Private Tour
Zen Meditation for Life in Kyoto
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Kyoto has been the principal home of Zen since its introduction to Japan from China at the beginning of the 13th century. Kyoto is therefore rightly famous for its Zen-influenced gardens, etc. However, the heart of Zen is the practice of meditation, for meditation is the very meaning of the word “Zen.” Given this, it is ironic there are few opportunities for short-term visitors to Kyoto to have more than a brief introduction to Zen meditation while visiting Zen temples. Thus, this workshop is unique in providing an extended, in-depth introduction to both the theory and practice of meditation (zazen) under the guidance of American-born, Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest and scholar Rev. Dr. Brian Victoria. Rev. Victoria will introduce you to both the theory and practice of Zen meditation, employing traditional meditation cushions (or chairs if needed) in a private meditation hall. By workshop completion, participants will become confident in their ability to continue meditating on their own.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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
The private Zen meditation hall is located a five minute bus/taxi ride from Kyoto Station, near Nishi Honganji temple, in a traditional Kyoto home (machiya). The activity includes a thorough 90 minute introduction to both the theory and practice of Zen meditation, emphasizing the proper posture for the Zen form of "mindfulness" meditation. The introduction is followed by the opportunity to experience a combination of two 20 minute periods of seated meditation (zazen) interspersed with 10 minutes of walking meditation (kinhin). Zen meditation can be performed using either the traditional lotus or half lotus postures or, alternatively, on a chair for those who find this more comfortable. The key elements of Zen meditation are breath and mind control, using the proper posture. The activity ends with 30 minutes for tea and a traditional Kyoto sweet, both included in the price. Any questions that participants may have can be asked at this time. The goal of this activity is for participants to feel confident, should they wish, to continue to meditate on their own, understanding both how to meditate within the Zen tradition as well as its purpose.
What‘s Included
The workshop ends with green tea and a traditional Kyoto sweet
Public Bus Fare
Options
Zen Meditation for Life in Kyoto
Tour details
Duration: 4 hours: This workshop enables you to understand both how and why to practice Zen meditation so that you can practice on your own.
Refreshments: After Zen meditation we will drink green tea together with a traditional Japanese sweet while discussing the experience.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This was the highlight of...
Stephanie S,,Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the highlight of my trip to Kyoto! A truly personal and unique experience. I walked away with a bit of knowledge, a lot to contemplate, and an experience I will not soon forget.
Amazing Afternoon with a Real Buddhist Cleric
Matthew K,,Oct 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00First I am going to say that this has been one of the highlights of our trip so far. We signed up to learn about Zen Meditation and thought it would be us going somewhere, someone teaching us some basic things, have some tea and leave. This was SO MUCH more! Let me start with the fact that we met Brian at the hotel inside Kyoto station, he was wearing traditional Buddhist monk attire. When we saw him we were at first confused. He was a white man who spoke perfect English. Well, he is a white man who spoke perfect English. But this is where it gets good. We start the tour by going towards the buses, where he shows us the map of Kyoto, explained where we are going and then answered questions about what else we may want to see. We then hop a bus to a beautiful Buddhist Temple, one of the biggest in Japan. After looking around for a few, we sat in the information center and he took the time to explain not only just Buddhism but where researches and anthropologists believe religion even started in the first place. It was a fascinating conversation over a couple of hours and very conversational and enlightening. I will say that he is NOT trying to convert you or tell you that anything your believe is incorrect. On the contrary, he is providing context around whatever you believe in and how it came to be. He was very knowledgeable about all religions. With that said, if you do not have an open mind, not about changing your beliefs, but at least hearing other perspectives, do not waste yours or his time as it will not be an enjoyable experience for you. We then went to his house, which was a traditional Japanese townhouse from the 1800’s. It was beautiful and so amazing that you were truly inside of a house how the Japanese in a lot of cases truly live. Also, do NOT worry about going to his house. It is in a very safe area and in NO WAY did we ever feel uncomfortable. We then got some water and we sat at the table. During our time sitting together we talked about the history of Zen meditation and why it came about. We also learned that their are many many different types of meditation and this is just one of them. The history was fascinating. He then spends time going through how to meditate. The position of the body, how your mind will react, how to try and avoid “monkey brain” which is basically a human function of not being able to quiet your mind. We then went upstairs to his traditional meditation room set up just like the temples of hole studied in. We learned how to meditate, both sitting and walking and it was easy to get lost in yourself when you are taught how to do it correctly. He does however emphasize that it takes practice and that just sitting down and saying you are going to meditate and why is nothing happening is like learning to drive a car while just sitting still. You actually have to practice and do it regularly to gain the benefits. Finally, we went downstairs and talked some more, had tea and traditional Japanese sweets. Now here is why you should do this activity versus another meditation activity. Brian not only is an ordained Buddhist Cleric (so the REAL DEAL), but is also a published author of several books and contributor to others on the topic. He was brilliant, personable, funny and a great teacher. If you really want to know how to Zen Meditate, why to do it, where it came from, how Buddhism and other religions came about according to religious researchers and anthropologists, this is the activity for you. Also, assume 4-6 hours of time devoted to this. Again, Brian is brilliant and this was so much more than we even imagined or signed up for. I highly recommend this.
A Profoundly Moving Experience
Anna L,,Oct 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience surpassed our expectations of wishing for an introduction to Buddhist meditation. Brian, is an academic and cleric who introduced us more deeply into spiritual history and the evolution of Japanese religious practices.
Thought provoking afternoon
Erik B,,May 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing Experience! Brian is a wealth of knowledge and I am coming away from this with new perspectives about religion and life. I would definitely suggest for a curious minded person.
Authentic Experience
Jonathan V,,Feb 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I really enjoyed the afternoon with Brian and learnt a lot. I left feeling that I'd had an authentic experience that was different from the standard temples and tours elsewhere. First thing to mention is that it was much longer than expected - It ran from 1.30 until 6pm and could've gone on for longer - so allow the whole afternoon. The descrption undersells what it actually is - you get an overview and introduction from an experienced lecturer and published academic with a wealth of knowledge and insights into Buddhism and many aspects of Japanese culture and Kyoto. The fact that Brian is American also avoids any language barriers and means that time is spent getting to understand the topic at hand.
A dive into Zen Meditation
John M,,Jan 20, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00What 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 walk meditate.
Execptional experience
Doinita98,,Oct 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience exceeded by far our expectations. Brian is a talented story teller, very calm, kind and has lots of knowledge! Because we had so many questions and both our schedules allowed, he extended our session free of charge. We are very grateful that we had the honour to meet Brian and we highly recommend this unique experience!
Fantastic!
Amy S,,Jun 23, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Brian is great teacher and storyteller. He and my 18 year old son made a great connection discussing many religions. The meditation lesson was very clear and helpful.
Introduction to Mediation. Great time spent!
john f,,Jun 7, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Brian was a knowledgable and engaging teacher. His discussion provided me with a basic understanding of Buddhism and meditation. I most enjoyed the time spent actually mediating.
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