Viator Rating : 5 (432 reviews)
Kyoto
Kyoto Zen Meditation: Temple Tour & Garden Lunch
270
Overview
Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch takes you on a peaceful journey into the heart of Zen Buddhism. A local guide will show you a beautiful Zen garden, where you can learn about the ideas behind Zen.
Then, the tour visits Tofukuji Zen Temple, one of Kyoto's five most important Zen temples. This temple has been a place for monks to live and practice Zen since the 1200s. You will even get to try Zazen meditation at a smaller temple within Tofukuji.
This experience includes 4.5 hours with a local guide, lunch, entrance fees, a 1-hour Zazen meditation experience, photos during the tour, and a traditional Shojin meal (Dashi-fish broth is used for some dishes, a bit of dairy for a dish). 
Highlights
Discover Zen Principles: Explore a serene Zen garden with a local guide and learn about Zen philosophy.
Meditate at Tofukuji Temple: Partake in a Zazen meditation session at one of Kyoto's five Great Zen Temples.
Enjoy a Traditional Meal: Savor a delicious Shojin meal, a traditional Buddhist cuisine.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personalized experience with a small group.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors loved learning about Zen Buddhism and meditation from knowledgeable guides.
-
The Zen garden was a highlight, providing a tranquil and beautiful experience.
-
Many enjoyed the traditional Buddhist meal.
-
The tour offered a unique and insightful look into Japanese culture.
Some found the meditation session a bit long.
-
A few wished for more time to explore the temple grounds.
The Journey
Zen Garden
A tranquil garden designed to embody Zen principles, offering a serene setting for contemplation and a deeper understanding of Zen philosophy before engaging in meditation.
Tofukuji Temple
One of the five great Zen temples in Kyoto, Tofukuji Temple boasts a rich history as a residence and Zen practice site for monks since the 13th century, providing an authentic setting for Zen meditation.
Zazen Practice Temple (within Tofuku-ji)
A smaller temple within the Tofukuji complex dedicated specifically to zazen practice, offering a focused and intimate environment for experiencing Zen meditation.
Chishaku-in Temple
While the tour concludes near Chishaku-in Temple, it serves as a landmark indicating the end point of the Zen meditation and garden tour, allowing for further exploration of the surrounding area.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes 4.5 hours with a local guide, lunch, entrance fees to all venues, a 1-hour Zazen Meditation Experience, photos taken during the tour, and a traditional Shojin meal (Dashi-fish broth is used for some dishes and a small amount of dairy is used for a dish). It excludes personal expenses and souvenirs. The tour ends near Chishaku-in Temple.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest arriving a few minutes early to fully prepare your mind for the meditative experience. It also helps to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and temple visits.
Review Summary
Customers find this Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour a deeply immersive and well-organized spiritual experience, praising the knowledgeable local guide and the unique opportunity to meditate with a Zen monk at Tofukuji Temple. The serene gardens and traditional lunch are highly appreciated, contributing to a reflective and peaceful day. Some minor downsides include the strict no-late policy and the tour's inaccessibility for wheelchair users, but overall feedback highlights its meaningful cultural insight and calming atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Kyoto
¥9520
Fushimi Inari Hike: Secret Trails & Bamboo Forest
5.0
(1747 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour takes guests on an adventure through the less-traveled paths of the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Instead of the crowded main entrance, this tour starts near Tofukuji Station, leading into a secret back route.
The journey includes a peaceful walk through a hidden bamboo forest and a visit to a small, lesser-known Inari shrine. Away from the usual tourist bustle, discover Fushimi Inari from a fresh perspective, exploring the mountain trails with ease. The hike offers breathtaking views from atop the mountains of Fushimi Inari before circling back to the main shrine area.
This tour provides tour photos. Food and drinks are not included. Explore hidden trails, enjoy nature, and discover cultural gems with Magical Trip, a local tour operator known for excellent small-group experiences in Japan.
Osaka
¥6600
Osaka Go-Kart Tour: Shop Shinsaibashi in Costume!
4.9
(869 reviews)
Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Osaka Shop offers a thrilling and unique way to rediscover Osaka. Forget walking – imagine cruising through the city's vibrant streets on custom-made street go-karts, dressed as favorite characters from comics, games, and anime! This tour takes participants through the heart of Osaka.
The 1-hour tour is led by professional guides who prioritize both fun and safety. Participants can expect to see the main areas of Osaka, including the trendy Amerikamura (American Village), the bustling shopping district of Shinsaibashi, the dazzling lights of Dotonbori, and the energetic atmosphere of Namba. Get ready to turn heads and create unforgettable memories as participants become part of the Osaka spectacle.
The tour includes all necessary taxes, fees, handling charges, costume rental, a lead guide in a kart, the kart rental itself, and fuel. Please note that food, drinks, hotel pickup/drop-off, gratuities, and full coverage insurance are not included.
Kyoto
¥23500
Kyoto Private Tour: Uncover Hidden Gems with a Local!
4.9
(1365 reviews)
Duration: 360
minutes
Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: See the best of Kyoto with a local expert! This private walking tour lets visitors explore the ancient capital's amazing temples, shrines, and gardens at their own pace. With a licensed, English-speaking guide, guests will discover the rich history and culture of this beautiful city. It's like stepping back in time!
Visitors can choose 3-4 places they really want to see, and the guide will make a special plan just for them. If they don't know where to go, the guide can give some good ideas based on what visitors like. Whether they love old buildings, want to learn about history, or just want to try tasty Japanese treats, Kyoto has something for everyone! Be sure to visit the popular Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine with its thousands of red gates, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its amazing views, or the Nishiki Market for some delicious local food.
This tour includes a friendly, local, English-speaking guide who will meet visitors in Kyoto. The guide will help them create a custom tour of 3-4 places they choose. It does not include transportation or entrance fees, lunch, or personal expenses. Private vehicles and combining multiple tour groups are not allowed. Guide entry fees are only covered for the sites listed under 'What to Expect.'
Nara
¥9200
Nara Early Morning Tour: Beat the Crowds!
4.9
(667 reviews)
Duration: 270
minutes
The Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto Departure Option Available) lets visitors see Nara's best spots before it gets too busy. Nara is a popular place, and it can be hard to get good pictures when there are lots of people.
This tour takes guests to Kofuku-ji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Grand Shrine early in the day. This way, everyone can enjoy these places without the crowds. Todaiji Temple is famous for its big bronze Buddha statue, and Nara Park is known for its friendly deer. Kasuga Grand Shrine is beautiful with its many lanterns, and Kofuku-ji Temple has a rich history. This tour is a great way to see the best of Nara in a calm and relaxed way.
The tour includes transportation from Kyoto to Nara if the Kyoto Station Departure Option is selected. An English-speaking guide will also be with the group. Food, drinks, and the return trip from Nara to Kyoto are not included. This is a walking tour with about 10,000 steps, including some stairs and hills. The tour group will have up to 12 guests. Please note that the 4-hour tour duration applies only to the Kyoto Station Departure Option. For the Kintetsu Nara Station Meet-up, it is 3 hours.
Kyoto
¥10300
Kyoto Food Tour: Nishiki Market Brunch & Gion Walk
4.9
(1354 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour takes people on a fun walk through Kyoto. It starts in Gion, a classic part of the city, before trying yummy foods at Nishiki Market. This tour is great for people who love food and want to see the real Kyoto. A local guide will show everyone around the quiet streets of Gion in the morning. It is a peaceful time to see the town.
The tour then goes to Nishiki Market, which is like Kyoto's special kitchen. This market has been around for over 400 years and is loved by the locals. People can enjoy a one-of-a-kind brunch there. They will visit famous places like the Famous Bridge, Pontocho Alley, a Beautiful Shrine, and the popular Famed Market Place.
The tour includes photos taken during the tour, brunch at a restaurant, and trying 2-4 food samples at the market. A local guide will be with the group for 3 hours. It does not include extra food and drinks, but people can buy more if they want. Magical Trip, a tour company with a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, runs this tour. They are known for small group tours all over Japan.
Kyoto
¥14900
Kyoto Sake Tour: Brewery Visit & Tastings
4.9
(621 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour takes visitors to the heart of Kyoto's renowned sake district. This tour dives into the history of sake, the brewing process, and lets you sample different local brews. Explore Fushimi Sake District, Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, Teradaya Inn, Kappa Gallery & Kizakura Memorial Hall.
What to Expect: The tour starts with a visit to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, where exhibits explain the history of Gekkeikan and the sake-making process. Guests can sample three kinds of sake. After the museum, wander through the Fushimi district, visiting sake shops and historical sites like Teradaya Inn.
Included: Photos during the tour, admission to the Sake Museum, and a tasting of 18 kinds of sake at a sake restaurant. Anyone under 20 will receive snacks instead of sake. Not Included: Additional food and drinks are available for purchase.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Osaka
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Osaka From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, , New Product & in Osaka. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Osaka Activities