
Discover Immersive Zen Experiences
Discovery Through Bespoke Experiences
Shozan by kishi-ke offers curated experiences based on the fundamentals of Japanese culture, from ikebana and tea ceremony to swordsmanship and Zen meditation.
Grasp the concept of fushiki - the Zen way of accepting the unknown- as you immerse yourself in one or more of these creative pursuits honed over the centuries. We arrange private sessions with specialized artisans and experts based on your field of interest.
The 150-year-old Temple Hall was painstakingly disassembled and transported from Toyama Prefecture to Kamakura and now provides a serene space for quiet contemplation or captivating practice, allowing you to delve deeper into Japanese culture - and into yourself.
Our local guides are eager to create a personalized walking or hiking tour tailored just for you, weaving together Kamakura's rich history, hidden gems, and vibrant culture.
Prefer something more adventurous, like stand-up paddleboarding or surfing? Weʼve got you covered!
If you are up for a broader adventure, we will happily journey to more distant destinations by car, introducing you to Hakone, with magnificent views of Mt. Fuji, and the lesser-known spots of the Kanto region.
Whatever your needs, whatever you fancy, we endeavor to make your stay at Shozan by kishi-ke an unforgettable experience.

Discover fushiki your way.
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Join an authentic tea ceremony led by a highly esteemed tea master.
Begin with the art of preparation, including arranging chabana—a seasonal flower arrangement to set the mood. Watch as the tea master gracefully performs the ceremony, then savor a bowl of frothy matcha.
Afterwards, you'll have the chance to pick up the bamboo whisk yourself and experience the soothing motions of preparing and serving matcha to others.
Embrace the entrancing elegance of the tea ceremony—a mindful and delicious encounter.
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Kintsugi – Golden Joinery
Japanese golden joinery is the ancient art of restoring ceramics with natural lacquer and gold powder. This meticulous process, where each lacquer layer takes a week or more to cure, breathes new life into cherished pieces, transforming flaws into imperfect beauty.Our Kamakura-based kintsugi master, a globally renowned artisan, does the hard part—filling in the cracks and chips, preparing a piece ready for the final touch.
While discovering the history and techniques of kintsugi, youʼll experience its most satisfying step—delicately applying lacquer and dusting gold powder onto the repaired piece, creating a unique wabi-sabi treasure to take home.
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Experience the tranquility of Zazen meditation, guided by a Zen monk from one of Kamakura’s historic temples.
Known for its deep-rooted Zen traditions, Kamakura is where the practice of meditation flourished, offering clarity and focus not only to monks but also to the samurai who ruled Japan for centuries.
This is the ultimate setting to immerse yourself in the calming power of Zazen, where mindfulness is practiced in its purest form.
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Enjoy a personalized stroll through this charming town, where you can explore serene temples, sacred shrines, captivating art exhibits, winding lanes, seasonal blossoms, and delightful boutiques.
If you're in the mood for a more invigorating walk, our local guide will take you on a short hike through the scenic Kamakura hills, featuring tree-lined trails and stunning ocean views.
Every tour wraps up in the heart of town, where cozy cafés and welcoming pubs await, ready to serve you a latte or a refreshing cold beer.
The perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
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Learn the essentials to creating a delicious, nutritious and visually appealing Japanese meal with a professional chef right here at Shozan.
Each cooking class is tailored to guests' preferences, featuring seasonal, local ingredients and traditional techniques (including the most basic yet finicky element—dashi).
Whether it's Zen-inspired vegan dishes, elegant kaiseki, or hearty favorites, this experience will satisfy both your culinary curiosity and appetite!
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Try your hand at the ancient samurai art of katana wielding, using authentic steel or wooden swords.
Under the guidance of a professional sword master, you'll learn the precise techniques and forms used in swordsmanship, with all necessary safety measures in place for your peace of mind.
This experience goes beyond mastering the katana—it's an opportunity to tap into the samurai spirit that was forged here in Kamakura over 800 years ago.
Discover the discipline and strength that shaped Japan’s legendary warriors.
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Kamakura is a rare destination where history, culture, mountains, and the ocean come together in a single, stunning view.
Imagine catching a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, Enoshima Island, and vibrant red shrine gates, all while testing your skills at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, or windsurfing.
Perched on a hill, Shozan boasts mesmerizing views of Sagami Bay and is just a short drive to the coast where you can dip your toes in the water or dive into thrilling water sports. -
Introduce your children to the wonders of Japanese culture with engaging, hands-on activities like a tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Japanese sweets making, and more.
We make each experience exciting and fun by incorporating games and interactive tasks, ensuring a balance between learning and play. Parents are welcome to observe or join in the activities.
The Kids’ Fushiki Experience can be part of an unforgettable overnight stay or a day trip to Kamakura—creating lasting memories for the whole family.
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Work alongside a professional chef to master the basics of Japanʼs most iconic cuisine. This hands-on workshop covers everything from the art of preparing sushi rice and the delicate technique of slicing fish to the skills required to assemble nigiri, maki, and temaki. Discover the importance of umami, experiment with textures, and learn about proper sushi etiquette (chopsticks optional!).
Our chef tailors the menu to your tastes, whether featuring the finest fish or delightful vegan options, paired with traditional clear soup and fresh pickles.
The highlight? Savoring your own beautifully crafted sushi—fresh, flavorful, and made by you!*All experiences must be booked in advance.