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.
“It was one of our favourite experiences of the whole trip. Everything was so well organized. We learned about zen buddhism and the meditation, had tea ceremony with matcha and japanese sweets, afterwards we sat in the garden and talked with the monk.”
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.
“This was a very calming and relaxing experience. After a full day of travelling over 3 planes and two trains, this was exactly what we needed on our first full day. Our guide and the monk were both lovely. The matcha and sweets were a…”
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.
“This activity was amazing! So well organized; it was easy for us to learn the basics and produce something to take home. The artist was gifted and his interpreter was kind and helpful.”
Experience Kyoto’s iconic bamboo groves, meet wild macaques at Iwatayama, and explore Zen gardens on this guided tour designed for authentic Japanese beauty.
“Nabet did an excellent job taking us through the bamboo, temple, and monkey park. We got a nice walk plus facts about the history of the places we visited. The climb to monkey park is challenging but worth it.”
Explore Kyoto’s hidden Zen gardens, iconic torii gates, and spiritual sites on a 4-hour guided walking tour, perfect for authentic cultural experiences.
“We had an incredible experience! My boyfriend and I enjoyed our tour with Kenta, our tour guide. Our Pros for this tour and tour guide... 1. Walked at our pace (lots of walking uphill) 2. Flexible with how much time we wanted to spend at…”
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.
“This tour is an absolute GEM! They are a long-standing bike rental shop in Kyoto, and just launched their bike tours. Our tour guide was born and raised in Kyoto and very knowledgeable. He had great English, was well-prepared and answereRead more”
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.
“Don’t hesitate to book this experience—you’ll be glad you did!”
Experience an authentic, private Zen meditation session in Kyoto led by a Buddhist priest, with personalized guidance, traditional settings, and tea.
“What a beautiful and unique afternoon we spent. In a few hours we took a deeper dive into the history and practice of Zen meditation. Brian was prompt, kind and incredibly knowledgeable. We had time to explore a temple, learn posture and both sit and…”
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.