2 hour private experience
Location: Kita Ward, Kyoto City
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Step into Kyoto's only Kokutaiji school Rinzai sect Zen temple and engage in a sermon over tea with the head monk. Then, settle into a zazen meditation session led by the head monk himself. Finally, tour the temple grounds or enjoy a moment of peace.
Who can attend
Children must be 10+
What to wear
Comfortable clothing and clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.
What else you should know
Please inform us of any dietary requirements, including allergies, at checkout.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (09:30 - 11:30)
Session 2 (13:00 - 15:00)
Session 3 (15:30 - 17:30)
Access
30 minutes by car from Kyoto Station
Meditate and Repeat
Just west of the bustling premises of the Golden Pavilion lies a temple in a quiet neighborhood, nestled amongst the hills. Climb the stairs and pass through the gate to find yourself beside a rock garden with flowing sand in manicured waves. This quiet temple is said to have been built on the location where the founder of Kokutaiji, a major Rinzai Zen temple in the Hokuriku region, rested on his way to visit the Emperor in Kyoto, during the early 14th century. Following the values of the Rinzai sect, which focuses on achieving kensho, or sudden enlightenment, through rigorous discipline, this temple offers visitors the opportunity to experience the path to kensho through zazen meditation. Step inside this temple and join the head monk for a Rinzai Zen sermon over tea. Then, move on to a zazen meditation session, led by the head monk himself, and find your inner peace with views of the flowing rock garden. Finally, tour the temple grounds and experience the garden up close, or head back inside the temple to enjoy a moment of tea and soak in the quiet atmosphere offered here.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 3 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
