Matsushima - Tohoku: Private Zazen, Temple Tour & Mindful Cuisine

Overview

Available languages

English

7 hours 45 minutes

Mobile ticket

Uncover a renewed sense of self amidst the breathtaking beauty of Matsushima, where countless monks have sought spiritual awakening.

[Highlights]

- Immerse yourself in the Zen tradition at Zuigan-ji Temple. Enjoy a guided tour with an English-speaking Buddhist priest, learning about the temple's history and the practice of Zazen (Zen meditation). Gain exclusive access to special rooms and admire the beautiful Fusuma paintings up close.

- Experience the calming tranquility of Entsu-in's moss garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design.

- Enjoy a delicious and healthy Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch.

- Sip on a cup of matcha with a stunning view.

Please note that our tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate. If we don't reach this minimum number, unfortunately, we'll have to cancel the tour. You'll be notified of any cancellation 72 hours prior to the start time, and a full refund will be issued.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The remaining hours will be allotted for travel and lunch time

Please be aware that the end time may be delayed due to traffic conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. We kindly request that you allow for extra time when scheduling.

Loose-fitting clothes are best for Zen meditation. Short skirts are not recommended.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

All transportation fees during the tour

Matcha tea and traditional sweets at Kanrantei Tea House

All admission fees and activity fees

Enjoy a Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch in a traditional Japanese building in Entsu-in Temple.

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Private transportation

What To Expect

Kanrantei

Traditionally, Buddhist monks have employed matcha as a pre-Zazen ritual to enhance their concentration. Before embarking on Zazen later in the morning, enjoy a bowl of matcha at the Kanrantei Tea House, where you will be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the bay. As you savor the delicate flavor and rich aroma of matcha, surrounded by the serene atmosphere, prepare your mind for the tranquility of Zazen. This traditional ritual helps to center your focus and appreciate the beauty of stillness.

30 minutes • Admission Included

Matsushima Bay

Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, where poets, warlords, and other historical figures fell in love with its scenery. Visit the renowned Godaido Temple, one of Matsushima's most picturesque landmarks.

20 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Matsushima - Tohoku: Private Zazen, Temple Tour & Mindful Cuisine

Reviews

4.93

14 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

The tour consists of two parts. Walking around the temple with guide and experiencing silent meditation. Very nice!
Nomad35574274109,
Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an unusual experience during the tour. The monk of the temple told us how to sit and meditate. I actually did and realized how difficult it is to empty my mind. I was guided to rooms in the temple.I was allowed into places that normally we can't get into. It's a good opportunity to look closer at beautiful pictures on sliding doors.
Zazen experience at Zuiganji Temple
hsI9555GD,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a very enjoyable tour. The monk gave interesting talks and the guide's explanations were easy to understand. It was also valuable to be able to enter rooms that are usually inaccessible and see the beautiful fusuma paintings, ceiling decorations and other details up close. Zazen was a new experience for me, but the monk kindly taught us beginners, making it easy to practice.
Zazen experience in Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima,Miyagi.
665akik,
Jul 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thanks to this program, I could get into the main room of Zuiganji Temple where we couldn’t enter inside normally. Then I was able to look at the beautiful decorations up close. The guide was very helpful to understand the detail of them. Also, Zazen experience was worthwhile with the monk's kind and polite explanation. I could learn about it and be satisfied with it very much.
It was a valuable day to see the historic Zuiganji Temple and experience Zen meditation guided by the chief priest ✨
福士祥,
Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
I visited Zuigan-ji Temple for the first time. We got up close and personal with the magnificent National Treasure buildings and the solemn atmosphere of the temple, as well as the "jodan no ma" (upper room), wall paintings and fusuma paintings, which are not accessible to the general public. Zazen allowed me to experience a calm and quiet time away from everyday life. The beautiful Matsushima sea and Zuigan-ji Temple were wonderful memories of a summer that healed both mind and body.
Great time
Trail52562507436,
Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was great to be able to tour in a small, relaxed atmosphere. The chief priest's talk was easy to understand, and it was also a good time to be able to interact with the other participants. The experience of zazen was a comfortable time that changed my previous image of zazen.
Let's do Zazen!
Paradise56199515382,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I took a tour of the Matsushima Zuiganji Temple. Monk guided us and taught us things that weren't written in the pamphlet. The Japanese guide was also kind enough to complement the monk's explanations in English. Zazen was very good for calming my mind, even though my legs were numb. I had a great time.
The experience of zazen was refreshing.
Wander02512966243,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
At Zuiganji Temple, we were able to enter a special room and listen to a monk explain about the historical paintings on the sliding doors. The zazen experience was very refreshing and I was able to learn how to breathe. I was also lucky to be able to see the flowers (Sekkoku) that bloom around June. The fresh greenery was beautiful and the scenery of Matsushima was soothing.
Unique tour
Departure22231651568,
May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was very unique tour. A monk guided us in English and we could get in to the national treasure rooms which are very impressed. The story’s of temple was interesting, too. Zazen was my first experience but I learned the way of Zen spirit a little. It was very special experience for me and I enjoyed vey much.
Amazing Zen Tour!
audreysA900BA,
Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I learned breathing techniques and body postures fro;;m the monk . Zazen experience will be useful for future life to improved concentration . Highly recommended!
Excellent experience at the historic temple
Culture23167795178,
Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Zuigange Temple loved by Date Masamune. Standing quietly in the snow, the temple was very beautiful. I had a wonderful time with the monk who gave us detailed explanation of the 400-year-old Zuigange Temple. The zazen experience afterwards was unforgettable! I emptied my mind and enjoyed the quiet time.