Kyoto Zen World (KAIHOU-JI)

Zen is one part of Japanese culture that is well known around the world. Zen is the practice of finding insight to oneself to become a better self, especially for the benefit of others. This Zen-themed tour will take you to stay at one of the five renowned temples in Kyoto, usually closed to the public, where you can experience zazen (meditation) and sarei (tea manners) in tea ceremony.

The experience will be at one of the five temples, all subject to availability, but only one group is allowed per temple: Daijiin is a temple with a beautiful teahouse and amazing Karesansui (rock garden). Youmei-in is located near Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO world heritage site. Kaihou-ji is known for their hand-made monk food a delight to try. Shinnyo-ji has a beautiful Japanese garden, and Koun-ji has an exquisite Japanese pond garden with Higashiyama mountain in the background.

You may rediscover yourself through the special cultural experience of tradition in the temple with the monks. The unparalleled experience of Zen could also give you a better insight and understanding to Japanese values, cultures, and history.

KAIHOU-JI

Enjoy zazen experience at the Kaihou-ji, a temple where the famous Shogun, Date Masamune, used to live. Monk food, called fucha ryori, will be served to the guests. Fucha ryori is a Chinese-style monk cuisine that was originally brought to Japan by a Chinese Zen monk, Ingen. Enjoy the special cuisine prepared especially for you, while the monks teach you about manners and about the food. The temple also has an overwhelming artwork called “Gunkeizu”, a painting by the world-famous painter from the Edo era, Ito Jakuchu.