Experience Zen Meditation or Sutra Copying, and Enjoy Vegetarian Food With Monk

Seeking inner peace and a deeper connection to Japanese culture? This immersive experience in Aso, Japan, offers the chance to do just that. Engage in guided Zen meditation or the contemplative practice of sutra copying with a local monk. Then, savor a nourishing vegetarian meal and connect with the monk to explore the essence of monastic life. It’s a rare opportunity to step away from the ordinary and learn about a world of tranquility and tradition.

Key Points

• Immersive experience in Aso, Japan, focusing on Zen meditation or sutra copying, and a vegetarian meal with a local monk.
• Guided Zen meditation or sutra copying session to promote focus, concentration, and tranquility.
• Healthy vegetarian meal featuring shojin cuisine, homemade plum wine, and traditional Japanese sweets.
• Private meal setting encourages intimate interaction with the monk and exploration of local cuisine.
• Meeting point is in Aso, Japan, with pickup available from the meeting point or JR Aso Station.

Overview of the Experience

This immersive experience in Aso, Japan, allows visitors to explore the tranquil world of Zen meditation and savor a delectable vegetarian meal prepared by a local monk.

Participants can choose between guided Zen meditation or the serene practice of sutra copying.

After the spiritual activity, they’ll enjoy a homemade plum wine, a nourishing root vegetable potage soup, and a healthy vegetarian main course known as shojin cuisine.

The experience concludes with a refreshing green tea and traditional Japanese sweets.

This unique opportunity offers a chance to connect with Japanese culture and tradition in a peaceful setting.

Zen Meditation or Sutra Copying

Visitors can choose between two contemplative activities during this experience – guided Zen meditation or the serene practice of sutra copying.

Zen meditation, led by the resident monk, allows guests to find stillness and clarity through breath awareness and mindfulness techniques.

Alternatively, sutra copying involves meticulously transcribing sacred Buddhist texts, a practice that promotes focus and concentration.

Both activities provide a unique opportunity to take in the tranquil atmosphere of the temple and gain insights into the monastic life.

Participants will emerge from the experience feeling refreshed and reconnected with the present moment.

Vegetarian Meal With the Monk

After the contemplative activities, guests can look forward to enjoying a healthy vegetarian meal with the resident monk.

The meal features a main course of shojin cuisine, a traditional Japanese vegetarian fare. To start, there’s homemade plum wine and root vegetable potage soup.

For dessert, guests can savor green tea and sweets.

The whole experience provides a chance to take in the monk’s lifestyle and explore the local cuisine.

The private meal setting allows for intimate interaction and deeper understanding of the Zen Buddhist way of life.

Meeting Point and Pickup Options

The meeting point for this experience is 3032 Ichinomiyamachi Miyaji, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2612, Japan.

You can be picked up directly at this location or from JR Aso Station. The activity concludes at the meeting point.

This is a private tour, so only your group will participate. The start time is 10:30 am.

While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible and service animals are allowed.

It’s also near public transportation. Not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers, but most can participate.

Confirmation’s received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Tour Details and Pricing

This experience offers a chance to enjoy a healthy vegetarian meal, or shoujin cuisine, with a monk. The meal includes a homemade plum wine starter, root vegetable potage soup, and a green tea and sweets dessert. The tour starts at 10:30 am and is a private activity for your group only. Pricing varies by group size, starting from $99.81 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Details	Information
Start Time	10:30 am
Private Tour	Only your group
Price	From $99.81 per person
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible

Accessibility and Additional Information

Although not wheelchair accessible, this experience is stroller accessible and allows service animals.

The activity is located near public transportation, making it convenient for travelers. However, it isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant individuals. Most travelers can still participate in the Zen meditation and vegetarian meal with the monk, though.

Participants can expect to receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability. Plus, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What to Expect on the Day

Participants meet at the designated meeting point of 3032 Ichinomiyamachi Miyaji, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2612, Japan at 10:30 am.

They’ll be greeted by a welcoming monk and guided to the meditation hall. After a brief introduction, participants engage in Zen meditation or sutra copying, deepening their understanding of Japanese spiritual practices.

Next, they’ll enjoy a healthy, vegetarian "shojin" meal with the monk, including homemade plum wine, root vegetable soup, and green tea with sweets.

The activity wraps up at the meeting point around noon. Participants are free to explore Aso on their own afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prior Meditation Experience Required?

No prior meditation experience is required. The activity is suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. You’ll receive guidance from the monk to help you get the most out of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks?

Participants can’t bring their own snacks or drinks. The experience includes a set menu with a homemade plum wine, root vegetable potage soup, healthy vegetarian main, and green tea with sweets. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

What Is the Dress Code for the Experience?

There’s no strict dress code, but it’s best to wear comfortable, modest clothing. Avoid overly casual or revealing attire. The activity takes place indoors, so dress for the weather. Layers are recommended in case the venue is cool.

Can I Take Photographs During the Activities?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the activities, though some areas or moments may be restricted. It’s best to check with the monk or guide onsite about the photography policy.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

This experience has no age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome to join. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The activity is suitable for most travelers, though not recommended for those with certain physical limitations.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the tranquility of Aso, Japan. Experience Zen meditation or sutra copying with a local monk. Then, savor a nourishing vegetarian meal, featuring homemade plum wine and traditional shojin cuisine. This intimate experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the monk and explore the essence of monastic life.