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A person sitting on a tatami mat facing a large window with a view of a lush garden. 1
A person sitting on a carpeted floor with a notebook and a pen. 2
People lying on tatami mats in a traditional Japanese room with large windows. 3
A traditional Japanese room with tatami mats and black cushions, large windows with a view of a lush garden. 4
A group of people sitting on tatami mats in a traditional Japanese room. 5

【Kyoto】Zen Experience in a Temple with Matcha & Sweets

By Denei Japan tour
10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$578 per traveller* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple travellers
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Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

  • Learn the basic ideas of Zen from the 16th-generation chief monk
  • Practice two zazen meditation sessions in a quiet temple room
  • Enjoy selected Japanese tea, matcha, and seasonal Kyoto sweets
  • Try the traditional keisaku shoulder tap if you wish
  • Receive professional photos after the experience

Activity location

    • Kyoto
    • Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • 18 Taniguchisonomachi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8015, Japan | The meeting point is the north gate of Myoushinji temple. You can see the large gate on the north side.
    • Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Private Zen Experience

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

This is a private experience for one group, focused on practising Zazen meditation in a peaceful temple setting. Starting at 8:00 AM, the quiet morning offers the best time to calm your mind while admiring the serene Japanese garden, free from crowds.

Language options: English
Starting time: 8:00 AM
Price details
AU$578.12 x 1 TravellerAU$578.12
Total
Price is AU$578.12
Until Fri, 17 July

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Guide
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Photographer
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Temple entry
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Introduction to Zen by the chief monk
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Two zazen meditation sessions
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Welcome Japanese tea
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Matcha and seasonal Kyoto sweets
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Optional keisaku experience
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Photo data after the experience
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Transport to the meeting point
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Tips
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Souvenirs and personal purchases

Know before you book

  • Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs, Weapons or sharp objects

What you can expect

  • Experience Overview
    Your experience begins at the North Gate of Myoshin-ji Temple, where your guide will welcome you and lead you through the temple grounds to Jusho-in.

Inside the temple, the chief monk will introduce the basic ideas of Zen and the posture of Zazen. You will then practice two zazen meditation sessions in a quiet temple room. Chairs are available for guests who prefer not to sit on the floor.

After meditation, you will enjoy selected matcha and seasonal Kyoto sweets in the temple. There will also be time for conversation with the monk and your guide. A photographer will capture moments of the experience, and you will receive the photo data afterwards.

  • About the Location
    Jusho-in is a historic sub-temple of Myoshin-ji Temple, one of the largest Zen temple complexes in Kyoto. Founded in 1599, Jusho-in is usually not open to the general public.

This experience gives guests a chance to spend time inside a quiet temple room, away from the busy sightseeing areas of Kyoto. From the room and veranda, guests can enjoy the view of the temple garden, which changes with the seasons.

  • About the Chief Monk
    Eitetsu Nishida is the 16th-generation abbot of Jusho-in. Before becoming a monk, he worked as a national public servant for 10 years. After completing three and a half years of Zen training, he now serves as the abbot of Jusho-in.

During this experience, he introduces the basic ideas of Zen and guides guests through zazen meditation in a simple and welcoming way.

  • What Makes This Experience Special
    This experience takes place inside Jusho-in, a quiet temple usually not open to the public.

Guests can learn zazen directly from the 16th-generation chief monk, then enjoy matcha and seasonal sweets in the same calm temple setting. It is designed to be simple and welcoming, so even first-time visitors can take part without needing any previous knowledge of Zen.

The experience also includes photos, giving guests a way to remember the time they spent inside the temple.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Kyoto
    • Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • 18 Taniguchisonomachi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8015, Japan | The meeting point is the north gate of Myoushinji temple. You can see the large gate on the north side.
    • Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • 18 Taniguchisonomachi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8015, Japan | The meeting point is the north gate of Myoushinji temple. You can see the large gate on the north side.
    • Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan