Kyoto Zen World(SHINNYO-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.

SHINNYO-JI

Shinnyo-ji is a Zen temple that belongs to the Shokakuji sect of Rinzai Zen, located outside of the main temple premise, similar to that of Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji. The temple has a guest room, a study, a teahouse, and a beautiful temple ground surrounded by two ponds and lush green garden. In the autumn, the ceiling of the rooms turn into salmon pink color, depending on the sunlight reflecting on the colored leaves. Traditional tea ceremony can be enjoyed while enjoying the breathtaking view from the study.