There are many temples in Kyoto, and some of them offer zazen (Zen meditation) instruction in English. Here we will introduce a list of temples where English zazen sessions are held. Zazen is an experience that allows you to sit quietly, calm your mind, and experience Japanese spirituality.
Please note that prices may vary depending on the day, so please check when making a reservation.
Kyoto city temples offering zazen instruction in English
Daisenin Temple
It is a sub-temple of Daitokuji Temple. It features a national treasure,the abbot’s chamber, and a dry landscape garden.
There is a “Premium Zazen Experience Course” for groups of 2 to 6 people. The program includes Zen meditation, a garden tour, and a matcha tea experience. The participation fee is 12,000 yen per person.
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Daisenin temple (Kyoto) : Zazen (Zen Meditation) experience
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.
Shunkoin Temple
This is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple and was founded in 1590. “Kissako Zen and Tea Experience in English” is held regularly.
The 120-minute course includes Zen meditation, tea ceremony, a sermon, and a guided tour of the temple. The participation fee is 18,700 yen and anyone can participate. The dates of the event are listed on the Shunkoin Temple website.
There are also zazen sessions with overnight stays available.
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Shunkoin temple (Kyoto) : Zazen experience in English
Shunkoin 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.
Taizoin Temple
This is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple and has a beautiful garden within its grounds. Plans are available for groups of 10 or more that allow you to experience zazen in English, garden viewing, buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and more.
The admission fee for viewing and zazen is 5,000 yen per person, and if you add buddhist vegetarian cuisine, the fee is 10,200 yen.
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Taizoin temple (Kyoto) : Japanese garden and Zen editation
Taizoin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1404. After paying the admission fee and entering the temple grounds, you will find the main hall, an important cultural property. If you go further, you will come across a dry landscape garden and a strolling pond garden.
Ryosokuin Temple
It is a sub-temple of Kenninji Temple. The grounds include numerous wooden buildings, teahouses, and gardens.
At Ryosokuin Temple, zazen sessions are held regularly. The program includes zazen, sermons, and a stroll around the temple grounds. The participation fee is 3,000 yen per person.
A zazen experience with instruction in English is also available for groups of 20 or more. The participation fee is 6,000 yen per person. There is also a zazen plan available for small groups, starting at 120,000 yen.
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Ryosokuin temple (Kyoto) : Japanese garden and zazen meditation
Ryosokuin is a sub-temple of Kenninji Temple, founded in 1358. There is a beautiful Japanese garden and a temple dedicated to Bishamonten (Vaisravana). Regular zazen sessions are held, and group zazen sessions are also available. The program includes zazen, sermons, and a stroll around the temple grounds.
Shorinji temple
It is a sub-temple of Tofukuji Temple. A statue of Vaisravana, created during the Heian period (794-1185), is enshrined here.
Zen meditation sessions are available. They also offer packages that combine tea ceremonies and yoga.
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Shorinji temple (Kyoto) : Zen Meditation and Buddha statue
It is a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji Temple, founded in 1550. The statue of Vaisravana enshrined here was made during the Heian period (794-1185) and is believed to bring good fortune in wealth and victory in battle. Zen meditation sessions are available. Beginners are welcome to participate.
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In Kyoto, there are zazen (Zen meditation) sessions that you can join without making a reservation. Even those who don’t speak Japanese can easily participate in these activities. Participation fees range from free to around 1,000 yen.
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Kyoto temples offering zazen – No Reservations Required
There are many temples in Kyoto, and some of them hold zazen (Zen meditation) sessions that you can join without making a reseravation. Zazen is an experience that allows you to sit quietly, calm your mind, and experience Japanese spirituality.If you have a chance to visit Kyoto, be sure to give it a try.
