Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch
What comes to mind when you think of Zen? Before engaging in Zen meditation, a local guide will lead you to a garden where you can immerse yourself in the essence of Zen.
"Zen" is an inherently esoteric Buddhist concept, even for the Japanese. While the word "Zen" may conjure thoughts of Zen meditation, this tour will initially guide you to a garden imbued with Zen principles. Amidst the tranquil setting of the Zen garden, a local guide will provide you with fundamental information on how to appreciate both the garden and the practice of Zen meditation." Visit Tofukuji Zen Temple, one of the five Great Zen Temples in Kyoto, and partake in a Zen meditation experience.
We will then proceed to Tofukuji Temple, one of the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. Tofukuji boasts a rich history, serving as a residence and Zen practice site for monks since the 13th century. Following this exploration, we will make our way to a smaller temple within Tofuku-ji dedicated to zazen practice.
Options
Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch
What's included in Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Experience Zen meditation at one of the five major Zen temples in Kyoto. Get insights into how to practice zazen or Zen meditation from a local guide. Enjoy the Zen garden (dry landscape garden) with a guide's commentary and feel the tranquility. Enjoy traditional vegetarian food historically served by Zen monks at Zen temples.
Inclusions
- Sho-jin Buddhist Vegetarian Lunch
- 4.5 hrs with a local guide
- Lunch
- Entrance fee of all venues we will visit
- Zazen Meditation Experience (1hour)
- Photos during a tour
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
- Those who booked a tour starting from 10:45, the lunch time would be 14:15 (after meditation experience), so please have enough breakfast or brunch.
- Out of respect for other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.
- You will not be able to join the tour, get refund or rescheduled if you are late for the tour and missed the group.
- Since other guests will be participating in the zazen experience, private conversations are generally prohibited. During this time, you will be given materials that can be read silently.
- Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
- Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.
- Anyone over 12 years can join this tour
- For any dietary request, please request in advance (by the day before). We are unable to accept any request on the day of the tour.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Outside of Tofukuji Station EXIT 2, Next to the Family Mart ［From Kyoto stn. to Tofukuji stn.］ JR line：You can use both rapid trains and local trains. ［From Shijyo keihan to Tofukuji station］ Keihan line : You can use sub-express, semi express and local trains. Please DO NOT USE express trains.