Experience history and art in Kamakura! 5 Sightseeing Spots to Experience Art Objects and Kamakura Sculptures

Kamakura is a fascinating area not only for its historical temples and shrines and beautiful nature, but also for its deep experience of art and culture. Once the capital of samurai warriors, this area is still alive with Japanese traditions and craftsmanship, bringing new impressions to visitors. In Kamakura, there are many places where visitors can not only sightsee but also actually experience art and history.

In this article, we will introduce five carefully selected experience spots in Kamakura where you can experience history and art. There is a wide range of options available, from workshops that even beginners can enjoy casually to full-scale workshops where you can take your time to hone your skills, so please find the experience that suits you best. Why not try a special experience in the beautiful scenery of Kamakura that will remain in your heart?

1. ame Kitakamakura

Ame Kitakamakura is a special place where you can unleash your creativity through art. Here, visitors can create their own art objects under the guidance of professional artists. Participants are free to create their own art objects “landscape style” using preserved and dried flowers.

The experience includes detailed lectures on everything from how to choose materials to how to use tools, so even beginners can feel at ease. In the process of creation, you will be able to experience the depth of craftsmanship by beating and shaving metal to shape. Since the completed objects can be taken home, you will be able to keep your own original art work as a memory.

In the quiet environment of Kitakamakura, surrounded by nature, the time spent concentrating on creating art will be a moment to heal your mind. This experience is recommended for those who wish to develop new sensibilities through creative activities.

ame - Kitakamakura

住所	841 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
営業時間	11:00-13:00 / 14:00-16:00
営業日	Saturday
公式サイト	https://www.kameinorihiko.jp/

2. Temari

For those who are interested in making Japanese sweets, Temari in Kamakura is recommended. Here, you can make your own beautiful wagashi while learning traditional methods. Wagashi is a delicate art form that expresses the four seasons and nature of Japan, and this is a rare opportunity to fully enjoy its charm.

During the experience, a craftsman will carefully explain and guide you through each step of the process, so even first-timers can feel comfortable participating. You can make various types of wagashi, such as kneaded dough, yokan jelly, and josei-gashi, and can exercise your own creativity in the coloring and shaping processes.

Finished wagashi can be taken home, but we also recommend tasting them on the spot with matcha green tea. While tasting the handmade wagashi, you will be able to experience the depth of Japanese culture. Why not try your hand at making wagashi as a memorable part of your trip or as a special experience?

Temari

住所	28-35, Sakanoshita, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
電話番号	0467-33-4525
営業時間	Experience time: 10:00-11:00/14:00-15:00
公式サイト	https://temari.info/

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3. Kenchoji Temple

Among the many Zen temples in Kamakura, Kenchoji Temple is one of the most famous. Kenchoji Temple is one of the most famous Zen temples in Kamakura, where visitors can calm their minds and adjust their spirits through the experience of zazen (Zen meditation). The time away from the busy daily routine to face one's self in silence is a precious experience.

In the zazen experience, under the guidance of a priest, you will learn the correct posture and breathing techniques while practicing. Even first-time participants can relax as they are briefed on basic manners and attitudes. As the zazen time progresses, you will experience a sense of calmness and increased concentration.

Another attraction of Kenchoji Temple is its beautiful garden and historic architecture. After your zazen experience, you can take a walk around the temple grounds and feel the environment in which the spirit of Zen lives and breathes. This is the perfect experience for those who want to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a moment to adjust their mind.

Kenchoji Temple

住所	8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
電話番号	0467-22-0981
営業時間	Zazen experience time: 15:30-16:30
営業日	Zazen experience: every Friday and Saturday
公式サイト	https://www.kenchoji.com/zazen/

4. KAMAKURABORI MUSEUM

Kamakura carving is a traditional craft that has been practiced since the Kamakura period (1185-1333). At the KAMAKURABORI MUSEUM, visitors can learn about the history of Kamakura carving while having a valuable experience of creating their own works of art.

Various plans are available, from beginner courses to full-scale carving experiences, and expert craftsmen provide detailed instruction so that even first-timers can enjoy the experience without worry. By carving traditional patterns, you will experience the depth of Japanese aesthetics and techniques. Visitors can also experience the process of applying lacquer to finish the work, giving it a unique sheen and texture.

One of the attractions of this tour is that visitors can take home the completed work as a memento of their trip and cherish it as a proof of their visit. The time you spend experiencing traditional Japanese crafts while feeling the historic streets of Kamakura will be a special moment that will make you forget about your daily life.

KAMAKURABORI MUSEUM

住所	3F Kamakura Sculpture Hall, 2-15-13 Komachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
電話番号	0467-25-1502
営業時間	10:00-16:00 (temporarily closed from 13:00-14:00)
公式サイト	https://kamakuraborikaikan.jp/museum/educational/taiken/

5. Takara Clay Studio - Kamakura

Takara Clay Studio (Takara no Kamado) is a facility where visitors can experience pottery making in a rich natural setting. Visitors can create their own works of art in the tranquil atmosphere of Kamakura, while experiencing the earth and freeing their imagination. A wide range of programs are available for everyone from beginners to experienced potters, and visitors can try their hand at making authentic ceramics using the hand-bi neri and rokuro (potter's wheel).

The Rokuro experience is particularly popular, and the sensation of shaping the spinning clay with your fingers is a valuable experience that is hard to find in everyday life. Craftspeople will gently guide you through the process, so even first-timers can create the shape they want. In addition, since you can receive your work after it has been fired, you can enjoy taking home your own original pottery.

By experiencing the joy of making things in the midst of nature, you will have a moment of peace and tranquility. This is not only a great way to see the sights of Kamakura, but is also recommended for those who want to enjoy a relaxing time away from the daily grind.

Takara Clay Studio

住所	1418 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
電話番号	090-8142-6119
営業時間	Experience time: 12:00-14:00
公式サイト	https://www.takaranokama.com/

Summary

In Kamakura, there are many places where you can have a special experience that you cannot have just by sightseeing. By experiencing traditional crafts and art through hands-on experience in the historic cityscape, you will gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and have a memorable time. Whether it is learning delicate Japanese techniques such as metal carving or paper cutting, enjoying Japanese food culture by making Japanese sweets, or experiencing zazen to calm your mind at a Zen temple, each has its own unique charm.

The five spots introduced here can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike, so you can participate in any of the experiences at your own pace. One of the main attractions is that you can take home a piece of work you made as a souvenir of your trip. Why not combine these art and cultural experiences with a tour of Kamakura's rich nature and historical buildings to create even deeper memories of your trip?

Enjoying a special experience while experiencing firsthand the fusion of history and art that the city of Kamakura has to offer will provide you with a healing moment away from everyday life. We hope you will enjoy a trip that goes beyond sightseeing to experience Kamakura from a new perspective!