Testimonials from Tour Participants
This was the highlight of the trip for me. The guide was fantastic and gave us lots of wisdom and insights on traditional buddism. I would highly recommend this tour. Once in a lifetime opportunity. Very authentic.
– Woman in her 30s from Oceania
The head abbot guided us through the meditation and gave us a unique insight into Zen meditation and his daily life. Our guide was very knowledgable and gave very interesting explanations about the temple and zen buddhism. I especially loved the food that they prepared for us!
– Woman in her 30s from Europe
Supervisor
Shizan FUJIOKA
He became a Zen priest and disciple of Joju-ji Zen temple 20 years ago, where he has been head priest since 2016.
Joju-ji, established in 810 at the will of the emperor of the time, is a Buddhist Temple dedicated to the protection of the nation and prosperity of the Imperial Household. Joju-ji was destroyed by a fire in the 1500s but was rebuilt in 1687 as a temple of Obaku Buddhism. Obaku is a sect of Zen Buddhism introduced from China during the Edo period.
See more about Joju-ji
Instructor
Daisetz SASAKI
He studied under a Zen priest in Kyoto and obtained a master’s degree in religious studies at a Japanese university to deepen his knowledge of Zen’s history and wisdom.
He introduced Zen wisdom to hundreds of people, including executives from Western companies visiting Japan, and gave invited lectures at companies in Silicon Valley in the United States, along with the Zen priest. Through these experiences, he is capable of translating and conveying Zen wisdom to modern people.
Details
| Cost | JPY20,000 per person (negotiable for more then 10 participants). The fee for 5 persons is required if there are less than 5 participants. |
| Included in price | – Guide (English/Japanese) – Tour of zen temple garden – Guided meditation practice with the resident priest – Q&A session with the priest – Lunch (Vegetarian meal) – Drinks (teas and water) |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Language | English/Japanese |
| Minimum and maximum number of participants | Minimum: 1, but the fee for 5 persons will be required if there are less than 5 participants Maximum: 20 |
| Date/Time | Negotiable, but reservation is required at least one month prior to the event date. |
| Payment method | Bank transfer. Advanced payment is required for registration. |
| Location | A Zen temple within a 30-minute drive from the center of Kyoto. There are several affiliated Zen temples, and the specific temple will be determined based on the reservation date and time. |