Top Kamakura Classes & Workshops

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.

Skip the confusion of finding meaningful souvenirs in Japan by joining a private Hanko experience where you create something truly personal. Instead of buying generic keepsakes, you design your own name seal—an important symbol of identity in Japanese culture. With guidance on history, writing your name in Japanese, and choosing style and materials, you leave with a custom engraved stamp made just for you.

Why Join This Experience? English speaking instructor for a stress-free experience Intimate setting limited to small groups to maintain a calm, personal atmosphere Learn not just how, but why uncover the philosophy of Zen and mindfulness behind every movement Perfect for first time visitors, cultural enthusiasts, couples, and families Good to Know Duration Approx. 60 minutes Group Size Max 6 participants Location 7 min walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station No dress code, but we recommend modest attire no shoes inside the tea room Photos are welcome at designated times during the session

This hands-on workshop lets you create and learn about Japan's unique food sample culture. Enjoyable for all ages, from children to adults, it's perfect for first-timers. Experience both traditional sushi candle-making using wax and lifelike food sample creation. Discover the secrets and history behind their lifelike appearance through easy-to-understand explanations. Take your finished creations home as souvenirs—a uniquely Japanese experience you'll cherish forever.

Unlike typical tourist experiences, our community dinner offers authentic cultural exchange with local Kamakura residents in an intimate home-like setting, creating genuine connections and insider knowledge that guidebooks can't provide. What makes us special: INTIMATE SETTING: Maximum 8 guests in our cozy shared living space - feel like you're visiting Japanese friends, not attending a commercial tour PERSONALIZED MATCHING: We connect you with locals based on your interests - meet artists, historians, families, or longtime residents who share your passions ️ HANDS-ON COOKING: Learn traditional Japanese home cooking techniques using fresh seasonal ingredients from Kamakura's famous Renbai farmers market CULTURAL STORIES: Discover 1000+ years of Kamakura history through personal stories, from samurai heritage to modern community life ️ INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: Get recommendations for hidden gems, local-priced shops, and secret spots that only residents know

In this course, you can learn "truly effective mindfulness" methods devised by a psychologist with Japan's highest academic degree, who has a clientele of top businessmen, over his 30-year career. Experiencing real meditation in Kamakura, where ZEN is based, will be a memorable experience for you in life. You won't find practical Zen meditation and dining etiquette anywhere else, as the instructor grew up in a temple.

There are many kinds of bento in Japan. In this experience, you can make a bento and take it home. This class is held in a private home in Kamakura, a popular tourist destination. After the experience, you can bring your bento and go sightseeing.

Enjoy a relaxing matcha experience by the sea in Kamakura. At a quiet cafe next to Yuigahama Beach, you will soak your feet in a warm footbath while you make your own bowl of matcha. Your English-speaking host guides you slowly through each step, so it is easy even on your first try. You will also enjoy two seasonal Japanese sweets. It is a simple, peaceful way to relax and enjoy Japanese tea culture during your trip.

Dancers of all skill levels can enjoy this private traditional Japanese dance lesson in Tokyo. Dressed in a yukata and armed with a fan, you'll learn how to walk, bow, and dance like someone from the Edo period. A private lesson means you won't have to learn in front of other strangers and can ask your teacher as many questions as you like about the process.

This is an instructor-led mindfulness tea ceremony experience where participants are gently guided through each step by facilitator Miki in a peaceful gallery setting in Kamakura. Unlike a formal tea ceremony that requires kneeling on tatami mats, this experience is held in a relaxed table-style setting, so guests can enjoy the Way of Tea while sitting comfortably on chairs. In a calm Kamakura gallery, guests first experience tea as a participant, then learn the meaning and movements behind the ceremony, and finally prepare and serve matcha themselves. The experience gently connects Japanese tradition with breathing, posture, gratitude, and presence. More than a cultural activity, it is a mindful experience you can carry into everyday life.

You will make two rice balls guided by an experienced food journalist before tasting sake. You will learn about Japanese food and drink culture from the sake bar owner and the food journalist. You can enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a small hidden sake bar, sitting stools on a wooden counter.

Ever tried Japanese Calligraphy? Here is the chance to discover one of the most popular Japanese cultures, Shodo. Our cultural tour will be held at a local Gibier bar-restaurant in Kamakura. We offer calligraphy experience, including a short lecture on Japanese letters and basic skills with a brush. After some practice, you will make an artwork on a traditional card to bring back. The tour also comes with one drink offered by the restaurant. If you are interested in the traditional activity with a glass of local drink, this is the tour for you! As we only accept a private group, you can have a relaxed time with your friend or family. Your instructor, who is fluent in English and familiar with beginners, will help you make a unique memory and souvenior from Japan! Note1: The tour is operated in the second floor. A person is required to climb stairs by oneself. (No elevator equipped) Note2: When booking, please confirm your name and gender for the sake of letter list preparation.

This is an instructor-led Japanese calligraphy experience where participants learn directly from an experienced calligraphy master in a peaceful workshop setting. Explore the serene art of Shodō in a mindful Japanese calligraphy workshop in Kamakura. Under the expert guidance of Calligraphy Master Shiei, with over 50 years of experience, you’ll learn to create beautiful kanji while immersing yourself in Japanese culture. The experience begins with an introduction to calligraphy techniques and philosophy, followed by the calming process of preparing sumi ink. As you practice brush movements and write your chosen kanji, you will discover the meditative nature of this traditional art form. At the end of the workshop, you will create your own finished calligraphy piece to take home, along with a deeper appreciation for the quiet beauty of Japanese aesthetics.

We cook and eat osechi dishes on New Year's Day in Japan. We cook and eat Osechi-ryori, a local dish of Osaka. Osechi-ryori has a meaning. They want to live long and work hard. Black beans take 2 days to make! I learn how to make everything except black beans. We make Kazari-giri with Japanese style pickles and knives. You can learn traditional dishes which young people are less likely to cook now. I will advise you to make it at home. Ayako-sensei, a professional cooking teacher, will teach you kindly and carefully. You can enjoy making it even for the first time. Let's cook and eat Osechi-ryori which Tanjiro also ate.