Tokyo: Private Zen Meditation & Tea Ceremony with a Monk
Practice authentic zazen with a resident monk at a traditional Tokyo temple. Learn posture and breathing, then reflect over a simple matcha & sweet. ~90 minutes. Free cancellation 24h.
Practice authentic zazen with a resident monk at a traditional Tokyo temple. Learn posture and breathing, then reflect over a simple matcha & sweet. ~90 minutes. Free cancellation 24h.
About this activity
Duration
1.5h
Languages
EN, JA
Group size
1–20 participants
Confirmation
Select a Date
Cancellation Policy
See the cancellation policy before booking.
Meeting Point
Yougakuji
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Highlights
- Settle in with posture & breathing guidance from a monk
- Practice authentic zazen in a tranquil temple hall
- Learn about shakyo (sutra copying) and Zen philosophy
- Reflect & ask questions with bilingual support
- Unwind with matcha tea & a small sweet after the session
Description
Enter a historic Zen temple in Tokyo and experience zazen meditation as it has been practiced for centuries.
Begin with a monk’s introduction to the foundations of Zen—how to sit, breathe, and calm the mind. A short trial meditation helps you get comfortable with the posture, before moving into a longer main session. For those who wish, the traditional keisaku (encouragement stick) may be offered to help restore focus.
The monk will also share insights into related practices such as sutra copying (shakyo), explaining how writing Buddhist texts has been used as meditation for centuries. This cultural context enriches your understanding of Zen beyond simply sitting.
After the meditation, you’ll have time for reflection and Q&A, with a bilingual guide supporting translation. A light serving of matcha tea and a sweet is offered to close the experience, not as a ceremony but as a simple way to relax in the temple atmosphere.
This 1.5-hour program is designed for travelers seeking a genuine traditional Zen experience in Japan, whether you are a beginner or already familiar with meditation.
All practices are optional and adapted to your comfort; the traditional keisaku (encouragement stick) is offered only on request.
Read more
Enter a historic Zen temple in Tokyo and experience zazen meditation as it has been practiced for centuries.
Begin with a monk’s introduction to the foundations of Zen—how to sit, breathe, and calm the mind. A short trial meditation helps you get comfortable with the posture, before moving into a longer main session. For those who wish, the traditional keisaku (encouragement stick) may be offered to help restore focus.
The monk will also share insights into related practices such as sutra copying (shakyo), explaining how writing Buddhist texts has been used as meditation for centuries. This cultural context enriches your understanding of Zen beyond simply sitting.
After the meditation, you’ll have time for reflection and Q&A, with a bilingual guide supporting translation. A light serving of matcha tea and a sweet is offered to close the experience, not as a ceremony but as a simple way to relax in the temple atmosphere.
This 1.5-hour program is designed for travelers seeking a genuine traditional Zen experience in Japan, whether you are a beginner or already familiar with meditation.
All practices are optional and adapted to your comfort; the traditional keisaku (encouragement stick) is offered only on request.
Included
What's Included
- Guided Zen meditation session with a monk
- Bilingual support (English/Japanese)
- Cultural insight into shakyo
- Matcha tea & seasonal sweet (light refreshment)
- Support cushions for sitting (on request)
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from the temple
- Additional food and drinks
Itinerary
- Meeting
Yougakuji
We’ll meet in front of the temple located on the corner of the intersection. The person holding a smartphone displaying “AlvaJapan” is our staff. Please note that there are other temples nearby, so be careful not to mistake the location.
陽岳寺
Important Information
Participation Requirements
- Duration: ~1.5 hours
- Clothing: Wear comfortable modest clothing for sitting; strong perfumes are not allowed
- Photography: Only in designated temple areas (not during meditation)
- Comfort: Support cushions available; inform staff of knee/back concerns
- Consent: The keisaku (encouragement stick) is offered only on request
- Group policy: If minimum participants are not met, the session may be canceled; choose the private option if you need a guaranteed session
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before start time
Pricing
Pax x Tier Matrix
| Pax type | All group sizes |
|---|---|
| Adults (Ages 4-99) | ¥16,000 Per pax / Group only Ages 4-99 Counts toward capacity |
| Infants (Ages 0-3) | ¥0 Per pax / Group only Ages 0-3 Does not consume capacity |
Price is charged per participant. The total is calculated by multiplying the unit price by the number of participants.
Questions & Answers
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