Kyoto Zen Journey : Meditation, Tea Ceremony & Temple Discovery
Joined 2024
Experience the serenity of Kyoto with a Zen meditation session at Bishamondo Shorinji, followed by a delightful matcha tea and seasonal wagashi experience. Afterward, visit two historic temples—Myoho-in and Sanjusangendo—to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and tranquil beauty.
Perfect for those seeking mindfulness and a taste of traditional Kyoto in a compact 3-hour tour.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
The lobby of your hotel
- The lobby of your hotel or meet up with guide on foot within designated area in Kyoto
Bishamondo Shorinji Zen meditation (zazen)
Begin your journey at Bishamondo Shorinji, a serene temple perfect for finding inner peace. Participate in a **Zen meditation (zazen) session**, where you’ll learn the basics of mindful breathing and seated meditation under the guidance of a temple practitioner.
**Note**: The zazen experience costs an additional ¥1,200 per person.
Please note that zazen sessions may not be available on certain days due to temple schedules or reservations.
After the meditation, enjoy a cup of matcha green tea and seasonal wagashi in a traditional setting (optional, ¥700 per person; requires advance reservation).
Myoho-in Temple
Visit Myoho-in Temple, a tranquil retreat known for its beautiful gardens and classic architecture, perfect for quiet contemplation.
Sanjusangendo Temple
End the tour at Sanjusangendo, home to 1,001 awe-inspiring statues of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy.
Ending Point
Sanjusangendo Temple
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide services
Free meet-up at your accommodation in Kyoto
Transportation fares (for guest and guide)
Meals and refreshments (for guest and guide)
Temple/shrine entrance fees (for guest and guide)
Activity/experience fees (for guest and guide)
Tour Important Information
Your Journey, Your Way: We'll Create a Custom Tour Experience
We welcome any special requests or requirements for your visit. Please don't hesitate to reach out!
Note: Bookings require a minimum of 3 days advance notice.
Important message from the supplier
Please make your booking at least 3 days in advance.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Takato Y.
Welcome to a unique journey through Kyoto and Osaka. As a passionate, certified guide, I’m committed to revealing the region’s most authentic experiences—from hidden shrines and tranquil gardens to lively shopping streets and mouthwatering local delicacies. My personalized tours offer a seamless blend of cultural insights and modern comforts, tailored to your interests and pace. Whether you wish to savor a traditional tea ceremony or immerse yourself in the bright lights of Dotonbori, every moment is carefully designed to be unforgettable. Safety, comfort, and in-depth exploration are my top priorities, ensuring you enjoy the best of Japan without worry.
Reviews
Nick M.
Half-Day Tour with Nick (Customized Tour in Kyoto)
Customized
“Perfect way to explore Kyoto!”
Takato was an excellent guide who thoughtfully crafted an itinerary to help us explore the highlights of Kyoto ahead of the winter holiday crowds. It was such a pleasure to learn the history and cultural significance of the sites, rather than simply walking through shrines and temples without context. He also took some beautiful photos of us that we’ll treasure forever. We would absolutely book with his team again!
Takato Y.
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed the tour and the photos. I’d love to guide you again sometime—looking forward to it!
$136/ per group
More tours by Takato Y.
Kyoto's Golden Triangle: Shrines, Bamboo & Market Tour
Explore Kyoto’s most iconic spots in just 6 hours! Visit the famous torii gates of Fushimi Inari, stroll through the serene Arashiyama bamboo grove, and end your journey at the bustling Nishiki Market. A perfect mix of culture, nature, and local charm awaits you!
Historic Higashiyama : A Journey Through Kyoto's Sacred Sites
The tour begins at Shoren-in, where you can enjoy its peaceful gardens and historical buildings. After exploring Shoren-in, you’ll walk to Chion-in, known for its vast grounds and the impressive Sanmon Gate, learning about the history of the Jodo sect. From there, head to Yasaka Shrine, famous for the Gion Festival, where you'll visit the shrine and learn about its cultural significance. The tour concludes at Yasaka Shrine, allowing you time to fully experience the shrine and its surroundings.
Timeless Kodaiji : A Journey Through Historic Kyoto
This tour takes you through one of Kyoto’s most iconic historical areas, featuring traditional architecture, serene gardens, and breathtaking views. Centered around Kodaiji Temple, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxing moments. The tour also includes breaks to ensure a comfortable pace throughout the day.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.
Kyoto 1 Day Tour covering Most Popular Spots
This tour covers the most popular spots in Kyoto with scenic beauty.The spots are selected from Fushimi area, Arashiyama area, and Kitayama area of Kyoto.From the point of scenic beauty, you will see Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo grove, and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, whereyou can take memorable pictures. You will visit the major scenic sites in one day effectively. These three areas are apart from each other, but can be travelled by JR-train and bus in relatively short time.
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities
This tour covers 3 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You can experience the most renownd sites such as the Golden Pavilion, the rockGarden at Ryo-anji Temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simplicity Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo is one of the three must -see sightseeing spots in kyoto.The thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue( height 3.5 meters) lining along the longest corrider in Japan , with a length of 120meters or 390 feet make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddhas! Every one who visits this temple says " Woow ! , It's amazing ! It's awesome ! It's awful ! " . Lastly visit Nishiki Market,where you can enjoy Kyoto’s specialities such as charming sweets , high quality tohu and Sake etc.
