Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

What comes to mind when you think of Zen?

Before engaging in Zen meditation, a local guide will lead you to a garden where you can immerse yourself in the essence of Zen.

"Zen" is an inherently esoteric Buddhist concept, even for the Japanese. While the word "Zen" may conjure thoughts of Zen meditation, this tour will initially guide you to a garden imbued with Zen principles. Amidst the tranquil setting of the Zen garden, a local guide will provide you with fundamental information on how to appreciate both the garden and the practice of Zen meditation."

Visit Tofukuji Zen Temple, one of the five Great Zen Temples in Kyoto, and partake in a Zen meditation experience.

We will then proceed to Tofukuji Temple, one of the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. Tofukuji boasts a rich history, serving as a residence and Zen practice site for monks since the 13th century.

Following this exploration, we will make our way to a smaller temple within Tofuku-ji dedicated to zazen practice.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.

This activity ends near Chishaku-in Temple

Those who booked a tour starting from 10:45, the lunch time would be 14:15 (after meditation experience), so please have enough breakfast or brunch.

Out of respect for other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.

You will not be able to join the tour, get refund or rescheduled if you are late for the tour and missed the group.

Since other guests will be participating in the zazen experience, private conversations are generally prohibited. During this time, you will be given materials that can be read silently.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.

Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.

Anyone over 12 years can join this tour

For any dietary request, please request in advance (by the day before). We are unable to accept any request on the day of the tour.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

4.5 hrs with a local guide

Lunch

Entrance fee of all venues we will visit

Zazen Meditation Experience (1hour)

Photos during a tour

Shojin traditional meal (Dashi-fish broth is used for some dishes, a bit of dairy for a dish)

What To Expect

Experience Zen meditation at one of the five major Zen temples in Kyoto. Get insights into how to practice zazen or Zen meditation from a local guide. Enjoy the Zen garden (dry landscape garden) with a guide's commentary and feel the tranquility. Enjoy traditional Buddhist meal historically served by Zen monks at Zen temples. This activity ends near Chishaku-in Temple

Options

Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch

Reviews

4.98

388 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

381

Meditation experience
Cruiser64704561366,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Yukata was an amazing tour guide, giving some real insight into the buddhist and Shinto religions and the roles they play in Japan and Japanese culture. The meditation session was fantastic, and the lunch even better! Thank you for an excellent time!
Zen medidation
goldfinget,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a very amazing and informative experience. Our guide was Yutaka Hoshida. He was very nice and explained everything very patiently.
Great experience
mariayA4377EA,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Beautiful experience. Yutaka led and guided us during the walk. He offered valuable information. Worth it!join the walking the walking tour and the guided meditation.
Wonderful zen experience
reetug2023,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Yutaka Yoshida was wonderful guide. We enjoyed the information he shared, meditation and the food. The zen garden was special peaceful
Must experience: Zen meditation and tour
Natalie1136,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Yukata was excellent and informative. The meditation at a Zen temple and being able to ask questions with the monk was the highlight! Having a quiet moment in our trip was just the reset we needed.
very nice Zen experience
alexkH4541ZJ,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Yutaka was helpful, good conversation, was fun seeing the temple and participating in the meditation! We got whacked with the Zen stick, 10/10l
A deeper understanding of Zen Buddhism
autumntiger,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a very informative, fun and varied-activity tour. We got a tour and explanation of the temple complex, one of the five important temples in Kyoto, instructions on how to meditate according to Zen Buddhist meditation and a meditation and dharma talk session with the monk. Then a vegetarian lunch that was as beautiful to look at as it was delicious. Our guide, Yutaka was very personable, knowledgeable and open to all questions. It was a day well spent.
Worth it
Razz32,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely experience with yutaka yoshida...he was very informative and helpful all thru . And don't miss the lunch after , itis delicious.
An unforgettable journey
Sightseer65887046403,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I think I learned a lot, the Yutaka guide was passionate and also humorous. Let me learn how to meditate and believe in the future is helpful. I also developed a good habit, and my mind was very peaceful. The team members are very good, very good talk, and the atmosphere is very good. A very unforgettable trip, thank you!
Excellent experience
Adventure36039913243,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an Amazon experience. Yutaka made it even more special by sharing with us all his knowledge. He is very approachable and kind to explain and answer any questions you might have. I highly recommend this tour.