Zen Meditation Classes

Scroll Painting of Dharma by Ryōnan and Sesson in the 16th Century at Shunkōin Temple

After learning about Japanese history from the precious objects housed at Shunkōin, visitors are also able to experience Zen meditation classes, or zazen-kai. Traditionally, this type of meditation has been considered the highest form of Buddhist practice used to reach enlightenment. Today, Zen meditation has become one of the most popular alternative treatments for many physical and mental health problems. At Shunkōin Temple, all Zen meditation classes start with a reception and basic instruction. Then, visitors get a chance to seek for their own inner peace during a 45-minute meditation session. A bowl of powdered green tea, or matcha, and Japanese sweets are served at the end of each class. One class lasts about two hours and includes a tour of the temple.

All tours and classes are given in English by the American-educated vice abbot, who was trained at Zuiganji Monastery in Japan.

This Zen experience course is recommended by the Japan Times newspaper.
"It's Hands-On in Kyoto" by PERRIN LINDELAUF

Call or email our stuff for your reservation.

Zen Meditaion & Tour   (about 90 minutes)

  • Reception
  • Tour of Shunkōin   30 minutes
  • Instruction   5 minutes
  • Two 15-minute Meditations
  • Maccha Green Tea and Japanese Sweet

Time   (about 90 minutes)
Everyday

  • 9:00-10:30
  • 10:40-12:10
  • 13:30-15:00
  • 15:20-16:50 (In April, May, September, October, and November only. In other months, by appointment)

Zen Meditaion   (about 60 minutes)

  • Instruction
  • Meditation
  • Maccha Green Tea and Japanese Sweet

Time (Meditation Only)   (about 60 minutes)
Everyday

  • 9:00-10:00
  • 10:40-11:40
  • 13:30-14:30

Non-Member's Fee

  • 2,000 yen (Zen Meditation, Tour, and Maccha Green Tea)
  • 1,500 yen (Zen Meditation & Maccha Green Tea)
  • 1,000 yen (Zen Meditation Only)

Member's Fee

  • 1,000 yen (Zen Meditation & Maccha Green Tea)
  • 500 yen (Only Zen Meditation)

Zen Membership

If you become a member of our Zen meditation class, you can join our weekly meditation class (Every Saturday, 9:00-10:30 AM).

The membership fee is 10000 yen/ 6 months.



Rev.Takafumi Kawakami
Director of International Affairs
B.A. of Religious Study at Arizona State University
Delegate to the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program's Seattle 2008 Conference


Phone:  075-462-5488
International: +81.75.462.5488
Email:  Rev.Taka.Kawakami@gmail.com

To Make A Reservation

If you would like to book your class, please call or email us in English.
The staying-guests at Shunkoin Temple are entitled to get a 1000-yen discount.

Phone:  (075)462-5488 (domestic)   +81.75.462.5488 (international)
Email:  Rev.Taka.Kawakami@gmail.com

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