• Experience Overview
  Your experience begins at the North Gate of Myoshin-ji Temple, where your guide will welcome you and lead you through the temple grounds to Jusho-in.

Inside the temple, the chief monk will introduce the basic ideas of Zen and the posture of Zazen. You will then practice two zazen meditation sessions in a quiet temple room. Chairs are available for guests who prefer not to sit on the floor.

After meditation, you will enjoy selected matcha and seasonal Kyoto sweets in the temple. There will also be time for conversation with the monk and your guide. A photographer will capture moments of the experience, and you will receive the photo data afterward.

• About the Location
  Jusho-in is a historic sub-temple of Myoshin-ji Temple, one of the largest Zen temple complexes in Kyoto. Founded in 1599, Jusho-in is usually not open to the general public.

This experience gives guests a chance to spend time inside a quiet temple room, away from the busy sightseeing areas of Kyoto. From the room and veranda, guests can enjoy the view of the temple garden, which changes with the seasons.

• About the Chief Monk
  Eitetsu Nishida is the 16th-generation abbot of Jusho-in. Before becoming a monk, he worked as a national public servant for 10 years. After completing three and a half years of Zen training, he now serves as the abbot of Jusho-in.

During this experience, he introduces the basic ideas of Zen and guides guests through zazen meditation in a simple and welcoming way.

• What Makes This Experience Special
  This experience takes place inside Jusho-in, a quiet temple usually not open to the public.

Guests can learn zazen directly from the 16th-generation chief monk, then enjoy matcha and seasonal sweets in the same calm temple setting. It is designed to be simple and welcoming, so even first-time visitors can take part without needing any previous knowledge of Zen.

The experience also includes photos, giving guests a way to remember the time they spent inside the temple.