KYOTO · ZEN MEDITATION SESSIONS
The 15 best zen meditation sessions you can reserve today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
Small-group Kyoto Zen temple tour with guided zazen, dry garden walk, and traditional Buddhist lunch. Temple entry included.
“It was a excellent zen experience with japanese garden and temple. I learned about zen and Buddha and Buddhism. Also vegetarian lunch was a excellent choice”
Practice zazen with abbot Eitetsu Nishida at Jusho-in, then sip matcha and wagashi in a centuries-old garden. Photos included, 2 hours.
“Absolutely loved the experience - beautiful temple area and a small building overlooking a gorgeous 400 year old garden. The chief monk guided us through meditation with humour and kindness, and explained the practice before sitting down with us to share the meditation. The meditation zazen experience was extremely well organised - with a great translator and photographer who had awesome communication. For those who needed it they had chairs available, and bathrooms too. Couldn't fault it, will be recommending to everyone and anyone we meet!”
Kyoto matcha tea ceremony in a 100-year townhouse. Learn Omotesenke steps, make your own bowl, taste sweets, and buy crafts.
“It was such a pleasant experience. We learned about the culture and how to properly prepare a matcha tea. It was great to share this activity with a small and nice group. Our guide was lovely and explained everything into detail. Totally recommend!”
Zen meditation at a private Kyoto temple with a monk, matcha tea, and garden walk. Guided English session for small groups.
“It was a unique experience that we greatly enjoyed. The temple is peaceful ant the garden so nice and quiet . The guide was excellent and very friendly and so was the monk who gave us a lot of information about the philosophy. Ideal way to feel Japan from the inside.”
Guided Kyoto Zen meditation at Tofukuji: zazen with a monk, Zen garden walks, temple sights, and Shojin Ryori lunch for $107.
“A very special experience for me and I loved all of it - the zen garden, the zazen meditation with a zen monk, the temple, the delicious lunch afterwards. Our guide Louis was great and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”
Join a monk for Zen meditation in a private Kyoto temple, then enjoy matcha tea and traditional snacks in a small group.
“It is a more private experience at a smaller but beautiful temple. The monk is very genuine but insightful. I highly recommend this experience”
Start Kyoto mornings with Zen in a machiya café, guided by Rinzai-trained Uyesugi. Mantra, zazen, and single-origin coffee in 1 hour.
“solo female traveller here - wanting something different/new? do this!! it’s the perfect start to your morning. Uyesugi is so calm, informative and knowledgeable. He will guide you through zen meditation and then make you an amazing singleRead more”
Candlelit Zen in Kyoto: private 70-minute zazen with a monk, tea ceremony, and garden views at a temple closed to the public.
“An amazing setting, very peaceful. Learned about different sects of Buddhism and cleared my mind.”
A private Zen meditation workshop in Kyoto’s machiya house, with zazen, walking mindfulness, and tea plus sweet near Kyoto Station.
“What a beautiful and unique afternoon we spent. In a few hours we took a deeper dive into the history and practice of Zen meditation. Brian was prompt, kind and incredibly knowledgeable. We had time to explore a temple, learn posture and both sit and walk meditate.”
A calm, hands-on one-hour origami mindfulness workshop in Kyoto at GojoParadiso, with guided folding, photo, and take-home creations.
“This experience was very interesting and relaxing!!! I learnt something new! The Japanese guide is very kind and sweet, she explained very well how to make origami!”
Spend a quiet Kyoto night at Keishunin Temple, with illuminated gardens, guided zazen, and matcha tea plus sweets in a historic tea room.
“One of the best activities that I did on this trip , worth it every penny!”
Zen-style Arashiyama tour with monk meditation at Daihikaku Senkoji, tea ceremony, bamboo forest, and scenic Kyoto views.
“Wonderful tour and guidance by our host Miyake to a unique hilltop temple experience via a very scenic route and Arashiyama is a delightful town by itself. Can easily be a 1, 2 or 3 day stay with fun activities. Travelers from Kyoto be sure to take the correct trainline whiRead more”
Walk Toji Temple in Kyoto with a meditation guide, learn esoteric Buddhism, and sit quietly in a serene hall for 1 hour.
“Roy is very knowledgeable about Buddhism and history of Toji. I’ve learned a lot insights from him. The meditation experience was exceptional. We sat at a hall that’s tranquil and less known to most tourists. Very memorable tour experience!”
A VIP, monk-guided visit to Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, with taxi pickup, interpreter support, and a dialogue in the private Jojuin Garden.
“This experience was truly the highlight of our trip to Japan. It was an incredible honor to have met our new favorite Monk, Onishi Shoin. His wisdom and presence left a lasting impact on my husband and I. We were deeply moved by the opportRead more”
Private Kyoto morning meditation with Shakyo sutra calligraphy, matcha tea, and head healing. Calm 1.5-hour session for 1 to 2.
“At seven o'clock on a quiet Kyoto morning, we arrived at the shop filled with excitement for the special day ahead. First came sutra copying. With each stroke of the brush, my thoughts cleared, a focused time unlike anything in daily life. I felt Read more”
Every kind of day in the city, and the best-reviewed way to book it.
