Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Step away from Kyoto’s busy streets and enter Joju-ji Temple, a quiet hidden temple with an authentic atmosphere. In this experience, you will practice zazen meditation inside the main hall, guided by the abbot and supported by the guide.
Before meditation, the abbot will explain the basic posture, breathing, and mindset of zazen. This experience is beginner-friendly, so no knowledge of Buddhism or meditation is needed. It is not strict religious training, but a gentle chance to slow down and experience a real Buddhist temple.
After meditation, you will move to the hojo, a traditional temple room, for a relaxed Q&A about Zen, Buddhism, temple life, or Japanese culture.
The experience ends with a traditional sencha-do tea ceremony, featuring selected Japanese tea and seasonal sweets. Sencha-do is a refined tea culture centered on loose-leaf green tea. Through tea, sweets, and the quiet atmosphere, you can feel Kyoto’s seasonal beauty.
Example Menu
Dessert
Tradditional Japanese Sweets
The sweets served are always inspired by the current season. We hope you will enjoy feeling the season through selected tea and Japanese sweets.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point for this experience is at the bottom of the entrance stairs to Joju-ji Temple. The guide will come to meet you there, so please wait at the bottom and do not climb the long stairs.
What to expect
Before the meditation begins, the abbot will give a simple explanation and introduction.
After the meditation, you will move to the hojo, a traditional temple room next to the main hall, for a Q&A session. Finally, you will take part in a tea gathering, where tea and Japanese sweets will be served.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
