Kyoto Zen Temple Deep Dive Experience with a European Monk (Full/Half Day)

Overview

Discover the fun side of Zen with a European monk in Kyoto!

This unique experience includes a temple visit, magic tricks, "zazen" (seated meditation), garden contemplation, lectures, haiku workshops, and a calligraphy souvenir, all designed to help you understand Zen and Japan in an entertaining and accessible way. Experience the essence of Zen practice with guided meditation & interactive lectures in a welcoming, dreamlike setting.

Highlights

• Learn from a European Zen monk who speaks perfect English, ensuring clear communication and understanding
• Get insights into the meaning of Japanese gardens, statues, sutras, meditation, and art
• Experience the essence of Zen with a guided session in a 400-year-old meditation hall
• Participate in creative workshops filled with laughter and learning
• Perfect for family groups or those less interested in spirituality — the monk will entertain and educate everyone

Important Information

• Shared tours require at least 6 participants to go ahead
• For guests choosing the full-day option, we recommend bringing your own lunch, such as a sandwich, "onigiri" (rice ball), or "bento" (Japanese lunchbox), along with a plastic bag for any trash
• You can easily purchase bread, sandwiches, or pastries at a bakery near the meeting point
• Depending on the weather and the temple's availability, lunch may be enjoyed either indoors or outdoors
• Guests who prefer can also take a 1-hour break to have lunch in the city center; however, there are no restaurants or picnic-friendly shops within a 15-minute walk of the temple, so we generally do not recommend this option

Description

• In collaboration with a French Zen monk, who speaks perfect British English, we deliver a never-before-seen experience that is both highly entertaining and deeply enriching.

  What to Expect

  Private visit to a Zen Temple: Discover the serene beauty of one of Japan’s most exquisite temples, Koshoji in Uji, through a professional guided tour.
• Garden Contemplation: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of traditional Japanese gardens and understand their hidden symbolism.
• Haiku and koan (Zen riddle) Workshops: Participate in creative workshops with a healthy dose of laughter.
• Buddhism History Lectures: Gain deep insights into the rich history and philosophy of Buddhism, especially Zen.
• Zazen Meditation: Experience the essence of Zen practice with a guided meditation session.
• Close-up Magic: A wonderful workshop to understand the message of Zen in a fun and memorable manner.
• Calligraphy: What better souvenir than a "kanji" (Chinese character) written by yourself?

Zen is an invitation, and we believe that Zen can be fun! We believe that understanding Zen helps people understand Japan.

Total

15,000 JPY

Rakuten Point:

+136

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