Kanazawa Zazen Experience
Experience
¥22,000 / 2 persons
9:00-10:30(1hr30)
Meeting Point:
Language:English/Japanese/French*/German*/Spanish*/Chinese*
What’s Included: Temple entrance fee, Zen meditation, copying of Sutras (Shakyo), English Guide,casual tray-style tea experience, Macha
Experience Overview
Kanazawa Zazen Experience at Ryuenji Temple
Try Zen meditation, sutra copying, incense offering, and matcha in a private temple visit.
Discover the quiet power of Zen in the heart of Kanazawa.
Looking for a zazen experience in Kanazawa? Visit Ryuenji Temple in the city’s historic temple district. Begin by learning about the temple and its etiquette, then take part in an incense offering, seated Zen meditation, and sutra copying. Finish by whisking and drinking your own bowl of matcha. Each step is introduced before you begin, so no previous experience is needed.
About Ryuenji, a Zen temple in Kanazawa
Ryuenji is a Soto Zen temple founded in 1582 in Owari, in present-day Aichi Prefecture. It was re-established in Kanazawa in 1628 and moved to its present location in 1645. A bamboo grove and mature trees remain on the temple grounds, providing a quiet setting for your visit.
What happens during the Kanazawa zazen experience?
1. Learn about the temple
Hear the story of Ryuenji and receive an introduction to the day’s activities. Your guide will also explain the etiquette to observe inside the temple grounds and hall.
2. Offer incense
Learn the meaning and basic etiquette of incense offering through an explanation and demonstration. Then, with guidance, try offering incense yourself.
3. Practice zazen meditation
Receive guidance on posture and breathing before sitting for zazen. A chair is available if sitting on the floor is difficult. This is your opportunity to experience seated meditation in a Zen temple.
4. Try sutra copying (shakyo)
Copy a Buddhist sutra by hand, one character at a time. You can work at your own pace, even if you have never tried Japanese calligraphy or sutra copying before.
5. Whisk your own matcha
For the casual tray-style tea experience, you will find a tea bowl (chawan), scoop (chashaku), bamboo whisk (chasen), and matcha container (natsume) prepared on a tray. Learn what each tool is for, scoop matcha into your bowl, whisk it, and enjoy the tea you made yourself.
A 90-minute private temple experience combining zazen, sutra copying, incense offering, and matcha in Kanazawa.
Frequently asked questions
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What is included in the Kanazawa zazen experience?
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You will learn about Ryuenji Temple, take part in a guided incense offering, practice zazen meditation, and try sutra copying. You will also whisk and drink your own bowl of matcha.
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Can beginners join the zazen experience?
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Yes. You will receive an explanation before each activity, including guidance on posture and breathing before zazen.
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Can I practice zazen if I cannot sit cross-legged?
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Yes. A chair is available if sitting on the floor is difficult.
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What do I do during sutra copying?
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You copy a Buddhist sutra by hand, working through the characters at your own pace.
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Will I make my own matcha?
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Yes. You will scoop matcha into a tea bowl, whisk it with a bamboo whisk, and drink the tea you prepared.
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Where is Ryuenji Temple in Kanazawa?
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Ryuenji Temple is in the Teramachi area of Kanazawa. The experience meets at the temple.
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Can children join the zazen experience?
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If you would like to visit with children, please tell us their ages before booking. We will confirm how they can take part in the zazen and sutra copying activities.
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Can groups join this temple experience?
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Yes. The current group size is 2 to 10 guests. For 11 or more guests, please contact us with your group size and preferred date so we can check availability.
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Experience Details
22,000 yen/ 2 persons
*22,000yen / for up to 2 persons.
*An additional ¥3,000 will be charged for each extra participant.
*There is an additional charge of 15,000 yen for guides in languages other than English.
◎ Schedule
9:00– Meet
9:00 -9:10 Explanation of Zazen
9:10-9:40 Offer Incense and Zen Meditation
9:40-10:10 Copying of Sutras
9:10-10:30 Matcha Making
◎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