Special Experience
Kyoto
Private Tour of a Rock Garden in a Historic Kyoto Temple—Includes Gyoza Meditation
Overview
At Jissoin Temple, located in the lush surroundings of northern Kyoto's Iwakura area, you will find a prestigious temple with an 800-year history. Over generations, members of the imperial and regent families have served here as chief priests. In this Wabunka exclusive experience, immerse yourself in Gyoza meditation (similar to zazen meditation) within a private room, savor matcha green tea, and enjoy a guided tour of the temple grounds after hours, led by the temple steward.
*From November 6th to December 8th, there will be an additional fee of 65,800 yen per group due to the peak season.
Key Features
・Enjoy two private gardens: the karesansui (dry rock garden) and sansui (scenic landscape garden)
・Experience Gyoza meditation in the usually restricted shoin room, followed by a serene matcha tea and sweets session
・Explore the temple's treasures, such as priceless fusuma-e (sliding door paintings), with insights from the temple steward
Kyoto
from
¥210,100 /group
1 - 8 participants
100 min
Available in English
Cancel free up to 11 days before
Details
Jissoin: A Temple with Deep Ties to the Imperial Family
In the Kyoto suburbs lies Iwakura, filled with nature and rich in historical temples and shrines. One such temple, Jissoin, has been overseen by regents and emperors as chief priests for generations. Due to its close connection with the imperial family, some of the emperor's homes were moved here. The temple also houses fusuma-e (sliding door paintings) by the Kano school, known for its official artworks for influential figures.
Founded in 1229, Jissoin Temple relocated to Iwakura in 1474. Surviving wars, it safeguarded valuable Buddhist sculptures, ancient documents, and other cultural treasures. Its renowned stone and landscape gardens, framed by Mt. Hiei, are famous for cherry blossoms and autumn colors.
Especially beautiful are the yukamidori and yukamomiji reflected on the floor of the guest hall, delighting visitors' eyes with vibrant hues of green foliage and red autumn leaves respectively.
Practicing Gyoza Meditation for Better Posture and Mind
You will first proceed to the shoin, a room typically closed to the public, showcasing the temple's prized hanging scrolls. Here, you will enjoy a Gyoza experience (similar to zazen meditation) linked to the Gautama Buddha, a revered temple artifact. This statue depicts Buddha in a state of emaciation after six years of asceticism, commonly referred to as Ascetic Buddha.
Under the gaze of the Buddha, practice abdominal breathing and focus on posture and mindfulness. It is a moment to reflect inwardly and embrace a state of calm emptiness.
Enjoying Matcha Tea and Sweets
Following Gyoza meditation, you will be treated to matcha green tea and sweets. An experienced tea ceremony instructor will prepare the matcha right before you in a simplified manner.
If desired, you can also prepare your own matcha tea. Enjoy a special moment indulging in matcha and sweets while admiring the lovely garden view.
Temple and Gardens Guided Tour
During this experience, you will be guided through the temple by the steward of Jissoin Temple, who will provide commentary. As the temple will be specially kept open for you after hours, you can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
One of the gardens at Jissoin is called Kokoro-no-Oniwa. It is a dry landscape garden overseen by Kyoto-based gardener Katsuaki Ogawa. Created over two years starting in 2013, it involved public participation. The garden serves as a memorial to the Great East Japan Earthquake victims, resembling Japan's landscape with waves and mountains symbolizing its features.
The second garden features a Chisen Kaiyu-shiki-style landscape against a backdrop of mountains. The tranquil sounds of water and birdsong invite you to linger and savor the solitude of this serene space.
Exclusive Viewing of Upper Room and Fusuma Paintings
Another exceptional experience at Jissoin is the chance to admire numerous fusuma (sliding door) paintings by the Kano school, renowned for their work during the Edo period (1603-1868). Particularly notable is the Gunsenzu Fusuma in the main entrance hall, a masterpiece by Eikei Kano, the fourth generation of the Kano school in Kyoto.
You will have the chance to enter the usually off-limits Jodan-no-Ma to see its interior sliding door paintings. Additionally, when the sliding doors of the nearby Taki-no-Ma are shut, you can glimpse a painting of a waterfall, from which the room gets its name. Take a moment to admire this precious artwork.
Discover Court Culture and Cultural Treasures
In the past, the nobility would gather at Jissoin for waka poems and tea ceremonies. The temple has a rich connection to waka poetry. As a memento of your visit, you will receive an exclusive red seal featuring a Wabunka design showcasing the "Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry," a group of Japanese poets of the of the Asuka, Nara, and Heian periods chosen during the mid-Heian period (794-1185).
After a Gyoza meditation session and a deep dive into history, your senses may become heightened. Experience the lingering imperial court culture at Jissoin, in the unique tranquility of a space reserved just for you.
Jissoin Temple
Jissoin Temple
Established in 1229 and relocated in 1474 to evade conflict, this temple has a storied past. Monks from the imperial family and noble backgrounds have been its abbots for generations. Preserving precious architecture, valuable sliding door paintings, and ancient documents, the temple is renowned for its exquisite yukamidori (floor greenery) and yukamomiji (floor maple leaf) reflections on its polished floorboards.
Location
Jisso-in
Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
606-0017
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November 2024
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Additional Options
Nov 6-Dec 8: Peak season / group
JPY 65,800
0
Experience fee
Group fee (1 participants)
JPY 210,100
Price may change after date is selected.
Additional options fee
Interpretation in English
JPY 0
Other
Service fee (5%)
JPY 10,505
Total Price
JPY 220,605
tax & service fee incl.
Extra charges may apply for the following
- ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
- ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
Kyoto
from
¥210,100 /group
1 - 8 participants
100 min
Available in English
Cancel free up to 11 days before
Things to know
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