Kanagawa Prefecture, located just south of Tokyo, offers a world of refined luxury where tradition, nature, and culture intertwine. The Kanagawa Premium Collection is a carefully curated selection of high-end, story-driven experiences created for discerning travelers seeking the extraordinary. Explore Kanagawa through seven remarkable journeys, from tranquil Zen moments in ancient temples to scenic hikes along historic mountain paths, and inspiring encounters with art and architecture that promise to make your trip truly unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for reflection, adventure, or creative discovery, Kanagawa’s Premium Collection opens the door to Japan at its most elegant and immersive.
1. Engakuji Temple: Discover the Heart of Zen at Engakuji Temple (Kamakura City)
Uncover the quiet power of Zen at Engakuji Temple, one of Kamakura’s most respected spiritual landmarks, nestled in the forested hills just an hour south of Tokyo. This exclusive experience, led by a resident monk and supported with full English guidance, offers privileged access to the temple’s most sacred spaces.
The journey begins with a rare visit to the Shariden, a National Treasure typically closed to the public. Inside this historic reliquary hall, guests gain an intimate look at centuries of Buddhist heritage and the spiritual heart of the temple. After visiting the living quarters of the monks and receiving an explanation about their daily life, the experience continues in the traditional training hall, where participants are introduced to the foundations of Zen philosophy before practicing zazen or seated meditation designed to cultivate focus and inner stillness. The zazen concludes with a traditional shukuza breakfast, a simple monastic meal, reflecting the values of mindfulness and humility that define temple life.
With more than 700 years of living history, Engakuji offers not only a glimpse into the world of Zen, but a rare chance to experience its stillness and depth in one of Japan’s most sacred spaces.
2. Kamakura Hasedera Temple Monk Private Guided Tour (Kamakura City)
Following your quiet immersion into the world of Zen, continue your journey through Kamakura’s spiritual heart with a private guided tour of Hasedera Temple, one of the city’s most cherished and historic sites. Led by a temple monk, this intimate experience offers rare insight into the daily life, rituals, and sacred spaces of the temple.
The tour takes you through key areas of the temple complex, including the serene Benten-kutsu Cave and historic halls honoring deities such as Daikokuten and Benzaiten. The highlight of the visit takes place in the main hall, where guests are invited to step beyond the public viewing area and approach the awe-inspiring 9-meter-tall statue of Kannon Bodhisattva, an honor typically not granted to general visitors. During this special moment, a monk recites a short sutra and reads your name aloud in a prayer for good fortune.
Afterward, you’ll enjoy a guided viewing of the temple museum, home to centuries-old artifacts and Buddhist art. From the nearby observation deck, enjoy sweeping views of Kamakura city and Yuigahama Beach before concluding the tour at Kaiko-an, a peaceful restaurant within the temple grounds, where you’ll be served matcha green tea and traditional dango sweets, available in both vegan and vegetarian variations. For those seeking deeper reflection, an optional sutra-copying session is also offered for an added fee.
With its deep cultural roots and personal guidance, this experience offers a unique connection to the spiritual essence of Kamakura.
3. Enoura Observatory - Unparalleled Architecture and Scenery (Odawara City)
Optical Glass Stage and Winter Solstice Light-Worship Tunnel ©Odawara Art Foundation
After exploring Kamakura’s sacred spaces, continue your journey to the west to the coast of Odawara, where the Enoura Observatory, a captivating open-air museum, offers a striking contrast—a place where contemporary art, ancient stonework, and the natural world come together in quiet harmony. Conceived by celebrated contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, this cultural space is both a modern art installation and a contemplative escape from the city.
Set on a hillside overlooking Sagami Bay, the observatory is designed to embrace and highlight the changing light of day and season. Carefully positioned architectural elements, restored centuries-old stones, and gardens artfully crafted to complement the landscape unfold across the site. Throughout the grounds, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, enhancing the sense of peace and connection with nature. With the guidance of the museum director, you’ll gain deeper insight into Sugimoto’s vision, where every detail reflects a dialogue between past and present, structure and nature.
As you walk through bamboo groves, along stone paths, and past sweeping ocean views, the pace slows and the senses awaken, making this a restorative experience for both mind and body.
Please note: This program includes walking up and down gentle hills. Due to the unique nature of the premises and for safety reasons, visitors must be twelve years or older.
4. Izumibashi Sake Brewery Tasting Tour (Ebina City)
For sake enthusiasts seeking an authentic connection to Japan’s brewing heritage, the Izumibashi Sake Brewery in Ebina City offers an immersive and sensory experience. Guided by the belief that “sake brewing starts in the fields,” this tour takes you through the entire journey—from rice production and polishing to brewing and tasting.
The tour begins with an engaging video seminar that provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the intricate brewing process. Expert brewers and staff share their passion and dedication, bringing to life the craftsmanship behind every bottle. After the seminar, guests visit the brewery’s rice paddies and polishing facility, where the sake-making journey truly begins. For guests seeking a deeper experience, an upgraded option is available for an additional fee, granting exclusive access to the brewery building and facilities.
The tasting portion includes five carefully selected servings of Izumibashi’s signature sake, paired with light snacks designed to enhance the flavors. To personalize your visit, you’ll have the unique opportunity to create and apply your own original label, making your sake bottle a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Guests can also shop at the Shuyu-kan before concluding the tour.
To enhance the experience further, consider an optional afternoon tour led by English-speaking guide Mr. Christopher Hughes, a certified WSET Sake Educator. Available for an additional fee, this opportunity offers expert insight into the world of sake.
This experience invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of sake, tracing its journey from the rice fields all the way to the glass in your hand.
5. Hakone Hachiri Hiking (Hakone)
If you’re seeking an engaging blend of history, culture, and gentle adventure, the Hakone Hachiri Hiking tour offers the perfect escape. Guided by an adventure travel certified expert from Explore Hakone, this private walking experience takes you along the scenic and historic Hakone Hachiri Old Pathway.
Recognized as part of Japan Heritage, Hakone Hachiri was a crucial section of the Old Tokaido Road, a historic route established during the Edo period that connected Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). This trail is rich with authentic history, vibrant culture, and lush natural beauty that invites exploration.
Spanning about seven hours in total, this journey suits trekking enthusiasts, with gentle terrain paired with captivating stories. Along the way, you’ll visit the birthplace of traditional Hakone yosegi woodcraft and uncover the region’s rich history and culture that have been passed down through generations. The tour also includes a stop at a 400-year-old amazake teahouse, a beloved local spot serving naturally sweet fermented rice drink, where you can connect with Hakone’s friendly residents. Lunch is provided, allowing time to savor local flavors amid serene surroundings.
Whether you're drawn by the scenery, the stories, or the opportunity to slow down and connect with local life, this hike invites you to experience Hakone in a truly meaningful way.
6. Kamakura Garden Tour with a Local Kamakura Garden Designer (Kamakura City)
Tucked between temples and forested hills, Kamakura’s gardens offer a quiet window into Japan’s timeless connection with nature. This intimate walking tour, led by Ms. Imoto, an award-winning local garden designer, reveals both the iconic and lesser-known landscapes of this historic city. Each site is thoughtfully selected for its seasonal beauty and presented through the expert perspective of someone who shapes them for a living.
Rather than simply observing, you'll learn how to interpret these gardens as expressions of seasonality, spirituality, and design. Stops may include renowned temple grounds such as Engakuji and Jochiji, alongside hidden corners that are rarely visited by travelers. Ms. Imoto also shares her insight into Kamakura’s cultural history, local lifestyle, and natural environment, creating a deeper context for what you see along the way. For those who wish to extend the experience, a traditional Japanese lunch is available for an additional fee. The meal features a beautifully prepared assortment of seasonal vegetables, seafood, and rice, served in a peaceful setting that complements the spirit of the tour.
The tour includes about three hours of walking across varied terrain, making it a refreshing yet relaxed exploration. With its balance of natural beauty, history, and design, this experience offers a more personal and poetic way to see Kamakura.
7. Narukawa Art Museum Private Guided Tour & Teatime with a View (Hakone)
Step into a quieter, more contemplative side of Hakone at the Narukawa Art Museum, where centuries-old techniques meet timeless scenery. Specializing in nihonga, a traditional Japanese painting style made with natural mineral pigments, the museum houses an impressive collection of over 4,000 works.
Your private tour is guided by Mr. Kanagawa, the museum’s director, whose deep expertise and personal relationships with the artists bring each piece to life. Even those unfamiliar with nihonga will find the experience approachable and enriching, thanks to his engaging storytelling and insightful commentary.
After exploring the galleries, you’ll be invited to relax in the museum’s café, where coffee or matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets are served at the best seats in the house, overlooking Lake Ashi, with Mt. Fuji often visible on clear days. It’s the perfect setting to reflect on the beauty and craftsmanship you’ve just encountered. To complete your visit, Mr. Kanagawa will present you with a hand-picked souvenir, offering a personal touch to an already unforgettable cultural experience.
This is more than a museum visit—it’s a meeting point of art, nature, and human connection in one of Hakone’s most elegant spaces.
For more details on these tours, please contact IACE TRAVEL (info@iacepromotion.com).
The Kanagawa Premium Collection offers a gateway to Japan’s rich heritage through luxury private experiences that blend tradition, nature, artistry, and history into unforgettable journeys. Each carefully crafted adventure invites you to explore sacred temples, historic trails, exquisite craftsmanship, and inspiring cultural spaces, all designed to awaken your senses and deepen your appreciation for this remarkable region. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Kanagawa guarantees discoveries that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
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