Enter a historic Soto Zen temple and immerse yourself in meditation and tea ceremony
2 hour private experience
Location: Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Learn about the Soto Zen school and Zen meditation. Then, experience a session of zazen meditation, led by the head monk. Finally, join the head monk tea master for a urasenke-style tea ceremony.
Who can attend
Children must be 12+
What to wear
Comfortable clothing suitable for meditation
What else you should know
Please inform us of any dietary requirements, including allergies, at checkout.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (13:00 - 15:00)
Session 3 (15:00 - 17:00)
Access
25 minutes by car from Kyoto Station
Tranquility Amidst History
Through the temple gate, or sanmon, once part of the Fushimi Castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi more than 400 years ago, Kyoto's first Soto Zen temple sits, tucked away amongst a quiet neighborhood in western Kyoto. In the late 1500s, this temple was built after the founder of Soto Zen Buddhism, Dogen, moved away from Kyoto. With its roots also based in backing from one of the historic unifiers of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this temple has served as both a sacred space for Soto Zen Buddhism and as a conserver of history, beginning with the temple gate and including the cemetery lined with notable headstones. On the grounds of this historic Soto Zen temple, immerse yourself in the history and practices of Soto Zen, along with a zazen meditation session with views of the temple garden. After the mediation, savour matcha with a urasenke-style tea ceremony led by the head monk tea master himself.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
