Kyoto: Zen Meditation and Tea Ceremony at a Hidden Temple

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, beckons visitors to discover its hidden treasures. One such gem is the Jojuuji Temple, where centuries-old Zen practices and tea ceremonies unveil themselves in an intimate setting. Led by the revered abbot, this transformative experience immerses guests in mindfulness and tranquility, amidst the temple’s serene gardens. For those seeking a deeper connection to Japan’s rich spiritual heritage, this exclusive offering promises a truly enlightening journey.

Key Points

• Experience traditional Zen meditation and Ōbaku Zen tea ceremony at the historic Jojuuji Temple in Kyoto, led by the temple’s abbot.
• The 2-hour small group experience includes guided meditation, a tea ceremony with sweets, and keepsake photos for $98.36 per person.
• Explore the temple’s 1,200-year-old architecture, gardens, and samurai influences while immersed in ancient Zen Buddhist traditions.
• Suitable for visitors of all ages interested in Zen culture, with seasonal clothing recommended due to the temple’s chilly environment.
• The experience is highly rated, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

The experience includes Zen meditation and a Sencha-do tea ceremony at the historic Jojuuji Temple in Kyoto.

It lasts 2 hours and costs from $98.36 per person. Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

The small group is limited to 10 people and led by an English-speaking guide, the abbot of Jojuuji Temple.

The experience includes Zen meditation instruction, a tea ceremony with Japanese sweets, and photo keepsakes captured by a photographer.

Activity Details

A small group, limited to 10 participants, embarks on this immersive experience.

An English-speaking live guide, Mr. Shizan Fujioka, the abbot of Jojuuji Temple, leads the session.

First, guests receive instruction on Zen meditation, aimed at quieting the mind and unifying the spirit.

Then, they partake in a traditional Ōbaku Zen tea ceremony, which focuses on sencha (roasted tea leaves) and enhances the Zen practice.

Throughout the experience, a photographer captures moments, providing guests with keepsake photos.

The intimate, 2-hour journey offers a unique opportunity to take in the ancient traditions of Kyoto.

Temple Background

Jojuuji Temple, founded in 810, boasts over 1,200 years of history.

Originally a samurai residence, it’s now a temple of the Ōbaku sect of Zen Buddhism.

The temple features several notable elements:

1. A sacred staircase leading to the main hall.
2. A tranquil garden with a historical atmosphere.
3. Architectural influences reflecting its samurai past.
4. A legacy of Zen practice and Buddhist teachings.

This ancient temple provides a serene setting for the Zen meditation and tea ceremony experience, immersing visitors in Japan’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions.

Zen and Tea Ceremony

Though rooted in the ancient Zen Buddhist tradition, the Zen meditation and Sencha-do tea ceremony experience at Jojuuji Temple aims to enhance the present-day practice of mindfulness.

The Zazen meditation quiets the mind, unifying the spirit. The Ōbaku Zen Buddhism, influenced by Chinese teachings, offers unique cultural contributions.

The Sencha-do tea ceremony focuses on sencha, or roasted tea leaves, further enhancing the Zen practice.

Participants leave with an intimate understanding of these profound traditions and their ability to cultivate inner peace and harmony, even in the busy modern world.

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Participant Information

This experience is ideal for visitors of all ages interested in seeing Zen Buddhist culture.

Here’s what participants can expect:

• Wear appropriate seasonal clothing, as the temple can be chilly.
• Meet at the beautiful staircase in front of the temple.
• Accessibility may be limited for wheelchair users due to the stairs.
• No weapons or sharp objects are allowed on the premises.

With a 5/5 rating from 34 reviews, this intimate Zen meditation and tea ceremony promises a truly enlightening and memorable experience at the historic Jojuuji Temple.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors begin their immersive experience with guided Zen meditation instruction, led by the temple’s abbot, Mr. Shizan Fujioka. Participants learn the art of Zazen, quieting the mind and unifying the spirit.

Highlights	Description
Intimate Setting	Small group of 10 participants max.
Knowledgeable Guide	Abbot Fujioka shares 1,200 years of temple history.
Beautiful Atmosphere	Tranquil garden and sacred staircase create a serene ambiance.
Memorable Keepsakes	Professional photographs capture the special moments.

The Zen practice is followed by a traditional Sen-cha-do tea ceremony, where participants savor Japanese green tea and delicate sweets, further enhancing their Zen immersion.

Preparing for the Experience

Before your Zen meditation and tea ceremony at Jojuuji Temple, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, dress comfortably in seasonal attire.

Second, leave any weapons or sharp objects at home, as they aren’t allowed on the premises.

Third, the temple has a beautiful staircase, but wheelchair users may need assistance navigating it.

Finally, be sure to arrive at the meeting point – the stunning temple staircase – on time to fully experience this intimate, 2-hour guided journey through Zen meditation and the traditional sencha tea ceremony.

Booking and Logistics

To book the Zen meditation and tea ceremony experience, visitors can conveniently reserve their spot online. The 2-hour immersive activity is priced at $98.36 per person, with a small group limited to 10 participants. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Participants can also choose the "reserve now & pay later" option.

Feature	Details
Duration	2 hours
Group Size	Up to 10 participants
Price	From $98.36 per person
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours in advance

The experience is led by the abbot of Jojuuji Temple, providing an authentic Zen and tea ceremony experience in the 1,200-year-old temple setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Japanese Sweets Are Served During the Tea Ceremony?

The experience includes Japanese sweets like mochi, wagashi, and dorayaki, which are served alongside the sencha tea to enhance the traditional Zen and tea ceremony rituals.

Is the Temple Visit Accessible for Individuals With Limited Mobility?

The temple visit may not be fully accessible for individuals with limited mobility, as it includes a sacred staircase. Wheelchair users may need assistance navigating the stairs. Participants are advised to check accessibility requirements prior to booking.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Cameras or Will Photos Be Provided?

The experience includes a photographer who captures moments during the visit, and participants are provided with the photos as keepsakes. Participants are not allowed to bring their own cameras.

Is the Experience Suitable for Non-English Speaking Participants?

The experience is led by an English-speaking guide, so it may not be suitable for non-English speaking participants. However, the temple staff can provide basic instructions and assistance to help make the experience accessible to all.

What Is the Dress Code for the Zen Meditation and Tea Ceremony?

The activity recommends wearing appropriate seasonal clothing. Participants should dress comfortably, as they’ll be sitting for meditation and the tea ceremony. No specific dress code is mentioned, but casual, modest attire is advised.

The Sum Up

This exclusive Zen meditation and tea ceremony experience at the historic Jojuuji Temple in Kyoto offers a rare opportunity to take in the serenity of a 1,200-year-old site. Led by the esteemed abbot, it’s a transformative journey into mindfulness, inner peace, and rich cultural heritage. With limited spots, it’s a must for those seeking a profound and authentic Zen encounter in the heart of Kyoto.

You can check availability for your dates here: