Tea ceremony and Zen
Zazen meditation and a cup of tea prepared personally by the head abbot in the usually inaccessible tea room.
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Location: Kyoto
- Capacity: 1–6 guests
- From: On request
About This Experience
Daitoku-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai school and, from the late Muromachi to Momoyama periods, led the development of Zen temple culture after the Higashiyama era, including the tea ceremony, monochrome painting, renga, and gardens. The lineage of the tea tradition—Ikkyu Sojun, Murata Juko, Sen-no Rikyu—is inextricably linked to this temple.
The experience begins with exclusive access to the usually closed tea room "Katsutei." Following the abbot's example, guests sit on the floor or focus on their breathing. If concentration wanes, guests place their hands in gassho, and the abbot strikes them on the back with a keisaku—not as punishment, but as a way to awaken. Half an hour may seem long or short—it all depends on the state of mind.
After meditation, the abbot prepares and serves tea. Holding the bowl, guests share their thoughts and impressions of the session with the abbot. This is not entertainment, but a continuation of zazen itself—a moment that most vividly expresses the temple's conviction that Zen and tea share a single spirit.
To conclude, guests walk through the hall, recognized as a National Treasure, and the dry landscape garden, designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, listening to the abbot's commentary. Originating from Mount Horai, transforming into a waterfall, then a river, and reaching the great sea—the composition of stones and white sand is read as the path of birth, journey, and return of a person. Alongside fusuma from the Muromachi period (works by Soami, Kano Motonobu, Kano Yasunobu), this is an opportunity to touch the essence of Zen temple aesthetics from Muromachi to Momoyama.
Highlights
- Zazen meditation in the private tearoom — The tea room, usually closed to the public, opens exclusively for this experience.
Following the abbot’s movements, quietly fold your hands in prayer and focus on your breathing.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and the spirit of Zen within the temple. - A cup of tea prepared by the abbot — After the zazen session, the abbot personally prepares and serves a bowl of tea to the guests.
The quiet hospitality of Daitokuji, where Zen and tea naturally merge into a single whole.
The sound of boiling water, the aroma of matcha, and the tranquility of the tea room create a special moment of inner silence and serenity. - National Treasure Hojo and the Karesansui Garden — The Hojo National Treasure, a dry landscape garden recognized as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and fusuma painted in the Muromachi period.
Accompanied by the abbot, discover the world of Zen aesthetics filled with tranquility, and the culture of Zen temples from the Muromachi to Momoyama periods.
Options
Practical Information
- Included
- - Zazen instruction from the chief abbot
- Private use of the exclusive tea room
- Usucha (light tea) prepared by the abbot
- Tour of the National Treasure Hojo and the Dry Rock Garden
- Guide - Booking
- We recommend booking at least 7 days before your trip.
Cancellation fees after booking confirmation:
・On the day of arrival and 1–2 days before arrival: 100%
・3–14 days before arrival: 50%
・15 days or more: free of charge - Clothing
- For zazen, it is recommended to wear loose clothing that allows you to sit comfortably, or trousers that cover the knees. If you wear a skirt, please also bring trousers.
- Photograph
- Photography during zazen is not permitted. Photography of the garden and main hall is allowed at the discretion of the abbot. Secondary use of photographs of the fusuma and garden is prohibited.