Enter a sprawling temple complex for a monk-led zazen meditation followed by tea
1.5 hour private experience
Location: Kita 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
Join the head monk of a central Kyoto Zen temple for private zazen meditation. After zazen finishes, enjoy a cup of matcha tea prepared by the monk paired with friendly conversation. Stroll through the famed gardens with the monk, hearing more about the history of the temple.
Who can attend
Children must be 10+
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 (9:00 - 10:30)
Session 2 (10:30 -12:00)
Session 3 (13:30 - 15:00)
Session 4 (15:00 - 16:30)
Access
27 minutes by car from Kyoto Station
Sipping on the Spiritual
Nestled deep within a sprawling temple complex in central Kyoto, inside the inner quarters of a sub-temple framed by picturesque Zen rock gardens and authentic Muromachi-era sliding screens, lies a rare space of living history. Founded in the early 16th century, this prestigious Zen temple was a favored retreat of tea grandmaster Sen no Rikyu, the founder of Japan’s modern tea ceremony. It is even said that within one of the temple’s most scenic rooms, Rikyu once prepared tea for the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This connection to tea has remained unbroken for centuries, carried forward as a vessel of culture and spirituality. In this private experience, join the head monk for a moment of quiet introspection. Begin with zazen meditation in a tea room normally closed to the public, aligning body and spirit through steady posture and mindful breathing. Afterwards, share a bowl of matcha together in the temple pavilion, where conversation drifts naturally toward Buddhist philosophy. The journey concludes with a guided stroll through the temple’s celebrated Zen gardens—a timeless landscape of stone and moss—leaving you with a profound sense of calm and connection to Kyoto’s spiritual heart.
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.
