The Way of Zen: Private Zen Immersion Experience on October 21st, 2026

Descripción

Private Zen Immersion at Shunkoin Temple (Myōshin‑ji), guided by Rev. Takafumi Kawakami. A bespoke 120‑minute experience inside a historic subtemple, designed for discerning travelers. The Experience: Your journey begins where few others do: at the ceremonial karamon gate, an entrance reserved for the most sacred of occasions. Stepping through, you are welcomed into the hallowed prayer hall (hōjō), an Important Cultural Property that becomes your exclusive sanctuary, a private world for your immersion into Zen. Here, in the tranquility of this historic space, you will enter into a private dialogue on Zen philosophy with Rev. Takafumi Zenryu Kawakami. His guidance flows from accessible wisdom into a rare and profound meditation practice known as nanso, a technique of self-compassion revived by the great 18th-century master Hakuin Eikaku. This is an opportunity not merely to learn, but to connect with a direct lineage of Zen tradition. Your senses will awaken to the treasures surrounding you. Before you lies a serene dry-landscape garden, a mirror of the sacred Grand Shrine of Ise. Within the hall, late-Edo period sliding screens shimmer with gold-leaf paintings by Kanō Eigaku, a master of the legendary Kanō school. The very air is imbued with artistry. You will be invited to touch and use a private collection of Kyoto's living crafts, with each piece commissioned exclusively for this immersion: the warm, earthen texture of Asahiyaki ceramics; the cool, precise metalwork of a Kaikado tea caddy; the delicate feel of Karacho paperworks. The culmination is a ritual of tea. Guided by bespoke blends from the celebrated EN TEA, you will prepare your own infusion using these exquisite handmade utensils. Finally, you will be served vibrant matcha in a teabowl handcrafted by a 16th-generation master, Hosai Matsubayashi, connecting you to a ceramic tradition centuries in the making. Your visit would include: A private Zen meditation session guided in English by the head priest An introduction to Zen philosophy, adapted to your interests and pace A refined tea experience rooted in the spirit of kissako (Zen and tea as one practice) Time for reflection in a tranquil, non-public setting Maximum capacity of this experience: 5 people The experience lasts approximately 120 ~ 150 minutes and is conducted exclusively for you and your party. We welcome a very limited number of guests in order to preserve the atmosphere of stillness and sincerity. Cancellation Policy Deposit is non-refundable. You will be charged 100% of the total fee as your cancellation fee if you fail to notice us about the change or cancellation of your reservation at least 2 weeks in advance from your reserved dates.