Planning mindful travel in Japan and looking for a Zen meditation (zazen) experience in Kyoto?
Shorin-ji Temple offers calm, beginner-friendly sessions where silence, posture, and breath bring you back to the present. If you’ve never sat zazen before, simple instructions and a quiet hall make it approachable.
Architecture and silence work together: sit with half-closed eyes, let thoughts pass, return to breathing. If attention drifts, you can optionally receive a light keisaku tap to reset focus.
Experiencing meditation left my mind feeling incredibly clear!
How to Join at Shorin-ji Temple
Official site →Bishamon-do Shorinji
- Sessions & booking: Check the official schedule and reserve in advance.
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What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing (no skirts). Arrive 10–15 minutes early.
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Etiquette: Phones off, minimal talking, quiet steps, follow the instructor’s cues.
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For beginners: Short sits (~30 minutes), posture guidance, gentle pacing.
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Mindfulness over performance: No perfect form—just breathe and pay attention.
For those interested in learning more about mindfulness experiences
・Mindful Short Trip from Kyoto: Zenbo Seinei
・Ippuku: A Five-Minute Tea Ritual to Reset Your Mind
Bring the Calm Home — Tea & Mindfulness Tools in Kyoto
After sitting, keep a five-minute tea ritual at home. Near Nijojo Castle, TSURU-IPPUKU（つるのいっぷく） curates tools that make mindfulness tangible:
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Kyusu (Japanese teapot) — steady, simple daily brewing
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Tea cups (yunomi, matcha bowls) — shape and rim change how tea feels
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Orin (singing bowl) — one strike, one breath, one sip
Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, we specialize in traditional and modern Japanese tea sets, handmade matcha bowls, Kyoto teapots, Nambu iron kettles, SAKE ware (cup & pot) and tea ceremony accessories. Whether you’re looking for an authentic matcha bowl (chawan) or a high-quality Japanese teapot (kyusu), you’ll find the perfect piece to take home as a Kyoto souvenir. We provide secure packaging to ensure safe transport, and international shipping is available. Visit us and explore the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship!
