen meditation, and it brought me a sense of calm and focus. I also got to enjoy shojin ryori served in stunning lacquerware. There was a lot of attention to detail in both the food and the overall tour experience. I also appreciated how organized the tour was, with good English support throughout. The tour struck a good balance between free time to explore and thoughtfully curated activities, allowing for both relaxation and meaningful engagement. In a world where travel often feels like a fast-paced race to check off destinations, this tour was a reminder of how travel can—and should—be a rejuvenating experience. Tranquwell’s focus on wellness and mindful travel is exactly the kind of approach we need more of.