Kyoto Hidden Riverside Zen Mediation and Uji Matcha Experience

Overview

Available languages

Korean

English

Chinese (China)

French

Spanish

2 hours

Mobile ticket

This Zen workshop offers a truly unique opportunity to experience mindfulness in a calm, natural setting, not inside a temple, but by the riverside, surrounded by trees and fresh air.

It’s designed not just as a tourist activity, but as a genuine introduction to Zen practice. Participants are guided step by step through the basics of zazen (seated meditation) in a way that is easy to understand and approachable, even for beginners.

Rather than focusing on strict formality or religious rituals, the workshop emphasizes how Zen can be part of everyday life. You’ll learn how to carry the mindset of calm and awareness with you. Not just during your trip, but back home as well.

The experience concludes with a peaceful tea time, where you’ll enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets and freshly whisked matcha, allowing your mind and body to gently return to the flow of daily life.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Begin your day with a rare and deeply reflective experience along a peaceful river in Kyoto. Unlike typical zazen sessions held inside temple halls, this private meditation takes place on an open air riverside deck, where the sounds of flowing water, morning breeze, and seasonal scenery become part of your inner stillness. Led by a respected Zen instructor who has spent decades guiding practitioners at Kyoto’s most historic temples and shrines, this experience goes far beyond posture and breath. Structured like a workshop, it mirrors authentic Zen training, encouraging personal reflection and offering tools to integrate mindfulness into your daily life. Zazen is not treated as something sacred or separate. It's shared as a practice that anyone can bring into ordinary moments. After the session, enjoy a quiet moment with premium Uji matcha, served alongside seasonal wagashi. It’s not a formal tea ceremony, but a peaceful, mindful way to close the experience. Throughout the experience, an English speaking cultural guide accompanies you, offering real-time interpretation and cultural insight, ensuring that language is never a barrier to understanding the depth of this practice.

What‘s Included

The whole experience of zen workshop

Premium Uji matcha and seasonal wagashi are served

Private transportation

Tip/Gratitude

Options

Kyoto: Hidden Riverside Zen Meditation&Uji Matcha Experience

Reviews

5.00

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Zen Meditation with Sunny ☀️
36kennethz,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Did the Zen-Meditation with some friends last week. The Location was really nice. Sunny and the practicing monk, who was part of the meditation, did an amazing job explaining what we had to do. Also after the session we received some local tips from Sunny on where we could go for the day. It was really an amazing experience. Would definitely do it again. But at least I’m going to put it in my daily schedule.
Amazing in every way
Jeff B,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
If you are thinking about doing this experience while in Kyoto, take this review as your sign that you should register right now. This has been the highlight of our trip, amongst some very notable experiences. Highly recommend!!!
Best meditation practice in the most stunning setting!
gilmonareg,,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a stunning setting to spend couple of hours with the wonderful hostess and learn the correct techniques of the meditation. Everything was just so beautifully done. Thank you!
Sunny is the best!
frankfE965QH,,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Highly recommend this experience! Th location is beautiful and the team is friendly and knowledgeable. Be sure to sit along the waterside after.
Very valuable experience
Flyer20947385426,,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A wonderful physical and mental relaxation experience. In this fast-paced generation, every day is busy with no way to take good care of their own mind, through this experience, let me cleanse my heart.
EXCELLENT !! Will do again
194rikav,,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It’s was excellent and I will do it over and over. The staff was very kind and we had a wonderful time! The senei really took us through each step and we had a wonderful meditation
Amazing zen experience
Roving09605468395,,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Marvelous activity where you get the chance to try Japanese zen in such an amazing place. Plus the traditional was very tasty. Highly recommend for a non so touristy activity, the is a real hidden gem.
A truly unique and unforgettable Zen experience!
Daydream01275671837,,Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was not just a typical Zazen (Zen meditation) session — it was a beautifully curated experience that blended Zen philosophy with deep reflection. The guide created a peaceful space that allowed us to connect not only with ourselves, but also with the other guests in a meaningful way. The combination of thoughtful discussion and silent meditation made this experience truly one of a kind. It felt personal, grounding, and inspiring — something I haven’t found anywhere else in Japan. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a more mindful and original cultural experience in Kyoto.