
Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 118 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk worth booking?
Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk is a 1.5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $15000 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 118 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (118)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $15000 per person
Experience Zen meditation at a hidden temple in Kyoto. While Zen is globally renowned and recognised, there are few places in Japan where you can have the best Zen experience with English tour guide support. This temple
What you get
About this experience
Experience Zen meditation at a hidden temple in Kyoto. While Zen is globally renowned and recognised, there are few places in Japan where you can have the best Zen experience with English tour guide support. This temple is not open to the general public, and you can enjoy hidden atmosphere of the temple and authentic zen experience, Enjoy a private Zen experience, fostering a connection with the monk. Meet at the temple, where you'll learn briefly about Japanese culture and Zen. Following that, a monk will personally lecture on the principles and techniques of Zazen (seated meditation), and you'll have the opportunity to practice. Unify your mind, confront yourself, and detach from ego and worldly concerns. After zen experience, you will get the opportunity to enjoy watching beautiful traditional garden, which will make you forget hustle and bustle of the daily life. Capture photographs with the monk and within the temple, creating lasting memories for a lifetime.
What's included
Included
- Matcha and Japanese traditional snacks
- Zen meditation experience with a monk
What you'll see and do
Kodaiji Park
We're taking you to the hidden temple close from Kodaiji Park.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
The tour guide is waiting in front of the toilet in the park. Around the meeting location, you can feel the vibes of old temple built in 1606, and the tour guide is guiding you to the temple where the tour is held. On the way, you learn the history of the area.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
In the Nene-no-michi, we will finish the tour.
Options you can book
Group Experience
Private Experience
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Travel Japan Together
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 118 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
118 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
In the arms of peace
This was an amazing experience with the Buddhist monk and our guide (Ryo) as well who is very well informed which is displayed throughout the whole journey. From the beginning to the end the expedition was 10/10 for me and to end my visit in Kyoto in the arms of these two professionals is something I cherish and when I come back to Kyoto I will for sure check this peaceful place out which is full of wisdom.
via Tripadvisor
A laid-back, relaxing trip to unwind and enjoy!
Nana is an exceptional guide, with deep knowledge of local history, culture, and hidden spots. She carefully makes sure that everything from your comfort to your entertainment is looked after, making your experience both fun and memorable 💖
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend Nana!
Nana was an amazing tour guide! She was friendly, knowledgeable, organized, and made the entire experience so enjoyable. Our whole group loved her, and she made the tour both fun and memorable. We would absolutely recommend Nana to anyone looking for a fantastic guide. Thank you for making our trip so special!
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommended
Nana was a great guide! Knowledgeable and thoughtful in her interactions. She provided tremendous insights about the traditions and history of Japan. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible experience
I wasn’t sure what to expect before joining this tour, but it exceeded all my expectations. Learning about Zen Buddhism while visiting peaceful temples and gardens made the experience very meaningful. The meditation session was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $15000 to $135000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 41
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk cost?
+
Prices start at $15000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk take?
+
Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 118 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk?
+
Around 41 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
+
On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk.
Pick your date







