The zazen sessions in working temples: meditation taught by monks, hidden-temple sittings with garden tours and lunches that follow the monastery’s own kitchen rules. Twenty minutes of stillness in a 400-year-old hall recalibrates the whole trip.
Discover Kyoto’s Zen temples and gardens with a guided meditation, insights from monks, and a traditional vegetarian lunch. A peaceful, authentic experience.
Most Popular“This experience was very enjoyable and authentic. Yutaka was a wonderful guide and I truly enjoyed the day - would recommend!”
Experience authentic Zen meditation, matcha tea, and tranquil gardens in a hidden Kyoto temple. A peaceful cultural journey for seekers of calm and tradition.
“Very relaxing experience with knowledgeable people eager to answer questions. Certainly a highlight of our Kyoto trip!”
Experience authentic Zen meditation in Kyoto with a private monk-guided session, learn about Zazen, and enjoy a peaceful tea ceremony in a secluded temple.
“Wonderful opportunity to get insight into meditation and the experience of a Buddhist monk in a temple not open to the public. Great option regardless of your experience. Includes matcha tea and a stroll in the garden.”
Discover Kyoto's Zen gardens on a private guided tour led by an expert landscape designer. Explore historic temples and gain insights into Japanese spirituality and aesthetics.
“Highly recommended for everyone! I’ve completely gained a new perspective on Japanese gardens after the tour. I signed up for the tour to gain insights into key concepts driving Japanese garden design. Andrew was amazing, friendly Read more”
Discover Kyoto’s highlights on a 4.5-hour bike tour, visiting UNESCO Zen temples, enjoying a traditional lunch, and cycling along scenic rivers.
“I had a great day biking around Kyoto with Yusuke! I wasn’t expecting it to be a private tour but that was a nice surprise because I could go at my own pace. Yusuke was a super friendly and knowledgeable guide - he made sure…”
Discover Kyoto's traditional art with a hands-on Yuzen dyeing experience. Create your own silk fabric souvenir in an intimate, authentic workshop setting.
“It was amazing, a very authentic out of the ordinary experience, you won’t be able to try anywhere else!”
Experience Kyoto’s iconic bamboo groves, meet wild macaques at Iwatayama, and explore Zen gardens on this guided tour designed for authentic Japanese beauty.
“Definitely knew the history of the bamboo forest, shrines, and temples. Monkey park at the end was a blast! No room for improvement. Excellent tour!!!”
Explore Kyoto’s hidden Zen gardens, iconic torii gates, and spiritual sites on a 4-hour guided walking tour, perfect for authentic cultural experiences.
“I recently took a guided tour to two of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks—Fushimi Inari Shrine and Fuhuji Temple—and it was a truly remarkable experience. The tour was well-paced, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the stunning sites without fRead more”
Discover Kyoto’s highlights on a 3.5-hour guided e-bike tour visiting Fushimi Inari, Gion, Nanzen-ji, and Kamo River with expert guides and stunning sights.
“Our family of five (including three teens - 13, 17, 19) all loved this tour. Aki was a very knowledgeable guide and took many family photos of us at various stops. Our kids said this was their favorite activity in Kyoto!”
Experience authentic Zen meditation in a Kyoto café with a trained host, mantra chanting, and quiet zazen—perfect for beginners seeking tranquility.
“solo female traveller here - wanting something different/new? do this!! it’s the perfect start to your morning. Uyesugi is so calm, informative and knowledgeable. He will guide you through zen meditation and then make you an amazing singleRead more”
Experience authentic Zen meditation in Kyoto’s secret temple with guided instruction, a tranquil moss garden, and a calming tea ceremony—an immersive cultural journey.
“We loved our meditation session! We were a group of 7 with 3 adults and 4 kids, ages 12-18 and everyone in the group enjoyed the session. We all came away with something different but everyone agreed it was time well spent! Would definitely recommend!…”
Experience an authentic, private Zen meditation session in Kyoto led by a Buddhist priest, with personalized guidance, traditional settings, and tea.
“This experience surpassed our expectations of wishing for an introduction to Buddhist meditation. Brian, is an academic and cleric who introduced us more deeply into spiritual history and the evolution of Japanese religious practices.”
Experience authentic Zen meditation by a peaceful riverside in Kyoto, combined with a calming matcha tasting. Perfect for mindful travelers seeking tranquility.
Discover Kyoto's tranquil night visit to Keishunin Temple, featuring Zen meditation, illuminated gardens, and traditional tea in an authentic setting.
“One of the best activities that I did on this trip , worth it every penny!”
Experience a traditional **Japanese tea ceremony** in Kyoto with this hands-on matcha whisking session at a peaceful temple, guided by friendly, knowledgeable hosts.
“Sakura, our host, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. She gave us insight into the history of tea ceremonies and made it a fun experience with warmness and laughter. Sakura also gave us plenty of opportunities to ask questions. We thoroughly enjoyed our Mochi, Matcha Tea…”
Ten thousand shrine gates, tea poured properly and geisha lanes at dusk.