Special Experience
Tokyo
Private Zazen Meditation Experience at a Zen Temple in Asakusa, with Matcha and Sweets
Overview
Kinryuji, a Zen temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, was founded in 1611 by Kamehime, daughter of the military leader Tokugawa Ieyasu. Quiet and surrounded by greenery, the temple provides a peaceful setting to discover the spirit of Zen and find inner clarity. You'll sit cross-legged, listen to sutras, and calm your mind and body with guidance from a Zen monk. Also enjoy matcha and sweets while listening to the head priest’s sermon.
Key Features
・Experience the spirit of Zen at a historic Asakusa temple linked to the Tokugawa family in this Wabunka-exclusive plan
・Receive personal instruction from the head priest and the director of the Tokyo Zen Center of the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, covering everything from basic Zen principles to zazen practice
・Tune your mind and body with the head priest's sermon while enjoying matcha and sweets
Tokyo
from
¥27,000 /person
1 - 12 participants
120mins
Available in English
Cancel free up to 2 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 54,000
Details
A Temple Linked to the Tokugawa Family With Over 400 Years of History
Kinryuji is a Zen temple founded in 1611 by Kamehime, the eldest daughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of Japan’s last shogunate, and Zen master Nanden Soyu. Originally built in Hatchobori, Tokyo, it was relocated to Asakusa in 1635. Though it was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and during WWII air raids, it has since been rebuilt and stands as it does today.
Kinryuji is just a street away from the busy main road in Asakusa, offering a peaceful retreat. The main hall, where the zazen experience takes place, is surrounded by trees whose appearance changes with the seasons. With its sturdy structure and tranquil atmosphere, the hall naturally calms the mind.
A Chance to Connect With Zen and Experience Zazen
In the main hall, the head priest begins his explanation. Taijun Namiki, the 23rd head priest of Kinryuji and director of the Tokyo Zen Center, introduces Zen through zazen and sutra copying. He also presents Zen teachings in an easy-to-understand manner.
Zen is said to have begun when the Buddha attained enlightenment while sitting in zazen under the Bodhi tree. During this experience, you'll learn the basics, including the origins of Zen and practical methods like proper sitting posture. Even beginners can participate with confidence.
Restore Your Body, Breath, and Mind With Zazen
The head priest will chant the Enmei Jikku Kannon Sutra before the eleven-faced Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), the main deity of Kinryuji. The sutra's echoes in the quiet main hall create a refreshing atmosphere.
The next zazen session lasts 10 minutes, followed by a 2-minute break, and is repeated three times. Each session is timed by the burning of one incense stick. While traditional zazen lasts longer, this shorter format is designed for beginners. If you wish, you can continue meditating during the breaks.
When the incense burns out, the sounds of clappers and bells signal the start and end of zazen. Sit up straight and focus on slow, deep abdominal breathing to regulate your breath. Although it may be hard to concentrate at first, the head priest will guide you in the Zen breathing technique called susokukan, where you count your inhales and exhales to help harmonize your mind and body.
During zazen, the head priest walks around with a keisaku, a flat wooden stick used to tap the shoulders for encouragement. You can request this tap if you wish. After bowing and receiving the tap, you'll likely feel your posture straighten and align.
Enjoy a Chat With the Head Priest Over Matcha and Sweets
After the three zazen sessions, enjoy a break with matcha tea prepared by the head priest. Seasonal sweets are served, and on our visit, we were offered fresh treats from Ryushotei Nishimura, a 19th-century shop near Kaminarimon that supplies Sensoji Temple. Experience the hospitality of beautifully seasonal sweets and tea.
The tea ceremony is a well-known Japanese tradition, but the practice of drinking matcha actually originated in China. Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism in Japan, brought the method of making tea, along with tea seeds, back to Japan. Initially used as a medicinal aid to stay alert during zazen, tea remains a staple in Zen temples and is enjoyed several times a day.
Relax with tea, closely connected to Zen, and chat with the head priest. It's a great chance to learn more about Zen.
This Experience Immerses You in the Depths of Zen
In this experience, zazen is done in 10-minute intervals, shorter than usual, to help you focus in a brief period. The head priest says, "I want you to experience zazen in a setting that feels completely different from your everyday life and lets you connect with the seasons." As you sit quietly, breathing slowly and upright in the main hall surrounded by nature, you'll feel your mind begin to relax.
This is a valuable opportunity to center yourself through sutra recitation, zazen, matcha tea, and sermons, bringing your mind and body into harmony. Why not escape the busy streets of Asakusa and spend some time in a quiet temple, experiencing the profound world of Zen?
Kinryuji
Kinryuji
Kinryuji temple, part of the Rinzai sect's Myoshinji school, is located in Asakusa. It was founded in 1611 by Kamehime, the eldest daughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu, with Zen master Nanden Soyoku as its first abbot. The temple relocated to its current site in 1635, was destroyed twice—first in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and later during the Bombing of Tokyo in the 1940s—and has since been rebuilt. The quiet, green-filled grounds offer a peaceful retreat from the busy streets of Asakusa.
Customer's Voice
Wonderful, the zazen was made tenable and the Priest Namiki was very personable. It was a quiet and peaceful meditation with refreshing tea and snacks afterwards. Thankful for the priest in opening up his experience to our inquisitive minds.
C.Y. United States
Location
Kinryuji Temple
Taito Ward, Tokyo
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December 2024
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If your first choice is not available, we will confirm your booking based on your other preferred dates and times.
Experience fee
Minimum fee JPY 27000 × 2 participants
JPY 54,000
*Minimum: 2 participants; JPY 27,000 × 2 will be charged for bookings below the minimum.
Price may change after date is selected.
Additional options fee
Interpretation in English
JPY 0
Other
Service fee (5%)
JPY 2,700
Total Price
JPY 56,700
tax & service fee incl.
Extra charges may apply for the following
- ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
- ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
Tokyo
from
¥27,000 /person
1 - 12 participants
120mins
Available in English
Cancel free up to 2 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 54,000
Things to know
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