Zazen
Experience
¥21,000 / 2 persons
8:55-9:50(1hours)
Meeting Point:
Language:English/Japanese/French*/German*/Spanish*/Chinese*
What’s Included: Temple entrance fee, Zen meditation, copying of Sutras (Shakyo), English Guide,Tea
Experience Overview
Zazen Experience at Ryuenji Temple: A Journey into Stillness
Discover the quiet power of Zen in the heart of Kanazawa.
Tucked away in Kanazawa’s historic Teramachi district, Ryuenji Temple is a tranquil Soto Zen temple with over 400 years of history. As you walk up the stone-paved slope and enter the moss-lined grounds, you’ll feel the pace of life begin to slow. The scent of aged wood, the hush of the wind through the trees, and the timeless atmosphere of the temple create a space where silence becomes a welcome companion.
Here, you are invited to experience zazen—the seated meditation practice at the heart of Zen Buddhism. Zazen is not about achieving a goal or clearing the mind completely. It is about sitting with awareness, aligning your posture, focusing on your breath, and gently letting go of thoughts. In this stillness, many find a sense of clarity, calm, and connection to the present moment.
This experience is not a performance or a ritual for tourists—it is a quiet invitation to meet yourself as you are. The head priest of Ryuenji will offer guidance in Japanese, while a professional English-speaking guide will interpret and support you throughout the session. Whether you are new to meditation or simply curious about Zen, you’ll be gently welcomed into the practice.
Chairs are available for seated meditation, making the experience accessible and comfortable for all participants.
Held in a private setting, the session allows you to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings of the temple. After the meditation, there is time for reflection and questions, offering deeper insight into Zen philosophy and how it can be applied to everyday life.
If you wish, you may conclude the experience by ringing the temple’s bronze bell. Letting the sound resonate after meditation offers a gentle closure, allowing the stillness to echo within.
After Zazen, you can try ”shakyo”, the mindful practice of hand-copying Buddhist sutras. Writing each character slowly and with intention brings a quiet sense of focus and reflection.
【Highlights】
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English interpretation and support by a professional guide
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Private, quiet setting (up to 10 participants per group)
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Authentic zazen in a historic temple hall
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No prior experience or religious background required
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A meaningful encounter with Kanazawa’s spiritual heritage
Experience Details
21,000 yen/ 2 persons
*21,000yen / for up to 2 persons.
*An additional ¥3,000 will be charged for each extra participant.
*There is an additional charge of 13,000 yen for guides in languages other than English.
◎ Schedule
8:55 – Meet
9:00 -9:05 Explanation of Zazen
9:05-9:25 Zen Meditation
9:25-9:45 Copying of Sutras
9:45-9:50 Tea
◎Payment Method : By Credit Card / PayPal
＞Payment and Cancellation Details
Number of guests required for this tour/experience to take place:
Minimum number of guests*
Maximum number of guests*
2
10