Even though some hot days remain, we are feeling the fall breezes which carry
the sweet fragrance of kinmokusei (fragrant olives), one of the signs of fall.
I wish we could send you the fragrance from Kamakura!

We have resumed taking reservations for new workshops beginning Oct. 1, 2021.
We're looking forward to meeting you in the colorful foliage season in Kamakura! 

Kamakura Mind -  Celebrating our 3rd Anniversary!

Sept. 5th was Kamakura Mind's 3rd birthday. 
Thank YOU for your continuing interest in Kamakura Mind.

We're grateful for all of the support from our partners as well!

If you are reading this in your browser and you would like to get seasonal emails and other infrequent news from Kamakura Mind, please sign up using the form below.

What's New?

Bento Making Workshop is Back!
Make Your Own Bento and Miso Soup
at a Traditional Japanese House-

We will cook Onigiri (Rice Ball) Obento lunch at an 85- year old traditional Japanese house. You will cook miso soup with fresh veggies from the local market, learn how to make onigiri, and pack your own bento box as you like! You can also use leaves from the garden to garnish your box. Lunchtime will follow.You can take home the empty bamboo bark lunch box as a souvenir.​ 

Add Optional Tour: Shopping at Farmers Market to maximize your experience!

What stays the same:
 

✔︎All private programs

✔︎Programs at your convenience

✔︎Kind and Knowledgable staff

✔︎Great Learning Experience

✔︎Unique Fun Time in Kamakura

1. All programs are private with small classes.
Some programs are available from one person. Please check our programs.

For Estimate / Inquiries: Please send us an inquiry form
Check our FAQ

2. Safety Guidelines

We are compliant with Kanagawa COVID-19 guidelines.

Learn More: Check Our policies 

3. Private & Exclusive Kamakura Tour - Kamakura Concierge 

Experience Living Zen culture
Select private tours with deep access to the artisans and culture of Kamakura
*
Zazen & Shojin Ryori
*
Tea Ceremony
*

Private Dining at the Home of a Renown Ceramics Artist

*

Check Kamakura Concierge

Feel the Fall Breeze
- Outdoor Programs -

Nature Walk in Kamakura 
(ハイキング・ウオーキングin 鎌倉​​)

Go on a light hike and learn about the natural beauty and history of Kamakura with our local guide. Enjoy a walk and gain deep knowledge about the plants, trees, and their significance to Japanese culture.
Our tour, Nagoe Pass ＆ the Mandarado Yagura Caves (series of more than 150 man-made caves originally used as tombs for the samurai class in 13-15c), was a great hit.
This Fall, the historic site will be open to the public from October 23 until December 13, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and holidays.
Our guide is happy to lead a private tour for you during that time.

Indigo Dyeing - Dye Your Own Tenugui Hand Towel 
(古民家のお庭で藍染体験：手ぬぐいを染めよう)

Tenugui are Japanese-style hand towels made from cotton, usually 35 x 90 cm in size.
Join our indigo dyeing workshop where you make your own tenugui hand towel by our garden and outdoor workshop space in a forested valley in Kita-Kamakura.
For repeaters, bring your favorite worn out T-shirt or scarf and give them a new look with Indigo! 
*Available till early November only.  

Focus on Yourself
- Indoor Programs-

Goshuincho Stamp Book Making and Tea Ceremony
(茶房での御朱印帳作り・プチお茶会つき​​)

Goshuincho is a book of special seals collected as proof of having visited a temple or shrine. After learning about the tradition and history of the Goshuincho, you will choose, cut, and glue beautiful Japanese washi paper to make your own book. After making your Goshuincho, you will move to the tatami room where you will enjoy matcha tea and wagashi served by the tea master. *The book can also be used as a diary or scrapbook. 

Golden Joinery -Upcycle Your Favorite Dishes 
(金継ぎ・お気に入の器を蘇らせよう)

Golden joinery / golden repair is a pottery repair method that has been practiced for over 400 years in Japan. Bring your favorite cup, dish and revive it with lacquer and gold. If you're lucky, you're able to enjoy Kamata-san's signature coffee! 
This is a three-part workshop, with 3 sessions over approximately six weeks. 

Me Time with Clay 自分と向き合い器を作る

 Take 2 hours to spend some time with clay. There is no theme for this class. Follow your instincts, and create whatever you like to make by hand building or wheel throwing, whichever interests you. Your pieces will be shipped after drying and firing which takes about 2 months. 

Design Your Own Japanese Hanko Name Seal
（鎌倉ゆかりのはんこ店で名前はんこ作り）

Would you like to know how to write your name in Japanese? We can show you several ways to write your name in Japanese and make an original seal as a unique souvenir of your trip. You will design and we will carve them for you. Your original seal will be ready anytime in the afternoon of the experience!

Moss Art Terrarium Making with Moss Specialist 
(苔博士と一緒に苔テラリウム作り​)

You may have seen moss in Japan, but do you really know moss? Learn about moss from a specialist. After the lecture, you will create a moss terrarium, a miniature world of moss (like a little moss bonsai) you can take home to enjoy! You will learn how to take care of moss at home as well.

​Kamakura-bori Guided Tour, Demonstration and Chopstick Carving
（鎌倉彫作家ギャラリーで鎌倉彫実演とお箸作り）

Carve your own chopsticks with the descendant of one of the oldest Kamakura-bori carving families. You will visit a gallery in a 50-year-old traditional folk house owned by the descendant of one of the oldest Kamakura-bori families, the master Kyukei Goto. He will talk about the history, styles, and making of Kamakura-bori, followed by a carving demonstration and hands-on experience.

Make Your Own Rice Bowl and Chopstick Rest
（My茶碗と箸置きを作ろう）

Rice is a staple of the Japanese diet and most Japanese have a favorite rice bowl. In this experience, you will make your own rice bowl using a mold, as well as a chopstick rest. You will be ready to enjoy your Japanese-style meal with your own rice bowl and chopstick rest! Your bowl will be shipped after drying and firing, it takes about 2 months. 

Artisanal Wagashi Making and  Tea Time
（和菓子作り&お茶）

You may have seen and tasted Japanese wagashi sweets, but have you ever made them? After you learn about history and varieties of wagashi, craft your own wagashi reflecting the season. Afterward, you will enjoy tea with your own handmade Japanese sweets. Chairs available. 

We're looking forward to meeting you in Kamakura.
Happy Autumn 🍁!