Zen Meditation, Buddhist Sermon, & Matcha at Gokurakuji Temple
Great for couples!
Try zen meditation and experience local Japanese culture at a lesser-known, local Kinosaki temple.
Kinosaki Onsen's Gokurakuji Temple is in a secluded part of town, and is home to a peaceful rock garden, zen meditation practice, and a friendly Buddhist priest.
Through this activity, experience seated zen meditation in a local temple while gazing outside at the tranquil rock garden.
There will be a sheet written in English with instructions on how to properly meditate, and the Buddhist priest can show you how.
The priest's sermon will also be printed out for you to read after you're done meditating. You can also wear traditional monk's working clothes while you meditate.
Afterwards, you will be served matcha and local Japanese sweets.
Try communicating with the chief Buddhist priest over tea. It will make the experience all the more rewarding!
Experience Zazen, otherwise known as seated zen meditation, together with a chief Buddhist priest.
Zazen starts with correcting your breathing posture, and originated in India.
The doctrine of Zen Buddhism can be described as wordless communication, or expression without language.
You can escape from hectic everyday life and open your ears to the sounds of nature during Zazen.
Hear birds chirping and the wind whispering, sounds that you probably wouldn’t normally hear.
Gokurakuji is in a hidden corner of town, making for a tranquil area to practice meditation.
The chief Buddhist priest is a friendly man who will show you the proper way to sit, breathe, and meditate.
You may participate in meditation in your own clothes or in samue, which are monk's working clothes. Samue in multiple colors are available for you to wear.
DETAILS
- REGISTRATION START
- 2023/05/01
- RESERVATION DEADLINE
- 5 days before activity
- ACTIVITY OPTIONS
-
- Morning Plan (10:00-11:30)
- Afternoon Plan (13:45-15:15)
- SCHEDULE
(Some times may differ) -
Morning Plan
10:00 - Meet at Gokurakuji Temple
Zazen meditation & Buddhist sermon (printed) *you can wear samue (monk's working clothes) if you'd like
Chat with the chief priest over matcha (green tea) and Japanese sweets
11:30 - End of activity, receive a special souvenir
Afternoon Plan
13:45 - Meet at Gokurakuji Temple
Zazen meditation & Buddhist sermon (printed) *you can wear samue (monk's working clothes) if you'd like
Chat with the chief priest over matcha (green tea) and Japanese sweets
15:15 - End of activity, receive a special souvenir
- ACCOMPANYING GUIDE
(INCLUDED OR NOT) - Not Included
- MINIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE
- 1
- MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE
- 10
- AGE REQUIREMENT
- 5 years and older
- MEETING PLACE
- Gokurakuji Temple, 802 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION
-
・If you are late, your activity may be cancelled.
・As the temple is patronized by the local community, this activity may be cancelled due to sudden funerals or other religious ceremonies. In this case we will let you know as soon as possible and make a full refund. Thank you for your understanding.
- PRICES
(Per person unless otherwise noted) -
Number of Participants Price per Adult Price per Child (5-12 years old) 1-10 people 3,300 yen 1,650 yen
- INCLUDED IN THE PRICING
- Zen meditation activity, matcha & traditional Japanese sweets, special souvenir
- CANCELLATION FEES
-
Day of Cancellation Cancellation Fee (% of activity price) After 17:00 1 weekday before 100% 1 weekday before by 17:00 50% 2-7 weekdays before 30% 8+ weekdays before 0%
- ACCEPTED PAYMENT TYPES
- Pay by credit card (VISA, MASTER, JCB, AMEX, DC) via an activity confirmation link in an e-mail that we will send to you following your reservation.
- OPERATOR NAME
- Gokurakuji Temple
Customer Reviews
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Amazing experience. Everything was great and inspiring.
Javier
Spain
Date of visit: 2019.11.08
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As someone with limited meditation experience myself, this was a rewarding + unique experience.
Eva
Norway
Date of visit: 2019.11.15
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The buddhist priest was very welcoming and we conversed in basic English and Japanese. He is a very cheerful person. I thoroughly enjoyed today's experience. ありがとうございました！
Kymberly
Singapore
Date of visit: 2019.11.30
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Interesting and unique experience. Something I always wanted to try. The tea afterwards was a very cool experience as well!
Justin
United States
Date of visit: 2019.12.15
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The monk was very friendly and welcoming. We had a great opportunity to experience zen meditation. It was challenging, but very fulfilling!
Bethany
United Kingdom
Date of visit: 2019.12.15
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The zen meditation experience was absolutely incredible. I was able to experience a part of Japanese culture that I would normally never have an opportunity to try. I would definitely recommend this programme.
Amelia
Ireland
Date of visit: 2019.12.15