Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with traditional Sho-jin lunchFeeling Zen by experiencing Zazen meditation, Zen garden, and Traditional Buddhist meal for lunch with a local guide

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 traditional Buddhist meal –that has been embraced by Japanese monks since the 13th century, known as Shojin Ryori. This emphasizes the use of vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed by eschewing meat and fish in its true form.

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 Buddhist 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.