Kyoto: Zen Meditation with Monk

Discover hidden Zen temple meditation in Kyoto. Connect with a monk, practice Zazen, and explore serene gardens. Capture unforgettable memories.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Kodaiji Park - We’re taking you to the hidden temple close from Kodaiji Park.
What's Included
  • Matcha and Japanese traditional snacks
  • Zen meditation experience with a monk
Additional Information

Experience Zen meditation at a hidden temple in Kyoto. While Zen is globally renowned and recognised, there are few places in Japan where you can have the best Zen experience with English tour guide support. This temple is not open to the general public, and you can enjoy hidden atmosphere of the temple and authentic zen experience.
Enjoy a private Zen…

Location
Kodaiji Park
The tour guide is waiting in front of the toilet in the park. Around the meeting location, you can feel the vibes of old temple built in 1606, and the tour guide is guiding you to the temple where the tour is held. On the way, you learn the history of the area.
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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99988881
Feb 7, 2026
A great tour with an expert guide - I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the tour guide saya for her great efforts, the valuable information she provided, and her excellent planning of the tour. Her attention to detail and genuine care for the topic made the experience both enjoyable and informative. I truly appreciate her dedication and would highly recommend her for future tours, for myself and for others.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mais23
Jan 23, 2026
A spiritual journey to self! - A very spiritual and beautiful experience. The monk was very open and taught me so much about Zazen and how to begin my journey in meditation.. highly recommended if you’re in Japan. What a way to learn about the culture and religion.. beautiful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
940chis
Dec 20, 2025
A Truly Unique and Highlight Experience - This activity booked through Klook was an absolute highlight of my trip. It offered a rare chance to visit a temple not normally accessible to the public and participate in a meditation session led by a genuinely serene and positive monk. The monk skillfully wove Buddhist philosophy into practical guidance, making the meditation both insightful and experiential. The atmosphere was deeply peaceful. It felt like an authentic practice rather than a tourist show; I believe locals would also appreciate its value. Beyond the meditation, we gained an introduction to Japanese tea ceremony and had the privilege of touring the temple's historic buildings and tranquil gardens. The whole experience was beautifully rounded. A special note for families: my child participated and found the meditation a helpful practice for learning focus and calm. We are both grateful. I highly recommend this exceptional and profound experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
557harryx
Dec 2, 2025
Peaceful vibes - great experience, monk was very helpful in teaching us about Buddhist values. The garden was very peaceful and serene. Overall, very valuable and memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Graemep290
Dec 2, 2025
Authentic experience - This experience is a must do if you have any interest in learning how to meditate. The Monk exudes a sense of calm and we found as a complete novice we were able to achieve 20 minutes of meditation. Our interpreter Ruko was charming and spoke perfect English.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L3692fsstephanier
Nov 20, 2025
Great experience and a nice change of pace. - My husband & I participated in this zen meditation experience and really enjoyed it. It was a nice change of pace to have this peaceful experience in the busy city of Kyoto. The guide and translator were both very knowledgeable and kind, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who has any interest in meditation, Buddhism, or just trying something new.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maria_c
Nov 18, 2025
Excellent - Amazing experience our guide was amazing and the ceremony was beautiful and the meditation was a wonderful experience
Review provided by Viator
Sam_n
Nov 7, 2025
Beautiful Experience - It is a more private experience at a smaller but beautiful temple. The monk is very genuine but insightful. I highly recommend this experience
Review provided by Viator
Voyage41833894241
Oct 28, 2025
Recommended - The experience has been amazing, and the staff kind and available. The meditation itself was grounding, and they allowed us to ask questions and visit the internal garden. Since they might change the schedule often and without much notice, just make sure if you book it to have some room for flexibility in your itinerary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ryan_d
Oct 17, 2025
Relaxing and knowledgable experience! - Very authentic private-like experience. Great translation and very educatuonal. Didn't think I'd need to go to japan to learn how to sit upright correctly. Meditation practice put into a good metaphor.
Review provided by Viator
From $95
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).