2 Hours Private Zen Meditation Experience in Kakunodate

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2 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

You may be thinking, "Samurai and Zen?" However, many warlords took refuge in Buddhism, including Zen Buddhists, and countless Zen priests who worked with warlords as military strategists and educators.

It is no exaggeration to say that the spirit of samurai bushido aims to reach the state of Zen.

The Soto denomination of Buddhism, the temple where this experience is held, places particular emphasis on Zen meditation among the various denominations of Buddhism.

It has been the spiritual center of the community for 350 years. It is an extremely valuable experience to learn some of the spirit of Zen that has been passed down from generation to generation and in which Samurai also used to incline

What's Included

Samue (special outfit for monks) rental
It includes dumplings from a local Japanese sweets shop that has been in business for 100 years. Also included is one locally loved street food stall.
Insurance

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

A local guide will be waiting in front of Kakunodate Station sign board.

What to expect

This Soto Zen temple is located in a vast area in the rural "Nakagawa" district, about 3 km away from the center of Kakunodate, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan and a constant source of visitors from home and abroad. Surrounded by the great nature of mountains and fresh water, the vast temple grounds are decorated with cherry trees, cedar trees, maple trees, chestnut trees, sara Sangyo trees, and other trees and seasonal flowers, and the chirping of birds and the sound of insects in the silence give the impression of the changing Japanese seasons.

In this activity, participants will have a briefing on how Zen meditation developed in the Soto denomination. The head monk will teach the essence of meditation; posture, breathing, and mindset. Participants will then experience a 15~20 minute meditation followed with small tea party with the monk.

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Akita INAKA Travel

Tags

High Tea
Historical Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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