Zazen Experience: Zen Meditation at Kinryuji
5.0
30 Ratings
Taito City

Discover tranquility with Zazen at Kinryu-ji Temple and explore Asakusa’s vibrant culture. Learn Zen techniques and enjoy matcha tea with a monk.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Kaminarimon Gate - Also known as the “Thunder Gate,” Kaminarimon serves as the iconic entrance to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. It is adorned with statues of the wind and thunder gods, Fujin and Raijin, on each side. The gate is renowned for its large red lantern at the center, making it a favored spot for visitor photographs.
  • **Senso-ji…
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What's Included
  • Zen Experience
  • Professional local guide
  • Matcha tea and Japanese sweets
What's Not Included
  • Transportation
Additional Information

Discover the essence of Japanese culture through Zazen at Kinryuji, a historic Zen temple with a legacy of over 400 years.
Are you acquainted with Zazen? It is a traditional practice designed to soothe the mind and encourage relaxation. Asakusa, a prominent tourist spot in Tokyo, is also a place where the Zazen culture is deeply rooted.
This tour invites…

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Location
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(30 Ratings)
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Tjones312
Apr 7, 2025
Unique Zen Meditation Experience - This tour took place at a Buddhist temple and included a guided zen meditation session, a sutra recitation and a green tea ceremony. There was a Buddhist monk leading the session and available to answer any questions. After explaining the proper etiquette we dove into a mini zen meditation session. It was truly insightful. After that we were provided a sutra and asked to trace the characters in an attempt to focus the mind. It was very calming. Finally, we were treated to a tea ceremony with two different teas and some sweet snacks. It was a great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cyzbeth
Apr 7, 2025
Kinryuji Zen Meditation Experience - Amazing experience doing zen, the monk (Priest Namiki) and interpreter Ms Yuka explained to us fully how to do it, I felt so refreshed afterwards. We then proceeded to do some Buddhist writing in Chinese characters afterwards we were served delicious Japanese green tea from Kyoto and Nagano with sweets. Highly recommended to partake Japanese traditional activity.
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Pioneer44513081006
Mar 13, 2025
Feel like a Zen Monk - I had such a peaceful and meaningful time at the Zen meditation session at the temple. We started by meeting in front of the temple, where the monk gave us a warm introduction and shared a bit about the temple’s history. He also walked us through the meditation technique, which helped set a calm and relaxed vibe from the start. It was my third time doing Zen meditation (not here though, all at different places), and each time feels so different — that’s part of the charm. The most interesting part for me was learning how to ask the master for help if you start to feel sleepy during the meditation. It really made me feel connected to the practice, almost like I was stepping into the role of a monk for a moment. After the meditation, we traced a sutra for longevity and listened to the monk reciting it with the soft sound of bells in the background — it was so calming. We wrapped up the session with tea time, enjoying some high-quality Uji matcha and delicious traditional sweets. The whole experience left me feeling grounded and refreshed — I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to experience Zen in a truly authentic way.
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Excursion60051514276
Mar 11, 2025
An unmissable Cultural Experience in Tokyo! - I have been living in Japan for 10 years, but still didn’t have before an experience as nice as this one. The temple is small, beautiful, and cozy. The monk lives there with his family, so you can get that homey and local atmosphere there. We started with a Zen Meditation Session. The monk explained all the steps very clearly and the guide translated it to English for us. When we finished Zazen, we had the chance to write a Buddha Sutra (sermon) with a traditional ink brush, to offer it at the altar. Before finishing we had a brief Tea Ceremony, with Matcha from Uji Area in Kyoto and green tea from Shizuoka Prefecture (where Mt. Fuji is), with some traditional sweets. At the end we had the opportunity to solve our doubts during a Q&A Session that I actually found very interesting. I learned a lot! If you are looking for a more unique and immersive cultural and traditional experience in Japan, this is the one. I really recommend it!
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Mariajesusn2017
Mar 10, 2025
Enjoyed the disconnection - It’s a really good experience, I really enjoyed getting disconnected, I think it’s something that we all need at some point, the monk was really nice and would answer all your questions after the tour and you get to be really cozy when finishing the meditation and eating a small snack sitting on the tatami floor. I went alone and feel comfortable all the time, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t have someone to go with !
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Bicy_f2024
Mar 10, 2025
Zazen experience in Asakusa area - It was a very interesting, special and good tour. The monk explained a lot about the temple, the way of doing zazen and sutra. It was a relaxed tour. Just what I needed it the hectic time I’m in right now. After the zazen and sutra we had matcha, green tea and wagashi. meanwhile the monk answered all our questions, and our guide Yuka translated all the questions and answer. It’s traditional Japanese, one that I would really recommend if you want to learn more about authentic Japan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gn641
Mar 10, 2025
Felt welcomed and relaxed - Quiet temple in the middle of a busy area, with a patient young monk explaining the history of the temple and leading the meditation. I haven’t tried meditation before, and was surprised how relaxed I felt afterwards. The surroundings helped too - the small and cozy place felt very welcoming. The young monk answered any questions (even personal ones) with a smile. At the end we were treated to special matcha and sweets. Overall, an eye-opener and an opportunity to learn and see for yourself what goes on in a temple
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Smitah2024
Feb 24, 2025
Peaceful and Centering Zazen Meditation - I'm so glad I chose to include the Zazen meditation in my Japan Wonder Travel itinerary. The Sensoji temple was a stunning location for the experience. The guide's instructions were easy to follow, even for someone like me who had never tried meditation before. The quiet contemplation time was incredibly valuable, and I felt a sense of calm I hadn't experienced in a long time. It gave me a new appreciation for mindfulness and I've even started incorporating some meditation into my daily routine back home. Thank you for offering such a meaningful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jo_ll910
Feb 22, 2025
A perfect afternoon in Asakusa - A fun and meditative journey through Asakusa. This was a perfect afternoon. Kaz was a great guide who understood the differences between Japan and foreign cultures and was able to explain them like a master.
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Wwanderin-rei
Feb 20, 2025
Bustling Streets Melt Into Peaceful Retreat - This was a unique and enjoyable tour in the heart of a busy tourism district of Tokyo. The guide was friendly and attentive, and the Monk was very kind and answered questions about anything we asked. At the start of the tour, it was very busy in Nakamise Street. There isn't much time for shopping or trying street food while you're on the tour, so make sure to take some time before or after to explore in more depth. The highlight of the tour was definitely the zazen, the sutra writing and tea. It was delicious and especially nice as a retreat from the chaos of the entertainment district. The discussion period after the tea where we got to ask questions was so nice, and our guide did a great job translating. All in all, a lovely experience.
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Check Availability
From $60
From $60
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).
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