Kyoto Temple Meditation & Garden Tour

Tour Highlights

Experience Zen meditation at one of Kyoto's five great Zen temples

Learn from a local guide how to practise Zazen, or Zen meditation

Appreciate a Zen garden (karesansui rock garden) with your guide's narration and feel the tranquillity

Enjoy a traditional monk's meal at the temple

What comes to mind when you think of Zen? Before beginning your Zen practice, the local guide will take you to the garden, allowing you to immerse yourself in the essence of Zen.

Even for Japanese people, "Zen" is essentially a profound Buddhist concept. While the word "Zen" might evoke meditation, this tour will first lead you to a garden imbued with Zen principles. In the peaceful setting of the Zen garden, the local guide will provide you with basic information on how to appreciate the garden and the practice of Zen meditation. Visit Tofuku‑ji Temple, one of Kyoto's five great Zen temples, to take part in a Zen meditation experience.

After appreciating the Zen garden, we will head to Tofuku‑ji Temple, one of Kyoto's five major Zen temples.

"Zen" is an inner, profound Buddhist concept, even for Japanese people

This tour will first lead you to a garden filled with Zen concepts

Tea ceremony experience

In the serene atmosphere of the Zen garden, the local guide will provide you with basic information on how to appreciate the garden and Zen practice

Lunch provided on this tour is shojin ryori, a vegetarian meal historically eaten by Zen monks

Visit Japanese gardens and temples for more Zen vibes!

Traditional cuisine emphasises the use of vegetables, mushrooms and seaweed. Some dishes may use fish stock, and one dish will include a small amount of dairy product

Visit one of Kyoto's five great Zen temples for a Zen meditation experience