Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience Zen meditation at a hidden temple in Kyoto. While Zen is globally renowned and recognised, there are few places in Japan where you can have the best Zen experience with English tour guide support.
This temple is not open to the general public, and you can enjoy hidden atmosphere of the temple and authentic zen experience,
Enjoy a private Zen experience, fostering a connection with the monk. Meet at the temple, where you'll learn briefly about Japanese culture and Zen.
Following that, a monk will personally lecture on the principles and techniques of Zazen (seated meditation), and you'll have the opportunity to practice. Unify your mind, confront yourself, and detach from ego and worldly concerns. After zen experience, you will get the opportunity to enjoy watching beautiful traditional garden, which will make you forget hustle and bustle of the daily life.
Capture photographs with the monk and within the temple, creating lasting memories for a lifetime.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kodaiji Park
We're taking you to the hidden temple close from Kodaiji Park.
What‘s Included
Matcha and Japanese traditional snacks
Zen meditation experience with a monk
Options
Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend this authentic zen experience
Efb2000,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a wonderful experience, thank you so much. The meditation was great, in a gorgeous setting. We had ample opportunity to ask lots of questions and walk around the wonderful gardens. It was so interesting. The experience felt (and was) very authentic.
Meditation experience
I6010FKellenk,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely and calming. Great guide and monk was terrific. Answered many questions.
Meditation with monk
faystensson,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Felt genuine and private, good guide, small groups
Zen meditation and tea ceremony
K1896LMsophiar,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kohtaro was incredible. And the Monk was also so knowledgeable and kind. What a lovely experience! Very peaceful!
A great tour with an expert guide
99988881,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the tour guide saya for her great efforts, the valuable information she provided, and her excellent planning of the tour. Her attention to detail and genuine care for the topic made the experience both enjoyable and informative. I truly appreciate her dedication and would highly recommend her for future tours, for myself and for others.
A spiritual journey to self!
Mais23,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very spiritual and beautiful experience. The monk was very open and taught me so much about Zazen and how to begin my journey in meditation.. highly recommended if you’re in Japan. What a way to learn about the culture and religion.. beautiful!
A Truly Unique and Highlight Experience
940chis,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This activity booked through Klook was an absolute highlight of my trip. It offered a rare chance to visit a temple not normally accessible to the public and participate in a meditation session led by a genuinely serene and positive monk. The monk skillfully wove Buddhist philosophy into practical guidance, making the meditation both insightful and experiential. The atmosphere was deeply peaceful. It felt like an authentic practice rather than a tourist show; I believe locals would also appreciate its value. Beyond the meditation, we gained an introduction to Japanese tea ceremony and had the privilege of touring the temple's historic buildings and tranquil gardens. The whole experience was beautifully rounded. A special note for families: my child participated and found the meditation a helpful practice for learning focus and calm. We are both grateful. I highly recommend this exceptional and profound experience.
Peaceful vibes
557harryx,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great experience, monk was very helpful in teaching us about Buddhist values. The garden was very peaceful and serene. Overall, very valuable and memorable experience.
Authentic experience
GraemeP290,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience is a must do if you have any interest in learning how to meditate. The Monk exudes a sense of calm and we found as a complete novice we were able to achieve 20 minutes of meditation. Our interpreter Ruko was charming and spoke perfect English.
Great experience and a nice change of pace.
L3692FSstephanier,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband & I participated in this zen meditation experience and really enjoyed it. It was a nice change of pace to have this peaceful experience in the busy city of Kyoto. The guide and translator were both very knowledgeable and kind, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who has any interest in meditation, Buddhism, or just trying something new.
From ¥15,000
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