Private Hasedera Temple Tour with Priest-Led Prayer and Oceanview Tea Time – KANAGAWA

Tour summary

Private Guided Tour of Hasedera Temple with a Monk

Experience the serene beauty and spiritual heritage of Hasedera Temple, one of Kamakura’s most iconic and historic sites.

On this exclusive tour, a resident monk will personally guide you through the temple grounds, offering insights into its rich history, sacred traditions, and cultural significance. You’ll visit the temple’s main attractions, offer prayers for good fortune in the main hall, and explore the on-site museum showcasing treasured artifacts.

Your journey concludes with a relaxing tea break at Kaiko-an, a charming restaurant nestled within the temple grounds, where you can enjoy green tea and traditional dango sweets.

In detail 

Up-Close Encounter with the Kannon Bodhisattva

Join an official temple monk for an in-depth introduction to the sacred spaces of the temple.

As part of this special experience, you’ll have the rare opportunity to approach and offer prayers directly to the temple’s revered Kannon Bodhisattva statue—an honor not usually granted to the public.

This intimate encounter offers both spiritual depth and cultural insight into one of the temple’s most cherished treasures.

Your Host

Misaka-san, after a long career in TV production, found his true calling as a monk who wishes to convey Buddhism in a less austere, more accessible form, particularly to international visitors. Our local bilingual interpreter will help you communicate with the merry monk!

Your Guide (Either one)

Marian Kinoshita

Born and raised in the U.S., Marian has lived in Japan for over 30 years, spending time in Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Fujisawa. She established MDK Translations, Inc. in 2008, a small company that provides business, technical, and cultural translations.

She likes to think of herself as a “Japan Concierge,” resolving language and cultural issues, introducing her favorite aspects of the country, and helping people enjoy their stay.

When not translating or guiding visitors, she often goes hiking in Kamakura, collecting new stamps in her goshuin-cho and searching for beautiful tenugui (Japanese hand towels).

Danelle Sofuku

Originally from Australia, Danelle speaks fluent Japanese and is thoroughly settled in Yokohama. After working in PR and interpreting she became a local guide and Japan concierge – eager to explore Japan’s back streets, find treasures and interact with locals.

She thoroughly enjoys researching, helping with language, cultural and historical information as well as sharing her favourite aspects of Japan. She loves helping to translate and experience all the wonderful things Japan has to offer!

She also appreciates experiencing the beauty of art and crafts by local artisans, history and architecture, finding treasures to remember and collecting new stamps in her goshuin.

Location

Hasedera temple

Hase 3-11-2, Kamakura, Kanagawa

From JR Kamakura station by Bus to Hase Kannon bus stop and walk 5 min

From JR Kamakura station by Enoden to Hase Station and walk 5 min

More information

Scenes from the Tour