Japan · JAPANESE GARDENS AND ZEN MEDITATION
11 reviewed
Of the 11 japanese gardens and zen meditation tours listed here, these 11 still look good on a second read. Prices, durations and the one thing worth knowing about each are all below.
Stroll Nagai Botanical Garden by day, then step into teamLab light art at night, with interactive nature themes.
“teamLab have ourdone themselves once again. An amazing experience that is a must do in Osaka. Recommend going early, because the park fills very quickly and 6 pm is dark enough to get the most out of the experience.”
Arashiyama bamboo and monkey hike with included tickets to Tenryu-ji, Okochi Sanso, and Togetsukyo bridge, in a small group.
“I am glad we booked this because it was easier to be guided in a place as big as this where you don't know where to go or what to see first.”
Small-group Imperial Palace grounds and Edo Castle walk, led by English guides. See Wadakura Fountain Park and scenic ruins. Tickets via mobile.
“Kenta was an excellent guide. He knows everything and tells you the history in an interesting and also humorous way. Never get bored or felt lost in details.”
Private Zen meditation at a hidden Asakusa temple, guided by a monk and translated by Tamami-san, with matcha tea and Q&A.
“It was a marvelous experience. Our guide Tamami was excellent and her English language skills perfect and clear. She also had a great understanding of the subject. We did 2 10-minute zen meditation sessions under the instruction and supervision of Namiki-san the master-monk for the temple. We also did a calligraphy exercise as he chanted, followed by sweets and tea while each of the participants asked questions of the master monk. A marvelous 90 minute experience. Highly recommended for the inexperienced as well as experienced follower of Buddhism or meditation.”
Zen meditation at a Kyoto Zen temple with a guided dry garden walk and a traditional Buddhist lunch, ending near Chishaku-in.
“It was a excellent zen experience with japanese garden and temple. I learned about zen and Buddha and Buddhism. Also vegetarian lunch was a excellent choice”
Practice zazen with the 16th abbot of Jusho-in, then enjoy matcha, sweets, and a 400-year garden in calm Kyoto surroundings.
“It was not touristy at all. One of my favorite activities in my 4 visits to Kyoto.”
Small-group Arashiyama walk with bamboo forest, Hokyoin and Tenryu-ji, included entrance fees, Kyoto lunch, matcha snack, and guide photos.
“This was a wonderful tour and I highly recommend it. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and we learned a lot about Japanese religion and history. She took us to off-the-beaten-path locations, including a temple with the most beautiful, serene garden, and a garden with amazing views of the city and mountains. We also visited a famous shrine. And of course, the bamboo forest, which is really something to see. We went early enough that it wasn't too crowded. The tour included a delicious vegetarian kaiseki lunch, and our guide explained what everything was and how to eat it. The pace of the tour was perfect for the very hot weather,…”
Learn matcha the Omotesenke way in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse, make your own bowl, enjoy sweets, and shop crafts.
“Just amazing!! The guide speaks fluent English but is native Japanese! She was so lovely and explained everything quite well! Would highly recommend her! Loved the atmosphere and the set up as well. Would definitely go there again.”
A 2.5-hour guided walk through Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens, featuring Edo Castle remnants, Ninomaru Garden, and seasonal color for $19.
“Mieko was our guide and was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and had interesting facts about the gardens.”
Zen temple on Miyajima: kimono, matcha tea ritual, calligraphy, optional amulet, and garden photos.
“Absolutely amazing such a peaceful location and such kind and caring group of people. Every piece of the activities were carefully planned and organised nothing was rushed and I immensely enjoyed all of the activities. Highly recommend it.”
Small-group walk at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens, with Ōtemon Gate, Edo Castle ruins, and history plus photo tips. 2 hours.
“The weather for the tour wasn’t ideal but it was made up by our amazing tour guide. She was detailed, answered every question with great detail, and super friendly! We had a great time learning about the history of the Shogun and I would do this tour again in a heartbeat!”
