Kyoto Zen Retreat Through Tea Ceremony after Zazen meditation

Kyoto, Japan
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Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers

Overview

Step away from Kyoto’s busy streets and enter Joju-ji Temple, a quiet hidden temple with an authentic atmosphere. In this experience, you will practice zazen meditation inside the main hall, guided by the abbot and supported by the guide.

Before meditation, the abbot will explain the basic posture, breathing, and mindset of zazen. This experience is beginner-friendly, so no knowledge of Buddhism or meditation is needed. It is not strict religious training, but a gentle chance to slow down and experience a real Buddhist temple.

After meditation, you will move to the hojo, a traditional temple room, for a relaxed Q&A about Zen, Buddhism, temple life, or Japanese culture.

The experience ends with a traditional sencha-do tea ceremony, featuring selected Japanese tea and seasonal sweets. Sencha-do is a refined tea culture centered on loose-leaf green tea. Through tea, sweets, and the quiet atmosphere, you can feel Kyoto’s seasonal beauty.

What's included

  • Admission fee
  • Gratuities

What to expect

You will walk up the stairs together with the guide and enter the main hall, where you will practice zazen meditation.

Before the meditation begins, the abbot will give a simple explanation and introduction.

After the meditation, you will move to the hojo, a traditional temple room next to the main hall, for a Q&A session. Finally, you will take part in a tea gathering, where tea and Japanese sweets will be served.

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Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point for this experience is at the bottom of the entrance stairs to Joju-ji Temple.

The guide will come to meet you there, so please wait at the bottom and do not climb the long stairs.

End point

The meeting point for this experience is at the bottom of the entrance stairs to Joju-ji Temple.

The guide will come to meet you there, so please wait at the bottom and do not climb the long stairs.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
19,000.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Denei experience · Booked through Viator
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From
19,000.00 JPY per person
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