Kyoto: Zen Retreat Through Tea Ceremony and Zazen meditation

Experience Zen meditation and a Sencha tea ceremony. Meditating first lets you embrace the serenity of tea culture, immersing in its beauty and depth—something rarely found in a typical setting.
・Overview
Begin with a Zen meditation to clear your mind, then immerse yourself in the traditional Sencha tea ceremony. This unique experience allows you to not just taste tea and japanese sweet, but to truly feel the harmony and mindfulness within Japanese culture.


・Flow
-Arrival & Welcome
Arrive at Jōjū-ji Temple, a quiet retreat in Kyoto. You will be welcomed with a carefully selected japanese tea, chosen to match the season and weather. Enjoy the tea and take in the temple’s peaceful atmosphere.

-Zen Meditation
Experience a guided Zen meditation led by the head priest. This practice helps clear your mind and brings a deep sense of calm.

-Sencha Tea Ceremony & Seasonal Sweets
After meditation, enjoy a traditional Sencha tea ceremony, a refined part of Japanese tea culture. A seasonal Japanese sweet is served to complement the tea, enhancing the experience.

-Reflection & Q&A
Take a moment to reflect on the experience. Ask questions and explore the connection between Zen and tea.

・The Essence of Zen & Tea
Zen and tea are deeply connected in Japanese culture. Both encourage mindfulness, presence, and an appreciation of simplicity. By beginning with meditation, you naturally transition into a state of calm, allowing you to experience the Sencha tea ceremony with a heightened sense of awareness. Rather than simply drinking tea and eating japanese sweet, you will feel its depth, its harmony, and its connection to the moment.

・About temple
For over 1200 years, Jōjū-ji Temple has been quietly protected by the local community. Unlike major tourist sites, it remains a peaceful retreat, surrounded by nature and deeply connected to the people who have cared for it across generations.

・The Head Priest: A Guide to Zen Wisdom
The head priest of Jōjū-ji is a dedicated Zen practitioner who warmly welcomes guests from all backgrounds. With deep experience in both traditional teachings and modern perspectives, he shares insights that make Zen accessible and meaningful. Through his guidance, you will experience Zen not as a concept, but as something to be felt and lived.

・Wrap-up
Our Zen & tea experience is a chance to slow down and appreciate the moment. Whether you’re new to meditation or tea culture, you’re welcome to join us and enjoy this peaceful setting. If you’d like a glimpse of what to expect, check out our Instagram (@denei_experience ) for photos and stories from past guests.

-Duration
Approximately 2 hours, including Zen meditation and the tea ceremony.

-What to Bring & Wear
Dress according to the season—light clothing in summer, warm layers in winter. Please note that Joju-ji, as a designated Tangible Cultural Property, does not have modern amenities such as air conditioning.

- Important Information
* The tour starts promptly at 9:45 AM.
* Late arrivals may be asked to follow staff instructions.
* Priority seating is given to early bookings.

Om de beschikbaarheid te garanderen, dient u zo snel mogelijk te reserveren. Vroegboekkorting is het overwegen waard, vooral als u de reis plant tijdens het hoogseizoen, zoals op feestdagen of in het weekend.

Deze excursie kunt u kosteloos annuleren tot: annuleringstijd voor aanvang van de reis. Bij annulering na: annulering na: annuleringstijd of niet aanwezig zijn op de excursie wordt de volledige prijs van de activiteit alsnog in rekening gebracht. Te laat komen bij het ophalen of vertrekken wordt beschouwd als niet komen opdagen.