5 (400)
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
P
Kyoto
¥19800
Kyoto Ramen Class: Make & Eat Your Own!
5.0
(1830 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto offers a fun, hands-on experience to learn the art of ramen making. Located in Kyoto, Ramen Factory is a special place where anyone can create their very own ramen from scratch and taste how yummy it is!
During the class, folks will get to make their own noodles, drain them just right, mix up a tasty soup, and even roast some chicken to put on top. An instructor will guide folks on how to make yummy ramen. The class is all-inclusive, meaning that everything needed is provided.
As a special treat, at the end people get to pick out a souvenir to take home. They can choose from a cool T-shirt, a ramen bowl to eat from, or a Japanese apron to wear while cooking. For those who don't eat meat, vegetarian, vegan, and Muslim-friendly options are available with no pork, alcohol, or non-halal meats.
Kyoto
¥14500
Kyoto Sushi Artistry: Roll Your Way to Culinary Mastery!
5.0
(418 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
The Sushi Making Experience in KYOTO offers hands-on learning, crafting sushi rolls with seasoned rice and fresh fish. Learn Maki-zushi techniques to replicate at home. Includes a sushi rolling mat, apron, gloves, and a recipe card, ensuring you can recreate the experience. Small group setting for excellent quality Food & Drink.
Kyoto
¥6000
Kyoto Sushi Class: Make & Eat Your Own!
5.0
(570 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Sushi Making Experience in Kyoto Kawaramachi offers a fun and tasty way to learn about Japanese food! This hands-on class is perfect for anyone who wants to become a sushi master in Kyoto. You'll get to make and eat your own sushi in a lively and convenient location.
Learn to make different types of sushi, like Nigiri-Sushi, Temari-Sushi, or Sushi Rolls, with the help of friendly English-speaking staff. The class takes about 90 minutes, including a short lesson on the history of sushi. After the lesson, you'll get to create your own sushi and enjoy eating it!
Located just a short walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, the sushi restaurant is easy to find. The area has many shops, making it a great place to explore before or after your class. This sushi-making experience includes the sushi you make, special gifts, and all the ingredients you need. Drinks are not included, but you can buy them at the class. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.
Kyoto
¥19800
Kyoto Gyoza Class: Cook, Eat & Samurai Armor!
5.0
(203 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings. Discover the delicious world of gyoza, a Japanese favorite that came from China! This isn't just about cooking; it's a tasty trip into Japanese culture, all inside a real Kyoto townhouse.
Learn to make gyoza from the very start. Pick what yummy things go inside, make the wrapper, and learn how to fold them just right. A special machine will help you cook them perfectly. It's a hands-on experience that makes learning fun and tasty! Plus, guests get to learn about Samurai culture and Japanese history.
After you cook, you can dress up in Samurai armor and take cool pictures! The class gives you a free drink, uses easy-to-understand English, and gives you all the cooking tools you need. You even get a souvenir headband and apron to take home.
Osaka
¥4500
Osaka Sushi Making: Dotonbori's Best Class!
5.0
(376 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Osaka Sushi Making Experience in Dotonbori offers a fun, hands-on way to learn the art of sushi. This popular cooking class teaches participants how to create delicious sushi from scratch. It's perfect for food lovers who want to bring a taste of Japan back home.
During the class, participants will make 12 pieces of sushi, including nigiri and gunkan-style sushi. All guidance is in English, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring everyone can follow along easily. For those with dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, and halal options are available. The experience includes snacks.
This sushi-making experience gives people the skills to recreate authentic Japanese sushi. It provides a fun and educational activity suitable for families, friends, and solo travelers. People will enjoy this highly-rated sushi class and learn to make sushi, but please note alcoholic beverages are not included.
Osaka
¥3900
Osaka Tea Ceremony: Dotonbori Tradition
4.9
(728 reviews)
Duration: 45
minutes
Experience the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori district. This cultural experience allows guests to learn about the rich history and etiquette of the tea ceremony from an experienced instructor. The instructor will demonstrate the traditional preparation of matcha tea, and each participant will have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of their own.
Located in the heart of Osaka's Namba/Shinsaibashi area, this tea ceremony provides an authentic glimpse into Japanese tradition. Participants can observe the tea-making process and savor Japanese sweets alongside their matcha. This experience is designed to be inclusive, welcoming children with a caffeine-free matcha milk option.
The Tea Ceremony Experience includes all fees and taxes, matcha, and a tea bowl for use during the ceremony. It is a small group setting, and provides an excellent quality experience.
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