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Kyoto Zen Meditation and Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch
food_culinary

Kyoto Zen Meditation and Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch

by MagicalTrip Inc.

4.5 hours
Kawasaki
$96.05$106.72 on ViatorSave 10%/person
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$96.05$106.72 on ViatorSave 10%per person

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4.5 hours
Starting time
Monday 26 October 2026
Language
English
Free cancellation until 25 Oct 2026.
$192.10$213.44Save 10%
2 guests × $96.05
All taxes and fees included

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Overview

This walking food and cultural tour in Kyoto lasts about four and a half hours and is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide. The tour begins with a visit to a peaceful Zen garden where the guide explains how Zen ideas are reflected in the garden's design and how to observe it with calm attention. Next, the group visits Tofukuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five major Zen temples dating back to the 13th century. After exploring the temple grounds, participants proceed to a smaller temple within Tofukuji where they take part in a one-hour zazen meditation session. Following meditation, a traditional Shojin meal is served for lunch. The tour includes entrance fees to all venues visited and the guide takes photos during the tour. It concludes near Chishaku-in Temple, with no return to the original meeting point. The tour requires punctuality as late arrivals cannot join or reschedule. Private conversation is not allowed during meditation, but reading materials are provided. The tour welcomes guests aged 12 and above.

Highlights

Visit a Zen garden with guided explanation of design principles
Explore Tofukuji Temple, a 13th-century major Zen temple
Participate in a one-hour zazen meditation session
Enjoy a traditional Shojin vegetarian meal for lunch
Includes entrance fees to all sites visited
Photos taken during the tour by the guide

What's included

Traditional Shojin vegetarian meal
Guidance by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide
Lunch during the tour
Entrance fees for all visited venues
One-hour zazen meditation experience
Photography during the tour

Itinerary

1

Experience Zen meditation at one of the five major Zen temples in Kyoto. Get insights into how to practice zazen or Zen meditation from a local guide. Enjoy the Zen garden (dry landscape garden) with a guide's commentary and feel the tranquility. Enjoy traditional Buddhist meal historically served by Zen monks at Zen temples. This activity ends near Chishaku-in Temple

270 min

Meeting point

Outside of Tofukuji Station EXIT 2, Next to the Family Mart ［From Kyoto stn. to Tofukuji stn.］ JR line：You can use both rapid trains and local trains. ［From Shijyo keihan to Tofukuji station］ Keihan line : You can use sub-express, semi express and local trains. Please DO NOT USE express trains.

End point

Outside of Tofukuji Station EXIT 2, Next to the Family Mart ［From Kyoto stn. to Tofukuji stn.］ JR line：You can use both rapid trains and local trains. ［From Shijyo keihan to Tofukuji station］ Keihan line : You can use sub-express, semi express and local trains. Please DO NOT USE express trains.

Languages

English (guide)

Cancellation policy

  • Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info

1–7 travelers per booking
Mobile ticket
Reachable by public transport
Some locations on the tour are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller
The tour ends near Chishaku-in Temple
The group disbands at the last location instead of returning to the meeting point
Tours starting at 10:45 have lunch around 14:15 after meditation; guests should eat enough breakfast or brunch
The tour starts on time to respect all guests
Late arrivals cannot join the tour or receive a refund or reschedule
Private conversations during meditation are prohibited; reading materials are provided
Dietary restrictions or allergy-free meals cannot be guaranteed due to external kitchen preparation; substitutions may not be possible at all stops but will be attempted when possible
Summer in Japan can be hot and humid; bringing water and wearing a hat is advised
Participants must be at least 12 years old
Dietary requests must be made at least one day before the tour; no same-day requests accepted
Temple floors can be cold in winter; thick socks are recommended
Total
$192.10Save 10% vs Viator

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