Kyoto Private Zen Meditation with Matcha & Garden (English)

1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: German and 3 more

Step inside a working Zen temple in Kyoto for a private cultural experience rarely available to ordinary visitors. Meet your English-speaking guide and join the resident priest for an authentic zazen meditation session inside a traditional Zen hall. Learn proper posture, breathing, and meditation practice in a quiet setting designed for reflection and mindfulness.

After meditation, move to a tatami room overlooking a centuries-old karesansui Zen garden. Enjoy freshly whisked matcha tea and a seasonal Japanese sweet while the priest explains Zen philosophy, temple culture, and the meaning behind the garden’s stone arrangements and rake patterns. Your guide translates throughout the experience, helping you connect naturally with the priest and better understand the traditions of Zen Buddhism.

This intimate experience offers a peaceful side of Kyoto that most travelers never see.

What's Included

English Speaking Instructor
Freshly whisked matcha tea
Daisen-in Temple

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guide will be waiting in front of the Sōmon Gate of Daitoku-ji Temple. They are holding a "YURAGI" signboard. If you cannot find them, please contact the guide via WhatsApp or phone.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Meet your English-speaking guide in central Kyoto and enter a working Zen temple normally closed to walk-in visitors. Begin with a private zazen meditation session led by the resident priest, where you'll learn proper posture, breathing, and Zen meditation practice inside an authentic meditation hall.

After meditation, move to a quiet tatami room overlooking a centuries-old karesansui (Zen dry landscape garden). Enjoy freshly whisked matcha tea and a seasonal Japanese sweet while your guide translates the priest’s explanations about Zen philosophy, garden design, and temple culture.

Throughout the experience, your guide helps you communicate directly with the priest, ask questions, and better understand the meaning behind each ritual and space. This intimate cultural experience offers a rare opportunity to experience Kyoto’s Zen tradition beyond ordinary sightseeing.

Highlights:
・Private Zen meditation session with a resident priest
・Freshly prepared matcha tea and seasonal sweet
・View a traditional Zen dry landscape garden
・Exclusive access to a working Zen temple
・English-speaking guide throughout the experience

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by YURAGI

Tags

Yoga Classes
Historical Tours
Cooking Classes
Sports Lessons
Additional fees
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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