Kansai? category ?

Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. At Kenninji Temple, a Zazen (Zen meditation) session is held every second Sunday of the month from 7:30 am. No reservation is required, just arrive on time to participate. I decided to do zazen next to the dry landscape garden.

I had buddhist vegetarian cuisine at "Shigetsu" located within the temple grounds. It was a charming building with Japanese-style architecture. What I felt after eating the meal was that it was light in flavor but very satisfying. It was not only delicious, but also a meal that taught me about Buddhist thought.

Mugekoin is a Rinzai sect temple located to the east of Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. Zazen (zen meditation ) sessions are held every Saturday from 6pm to 7pm. Beginners and foreigners are welcome.

Daioin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1603. A Zazen (Zen meditation) session is held in the main hall about once a month. It usually starts at 6:30am on the third or fourth Saturday of each month. No reservations are required to participate.

Daisenin is a sub-temple of Daitokuji Temple, founded in 1509. It is famous for its Hojo (main hall), which is designated as a national treasure of Japan, and its beautiful dry landscape garden. There is a "Premium Zazen Experience Course" for groups of 2 to 6 people.

At Kounji Temple, zazen (zen meditation ) sessions are held every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. I happened to be staying at a nearby hotel, so I attended a zazen session. As I was doing zazen, I heard the sound of frogs croaking outside the main hall. As I sat there, breathing slowly, I felt very calm.

At Nanzenji Temple, zen meditation sessions are held on the second and fourth Sunday mornings of every month. I practiced zazen in the large hall and in front of the dry landscape garden. I could hear the babbling water, the birds singing and feel the wind blowing, and it really calmed my mind.

Syunkoin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1590. You can rent out the Hojo, an important cultural property, exclusively for a special Zen experience. Zazen instruction is available in English. If you're interested, please make a reservation and participate.

Chionin Temple is the head temple of the Jodo sect. Morning services are held every morning from 6:30 am. No reservations are required and anyone can attend as long as they arrive at the start time. I was allowed to enter the inner sanctuary of the Mieido Hall, which is normally off-limits.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto's most representative temples. It's always very crowded during the day, but in the early morning there are fewer people, so you can visit the shrine at your leisure. I was the first one there, heading to the stage in front of the main hall.