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Product #162131
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Travelers experiencing Zazen meditation inside a Kyoto Zen temple, learning deep relaxation and inner peace in a tranquil Japanese setting.
Tourists diligently learning the essentials of Zazen meditation guided by a monk inside a traditional Zen temple in Kyoto, embracing Buddhist practice.
Traditional bamboo purification fountain (tsukubai) with wooden ladles at a Kyoto Zen temple entrance, illustrating Japanese temple etiquette and ritual cleansing.
Travelers walking towards the grand main hall of a magnificent Zen temple in Kyoto, immersing themselves in the solemn temple atmosphere and cultural journey.
A matcha bowl and pink wagashi (Japanese sweet) on a tatami mat, offering a taste of traditional Japanese tea ceremony snacks during Kyoto Zen temple tour.
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Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with traditional Sho-jin lunch

Japan-Kansai , Kyoto , Kyoto Station Area , Higashiyama
Duration:4 hour(s) 30 min(s)
Guided language: English
Free cancellation 2 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
Experience Zen meditation at one of the five major Zen temples in Kyoto.
Gain insights into how to practice "zazen" or Zen meditation from a local guide.
Enjoy the Zen garden (dry landscape garden) with a guide's commentary and feel the tranquility.
Savor traditional vegetarian food historically served by Zen monks at a Zen temple.

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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Product Info

What comes to mind when you think of Zen?
Before engaging in Zen meditation, a local guide will lead you to a garden where you can immerse yourself in the essence of Zen.
 
"Zen" is an inherently esoteric Buddhist concept, even for the Japanese. While the word "Zen" may conjure thoughts of Zen meditation, this tour will initially guide you to a garden imbued with Zen principles. Amidst the tranquil setting of the Zen garden, a local guide will provide you with fundamental information on how to appreciate both the garden and the practice of Zen meditation."
 
Visit Tofukuji Zen Temple, one of the five Great Zen Temples in Kyoto, and partake in a Zen meditation experience.
After admiring the Zen garden, we will proceed to Tofukuji Temple, one of the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. Tofukuji boasts a rich history, serving as a residence and Zen practice site for monks since the 13th century.
 
During the visit, you'll have the opportunity to witness the impressive San-mon gate, intricate dragon ceiling paintings, and the oldest surviving toji (toilet). Following this exploration, we will make our way to a smaller temple within Tofuku-ji dedicated to zazen practice.
 
As our guide will maintain silence during the zazen session, you will be provided with special silent reading materials for the tour. In the serene surroundings of Kyoto, enveloped by nature and quietude, you will engage in a one-hour session to experience and learn the posture, breathing techniques, methods, and ideas associated with zazen.
 
After meditation, let's visit Japanese garden and temple to feel more about zen!
Following the zazen session, we will engage in a brief discussion with the monks, sharing our thoughts and experiences. Afterward, we will embark on a short walk to partake in a vegetarian meal – a vegan diet that has been embraced by Japanese monks since the 13th century, known as Shojin Ryori. This traditional cuisine emphasizes the use of vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed, eschewing meat and fish.
 
The adjacent temple to the restaurant was once home to as many as 1,200 Buddhist monks for training, providing us with the opportunity to savor traditional and authentic vegetarian cuisine.
 
The tour will conclude with a conversation about the Zen insights we have gained today, set against the backdrop of a serene Japanese atmosphere as we enjoy a traditional Buddhist lunch.

Purchase Notice

Anyone over 12 years old can join this tour.
For those who have booked a tour starting from 10:45, lunchtime will be at 14:15 (after the meditation experience), so please ensure you have had enough breakfast or brunch.
The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.
Out of respect for other guests and to ensure the best experience for everyone, we must start the tour on time.
You will not be able to join the tour, receive a refund, or reschedule if you are late and miss the group.
As other guests will be participating in the zazen experience, private conversations are generally prohibited. During this time, you will be provided with materials that can be read silently.

Reminders

  • Cancel Policy

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the tour starting time.

  • Free date/time change up to 24 hours till the tour starting time (depending on availability).

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. What unique features can be observed in a Zen garden during a Kyoto Zen meditation experience?

During a Kyoto Zen meditation experience, Zen gardens, or karesansui, offer unique features designed for contemplation. You'll observe meticulously raked gravel or sand representing water, and carefully placed rocks symbolizing islands or mountains. A local guide provides commentary, explaining the deeper meaning and minimalist aesthetics, allowing visitors to feel a profound sense of tranquility and an appreciation for nature's subtle beauty inherent in these dry landscape gardens.

2. Which of Kyoto's five major Zen temples are typically visited on a Zen Meditation & Garden Tour?

Kyoto is home to five major Zen temples (Gozan), renowned for their historical significance and spiritual heritage. A Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour specifically includes a visit to one of these prominent Zen temples. While the exact temple may vary, each offers an authentic setting for experiencing Zazen meditation and exploring a traditional Zen garden, providing a deep dive into Kyoto's rich Buddhist culture and history within a sacred space.

3. What unique experiences are offered at the Zen temples visited on a Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour?

At the Zen temples visited during a Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour, participants can engage in several unique experiences. This includes practicing Zazen meditation with guidance from a local expert, offering insights into this ancient discipline. You'll also explore the tranquil Zen garden with commentary, understanding its design and philosophy. Furthermore, the tour includes savoring a traditional Sho-jin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian meal), historically prepared for Zen monks, providing a complete cultural immersion and taste of monastic life.

4. How does a Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour compare to longer Zen retreats for deeper experiences?

A Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour offers a focused, introductory experience perfect for those seeking to understand Zen Buddhism in a shorter timeframe. It provides a guided introduction to Zazen meditation, Zen gardens, and a traditional meal. Longer Zen retreats, conversely, are typically multi-day immersive programs involving extended periods of meditation, manual labor, and communal living, designed for a more profound and sustained spiritual practice. The tour is an excellent starting point before committing to a full retreat.

5. What are the specific guidelines for eye posture during Zazen meditation practices on a Kyoto Zen tour?

During Zazen meditation on a Kyoto Zen tour, participants are typically guided on correct eye posture. The common practice is to keep the eyes slightly open, gazing softly downwards at a 45-degree angle, without focusing on anything specific. This semi-open gaze helps maintain awareness and avoid drowsiness or daydreaming, promoting a state of alert relaxation rather than complete detachment from the surroundings. A local guide will provide detailed instructions to ensure proper technique.

6. Is Zen meditation, as practiced on a Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour, compatible with various religious beliefs?

Zen meditation, particularly when experienced as part of a Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour, is generally considered compatible with various religious beliefs. Many view Zazen as a practice focused on mindfulness, self-awareness, and mental discipline, rather than a conversion or adoption of a new religion. It offers techniques for cultivating inner peace and clarity that can complement existing spiritual paths, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate comfortably without compromising their faith.

7. Is a Zen Meditation & Garden Tour in Kyoto accessible to beginners with no prior meditation experience?

Yes, a Zen Meditation & Garden Tour in Kyoto is specifically designed to be highly accessible for beginners with no prior meditation experience. The tour includes comprehensive guidance from a local expert who will provide clear instructions on how to practice 'zazen' or Zen meditation. This ensures that even first-time participants can comfortably engage with the practice, understand its principles, and fully appreciate the serene environment of the Zen temple and garden in a supportive setting.

8. Beyond eye posture, what are other key rules or postures to follow during Zazen meditation on a Kyoto tour?

Beyond eye posture, several other key rules and postures are followed during Zazen meditation on a Kyoto tour. These include maintaining a straight, upright spine, with the head gently pushed upwards and chin slightly tucked. The hands typically form a 'cosmic mudra,' where the left hand rests on the right, with thumbs lightly touching. Emphasis is also placed on deep, steady abdominal breathing to calm the mind. A local guide will explain and demonstrate these essential aspects for a comfortable and effective practice.

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