HomeItinerariesToursBlogDay GuidesLocations
Cart
Trip To Japan
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

About Trip To Japan

Company

  • About Us
  • Careers
    New!
  • Blog
  • Travel Guide
  • All tours
  • All itineraries
  • Groups

Partners

  • Tour operator signup
  • Hotel signup
  • Creator signup
    New!

Contact us

+81 3-4578-2152

info@triptojapan.com

Address

Takanawa Travel K.K.,
Kitashinagawa 5-11-1
Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

Best Locations To Visit

FukuokaHakoneHiroshimaHokkaidoKawasakiKobeKyotoMiyajimaMt. FujiNaganoNagoyaNaoshimaNaraNaritaNikkoOkinawaOsakaTakayamaTokyoTsumagoSee All Locations
Ribbon illustration

License

Certified Travel License
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office: No.3-8367
Japan Travel

QualityTermsPrivacyCommerce Disclosure
© Takanawa Travel

Tofuku-ji Temple
Tofuku-ji Temple
Kyoto Zen Tour
Kyoto Zen Tour
Tofuku-ji Temple
Tofuku-ji Temple
Kyoto

Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour with Shojin Lunch

English
4 hours and 30 minutes
(493)
Immerse yourself in tranquility with our Kyoto Zen Meditation and Garden Tour, where you'll practice zazen meditation, explore a serene Zen garden, and savor a traditional Shojin meal at a historic temple.

  • Zazen meditation (approx. 1 hour)
  • Site admissions
  • Shojin Buddhist lunch
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Tour photos
What's not included
  • Transportation to/from the meeting point
  • Gratuities

Tour Highlights

  • Practice zazen meditation at a renowned Kyoto Zen temple

  • Explore the minimalist beauty of a Zen garden

  • Enjoy a traditional Shojin vegan meal in a historic setting

  • Learn from an experienced, English-speaking local guide

  • Receive photos of your tour experience via email

  • Benefit from a small group setting for a personalized experience

Essentials to Know Before Booking

  • Participants must be 12 years or older.

  • Tours starting at 10:45 include lunch at 14:15, after the meditation session. Please eat breakfast or brunch in advance.

  • The itinerary includes areas not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

  • This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility issues. A private tour is recommended if you have difficulty walking.

  • Dietary requests or food allergies must be communicated at least one day in advance.

  • Gluten-free meals are not available.

  • Same-day dietary requests cannot be accommodated.

  • Allergy-free meals cannot be guaranteed, as food is prepared in external kitchens. Substitutions may not always be possible.

  • Tours start on time to respect all participants.

  • Late arrivals who miss the group cannot join, reschedule, or receive a refund.

  • During the zazen meditation, private conversations are not permitted. Reading materials will be provided for silent use.

  • Japan experiences extreme seasonal temperatures, ranging from hot summers to cold winters. Please dress accordingly.

  • Temple floors can be cold in winter. Thick socks are recommended.

Meet directly at this location to join the tour
Family Mart Nakai Tofukuji Store, 12 Chome-232 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

  • Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

Reviews

Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour with Shojin Lunch

Itinerary

2

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, photography is allowed in the Zen garden. However, cameras are not permitted during the meditation session to maintain a quiet and respectful environment.

This tour involves walking and sitting on the floor, which may be difficult for travelers with mobility limitations. Please contact us before booking to discuss your needs and possible accommodations.

The meal served is Shojin Ryori, a traditional Buddhist meal. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform us in advance so we can check whether accommodations are possible.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to allow for check-in and to avoid missing any part of the tour.

The tour runs rain or shine, as most activities take place indoors or in covered areas. In extreme weather, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled for safety, with refund or rebooking options offered.

Yes, solo travelers are welcome to join this tour. Please note that minimum participant requirements may apply, so availability is subject to confirmation at the time of booking.

Similar tours

Two women in traditional kimonos walk under an ornate wooden gate with gold details at a historic Japanese site, with more visitors and a large building visible in the background.
8 hours
Kyoto
Kyoto Your Way: Full-Day Private Tour by Chartered Vehicle
From $613 /person
Nijo Castle
8 hours
Kyoto
Explore Kyoto: Full-Day Private Tour on Foot and by Transit
From $220 /person
Myoshinji Temple
1 day
Kyoto Myoshinji Temple Tour with Cuisine Lunch at Hanagokoro
Sennyu-ji Temple
3 hours
Exclusive Monk-Guided Tour of Kyoto's Hidden Cultural Treasures at Sennyu-ji Temple
Cycling in Kyoto
4 hours
Kyoto
Kyoto Cycling Tour: Historic Landmarks and Zen Temples
From $94 /person
Two women in traditional kimonos walk under an ornate wooden gate with gold details at a historic Japanese site, with more visitors and a large building visible in the background.
8 hours
Kyoto
Kyoto Your Way: Full-Day Private Tour by Chartered Vehicle
From $613 /person
Nijo Castle
8 hours
Kyoto
Explore Kyoto: Full-Day Private Tour on Foot and by Transit
From $220 /person
Myoshinji Temple
1 day
Kyoto Myoshinji Temple Tour with Cuisine Lunch at Hanagokoro
Sennyu-ji Temple
3 hours
Exclusive Monk-Guided Tour of Kyoto's Hidden Cultural Treasures at Sennyu-ji Temple
  1. Home
  2. Tours
  3. Cultural Tours
  4. Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour with Shojin Lunch
493 reviews
Powered by TripAdvisor
1/1
Amazing Zen Mediation experience
The Zen Mediation was a unique experience, the tour was very well prepared so that I knew how to follow the instructions of the Zen master. After the mediation and the garden tour, we had a relaxing lunch to end this wonderful day. It is a very unique experience and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Zen Mediation.
Ivana888
May 16, 2026
Amazing Zen
Simply amazing. Yutaka made it even more enjoyable. He explained everything throughout. Lunch was fab. Thank you, fully recommend.
Harish B
May 16, 2026
Ivana888
May 16, 2026
Amazing Zen Mediation experience
The Zen Mediation was a unique experience, the tour was very well prepared so that I knew how to follow the instructions of the Zen master. After the mediation and the garden tour, we had a relaxing lunch to end this wonderful day. It is a very unique experience and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Zen Mediation.
Harish B
May 16, 2026
Amazing Zen
Simply amazing. Yutaka made it even more enjoyable. He explained everything throughout. Lunch was fab. Thank you, fully recommend.
May 2026
SMTWTFS
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6

Adults
Ages 12-100
2