Kyoto Zen Meditation at a Private Temple

Zazen with a monk, in a Kyoto temple that does not open its gate to visitors.

Area: Kyoto
Duration: 1.5 hours
Language: English
Booking: Instant confirmation

From

¥15,000 per person

approx. US$95

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmation

Overview

Zen meditation in Kyoto at a private temple near Kodaiji that is closed to the public. A monk teaches the posture and the breathing, sits with you, and afterwards talks through your English-speaking guide over matcha and Japanese sweets. Kyoto has hundreds of temples and very few places you can do this properly.

Highlights

A temple closed to the general public
Zazen taught and led by a monk, not a demonstration
Matcha and traditional Japanese sweets afterwards
Time to ask the monk whatever you like, with interpretation
A few minutes from Kodaiji, away from the crowds

Experience

A gate that stays shut

The temple sits in the quiet streets behind Kodaiji Park and does not take visitors. We are able to bring small groups because of a long relationship with the monk who looks after it. Walking in through a gate that is normally closed sets the tone for the rest of the session.

Zazen, taught properly

The monk explains the posture, the breathing and where to rest your eyes, then sits with you. Nothing is rushed and nothing is staged. The first few minutes are the hardest. After that the room settles.

Matcha, sweets and questions

Afterwards matcha is served with traditional sweets, and the monk talks — through your guide — about what the practice is for and how it fits into an ordinary life. Guests ask whatever they like. This part often runs longer than the sitting.

Itinerary

Kodaiji Park

Meet your guide at the park.
The temple

A short walk to the gate, and an introduction.
Zazen

The sitting, led by the monk.
Matcha and conversation

Tea, sweets and time for questions.

Meeting point

Kodaiji Park in Higashiyama, a few minutes from the temple. Your guide carries a Travel Japan Together sign and will contact you on WhatsApp beforehand.

Includes

Entry to the temple
Zen meditation (zazen) session with a monk
Lecture on meditation principles and techniques
Matcha and traditional Japanese sweets
English-speaking guide and interpretation
Transportation fees to and from the meeting point

Gallery

Important Information

You will be sitting on the floor. Wear something you can sit cross-legged in comfortably.
Please arrive on time. The sitting starts together and latecomers cannot join partway through.
This is a working temple, not a venue. Please keep your voice down on arrival.
Your guide will contact you through WhatsApp before the tour, so please install it in advance.

Reviews

5.0 / 5

Based on 616 reviews

FAQ

Do I need any experience of meditation?

No. Most guests have never sat zazen before. The monk teaches the posture and breathing from the beginning.

Will I be hit with a stick?

Only if you ask. The keisaku is offered rather than imposed, and the monk will explain what it is for before anything happens.

Is the monk speaking English?

The monk speaks Japanese and your guide interprets throughout, including the questions afterwards.

How is this different from the temples that offer zazen to the public?

This temple does not open its gate to visitors at all. The group is small, nothing is on a timetable and the monk stays with you afterwards.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Bookings are confirmed instantly.

Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk

Overview

Highlights