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 not touristy at all. One of my favorite activities in my 4 visits to Kyoto.”
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.
“We had a wonderful experience doing this guided Zen meditation in Kyoto. Both the guide and the monk were excellent. The meditation itself was one of the most focused sessions I’ve had in quite some time, and it was such a treat to be able…”
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.
“Through the lens of the Zen garden Andrew brought to life the religion, society, history and culture of Kyoto. He brought our focus to the meaning of the rock gardens so prevalent in Kyoto and the shrines and garden choices. He answered thRead 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.
“Great way to get out of Kyoto and see sites! Biking is a favorite activity in any town/city... this was no exception! Loved the ride along the river, all the things we saw as we moved around town and out to the edges to see…”
Discover Kyoto's traditional art with a hands-on Yuzen dyeing experience. Create your own silk fabric souvenir in an intimate, authentic workshop setting.
“The activity was authentic, fun, and our interpreter was amazing! One of a kind experience and very intimate, you get to visit a traditional Japanese home and see the owners yuzen work firsthand. Highly recommend!”
Experience Kyoto’s iconic bamboo groves, meet wild macaques at Iwatayama, and explore Zen gardens on this guided tour designed for authentic Japanese beauty.
“We had a private tour with our tour guide Hiro. He was really friendly and knew a lot of Interesting facts about the shrine. we decided not to go the mountain top for the monkeys, because we didn't bring our good walking shoes, so instead…”
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.
“We went cycling (3 people) on the 31st of May. Even though it was a bit rainy at the end, we had an amazing day! Our tour guide Ryuto was a very nice and knowledgeable guy. Any questions we had (and we asked a lot),…”
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.
“Best experience”
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.
“The lady was super nice and well informed. She explained everything as detailed as requested and gave us also recommendations for our next matcha purchase. The ceremony itself was very private as it was not done in a group but just for us! Amazing experience!”
Ten thousand shrine gates, tea poured properly and geisha lanes at dusk.