Zen in Tokyo: Buddhist Temple Tour, Vegetarian Meal & Tea
Experience Zen vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) at the peaceful Sankoin Temple in west Tokyo, where you can deepen your understanding of Zen and Japanese culture.
Highlights
Immerse yourself in a peaceful Buddhist temple in west Tokyo: learn about Zen Buddhism, tour the gardens, enjoy Japanese confectionery with matcha green tea, and try Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori)
Enjoy a six-course seasonal meal including a rice dish, soup, and a pickled dish prepared by a chef specializing in the Takenogosho-ryu school of Zen vegetarian cuisine
Sip on a bowl of matcha green tea paired with a sweet monaka, a traditional Japanese confectionery consisting of two crispy mochi wafers sandwiched between sweet bean paste, made by the chef
Deepen your understanding of Zen history and culture, and learn the etiquette, manners and customs when visiting a Buddhist temple in Japan from your expert host
10 meals
Experience Details
While Tokyo is a bustling, modern metropolis, it's still home to a treasure trove of ancient traditions. For instance, in the verdant neighborhood of Koganei in the western part of the city, you can take refuge in Sankoin, a historical Buddhist temple with lush green gardens where you can experience a peaceful oasis of Zen culture with all five senses.
Guided by a local host who is well-versed in the history of this temple, you will learn about the history, manners, and etiquette of Zen culture while touring the grounds and strolling through its gardens. You will then step into the temple's dining room, offering a calming view of the lush greenery outside, where you will enjoy a bowl of matcha green tea with traditional Japanese confectionery before savoring a delightful shojin ryori (Zen vegetarian cuisine) course meal.
The six-course meal, made by a chef specializing in a school of Zen vegetarian cuisine called Takenogosho-ryu, is meant to showcase fresh seasonal offerings with harmony and creativity. Takenogosho-ryu is a traditional cuisine that has been enjoyed by nuns of imperial lineage from Kyoto for over 600 years. Today, these unique dishes, naturally free of animal products and pungent or intense flavors, can be enjoyed at Sankoin. Each course, from the soup to the pickled dish, is a testament to Zen cuisine's delicate balance. As you savor each bite, you will also learn about Zen Buddhism's principles, enriching your mind and spirit.
Experience flow:
- Meet your guide at Musashi-Koganei Station
- Your guide will explain the manners and etiquette to be observed at the temple
- Walk to Sankoin Temple (15 minutes)
- Stroll the temple gardens
- Enjoy matcha green tea with monaka
- Indulge in a six-course meal with seasonal dishes, soup, a bowl of rice, and a pickle dish
- Learn about Zen Buddhism and the history of the Sankoin temple, and deepen your understanding of Zen vegetarian cuisine
- Conclude the tour at Sankoin Temple
Inclusions
A six-course shojin ryori meal with seasonal dishes, soup, rice and pickles
Matcha green tea and a Japanese sweet confectionery (monaka)
An English-speaking guide
Exclusions
Additional drinks outside of those included in the experience.
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at Musashi-Koganei Station. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
This is a dining experience at a temple. Guests are asked to be respectful of Zen practices. Please observe the temple etiquette and Japanese food manners as explained by your guide.
During the meal, water will be served for free and green tea is available at an additional price.
Note that there are mosquitos in the bamboo forest in the garden. Wearing mosquito repellent is recommended!
A taxi from Musashi-Koganei Station to the temple can be arranged upon request. The ride would be paid by the guest on the day of the experience.
Smoking is strictly prohibited.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Over 14 million residents call Tokyo home. Functioning as Japan's economic and cultural center, it's no surprise the metropolis often appears at the top of travelers' bucket lists. Here, you can find everything from traditional tea houses to futuristic skyscrapers.
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10 meals
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