Tokyo: Full-Day Zen, Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy Retreat (8h)
A full-day wellness retreat: monk-led zazen, formal tea ceremony with shojin cuisine, and a hands-on calligraphy class. Bilingual support, mindful pace.
What makes this tour unique
Monk-led zazen (90 min) with posture & breathing guidance
Tea ceremony (≈150 min) with shojin cuisine and whisk-your-own usucha
Calligraphy workshop (90 min): brush basics → finish on shikishi board
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Visit, Guided tour
Duration: 1.5 hours
Car
Duration: 30 minutes
Visit, Guided tour
Duration: 1.5 hours
Car
Duration: 30 minutes
Shinjuku
Duration: 1.5 hours
Visit, Guided tour
What's included
English-speaking guide/interpreter (full day)
Monk-led zazen program at a temple
Formal tea ceremony with shojin cuisine (plant-based; seasonal menu)
Calligraphy class with all materials; finished artwork on a shikishi board to take home
Not Included
Alcoholic beverages and any additional food or drinks not specified
Personal purchases
Description
Begin your wellness day at a quiet neighborhood temple. A resident monk introduces posture and breathing before guiding authentic zazen (with a short trial sit first). On request only, the keisaku (encouragement stick) may be offered to help restore focus.
Next, transfer to a dedicated tearoom for a formal tea experience with shojin cuisine. Learn room etiquette (how to enter, bow, and handle the chawan), watch selected temae movements, then whisk your own usucha and enjoy seasonal wagashi with plant-based dishes. Discover how season, utensils, and hospitality harmonize in the tearoom—wisdom rooted in the Way of Tea.
Round off with a hands-on calligraphy workshop: practice brush grip, ink control, and strokes before creating a final piece (your name in kanji or a meaningful character) on shikishi to take home.
Throughout, your guide provides cultural context and gentle pacing—so you leave centered, nourished, and inspired.
Important Information
Know before you go
Attire: Modest, comfortable clothing; avoid strong fragrances out of respect for the temple and tearoom.
Keisaku: The keisaku (encouragement stick) is offered only upon request.
Photography: Only at designated times in the temple/tearoom; no photos during meditation or temae. Please follow on-site staff instructions.
Shojin options: Please choose with or without the “five pungent roots” (garlic, onion, leek, chive, scallion) in advance. Allergies must be advised at least 48 hours prior.
Accessibility: Some steps/uneven surfaces at the temple; chairs and cushions available on request.
Weather: Runs rain or shine (the majority of the program is indoors).
