Enter one of Kyoto’s five historic Zen complexes, a massive walled compound of dozens of subtemples where priests have been living traditional lives for centuries. Enjoy a tea ceremony in a private venue inside a historic temple, where the priest will prepare matcha tea for guests and show them around his temple. A private guide will act as translator for the experience, and then take guests to see several dry rock gardens in the complex. As a mindful finale, settle down for an optional add-on meditation activity in a temple under the tutelage of a Zen priest.
Meet today’s private guide in the hotel lobby and catch a taxi to Daitokuji, a historic Zen temple complex in a quiet neighborhood of Kyoto.
Cross the threshold into the temple grounds, passing down walled lanes lined with pine trees that lead to the towering central gate. Peek into the main hall where a golden Buddha statue sits in repose.
Enter one of Daitokuji’s subtemples, where a Zen priest awaits to greet guests and perform a traditional tea ceremony. The guide will act as translator for a Q&A and discussion about Zen with the priest, followed by a short tour of the temple and gardens.
Move on to another subtemple, known for having Japan’s smallest Zen rock garden. The gardens here may look similar to others, but the guide can point out what makes these minimalist dry landscapes so special. This temple is also home to several very important historic treasures, including the go (Japanese chess) board upon which the two most famous rulers of the samurai era often battled each other.
Time permitting, conclude with a visit to one more subtemple, where a most spectacular garden awaits.
Optional Experience: Zen Meditation (JHKYDM)
Under the guidance of a fully-fledged Zen priest, experience a formal Zen meditation session in a temple setting.
This will include an introduction to the practice, followed by several short sessions of mindful meditation. A short Q&A and discussion time with the priest will follow. The guide will act as translator throughout.
Zen meditation methods vary slightly among temples, but to experience this at Daitokuji is a great way to get a feel for authentic Zen practices.
Note: additional charges apply
The tour will end outside of Daitokuji. Before parting ways with the guests, the guide can assist with hailing a taxi, or travel with guests on a short bus ride to the nearby station where subway and taxi transfers are readily available.
Notes:
Not available on Sundays, the 28th of each month, Obon holidays, New Years holidays, and other religious holidays. Speak with a Travel Consultant for more information.
This activity is restricted to guests 16 years and older and limited to a maximum of 8 guests.
The itinerary and number of temples visited may be adjusted based on reservation times and temple availability. Tea and meditation may take place at the same venue, or other temples may be substituted in some circumstances.
Please inform your travel agent of any special dietary requirements that you might have.
Prices may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation).
Please note that all of the above services and tours have yet to be booked. They are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation.
If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the time of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes in the programme.
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