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Offered languages
- English
Engage in a transformative journey through the core principles of Zen and meditation in this unique experience. Begin with an enlightening lecture on zazen, where you will learn the history and techniques to align body, breath, and mind. Participate in guided demonstrations that cover posture and breathing, followed by a short zazen session to practice with fellow meditators. Delve into a longer meditation period, where you can choose to receive gentle taps to enhance focus. Afterward, discuss insights with the head priest about the Three Poisons and practical meditation techniques. Conclude with a serene matcha tea ceremony, enjoying seasonal sweets while deepening your appreciation for this calming tradition.
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Main
Matcha Tea Ceremony
Matcha is a uniquely Japanese tea known for its rich umami and gentle bitterness, with the very act of whisking it offering a calming experience.
Dessert
Seasonal Japanese sweets
Experience a uniquely Japanese moment of calm, where the sweetness of seasonal wagashi perfectly complements the bitterness of matcha.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
You’ll meet in front of the temple located on the corner of the intersection by a staff holding a smartphone displaying 「Alva Japan Tours」 Please note that there are other temples nearby, so be careful not to mistake the location.
What to expect
Next, practice a short zazen session to get comfortable, sharing your thoughts with fellow participants. Feel free to ask questions, with a bilingual guide translating any technical terms into English.
Once prepared, move on to the main zazen session. Sit for a longer period, cultivating awareness without getting caught up in thoughts or emotions. Experience the optional keisaku, a gentle tap on the shoulders to help you refocus, if you choose.
After zazen, engage in a discussion, sharing your experiences and learning practical tips from the head priest.
Conclude with a matcha tea ceremony, where the head priest prepares matcha and seasonal sweets for you. Savor the aroma and taste, enhanced by your heightened senses from zazen. Learn about the tea ceremony’s origins and etiquette, experiencing how it serves as a practice for calming the mind.
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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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.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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