Zuiryuji Temple Tour and Tea Ceremony with a Priest (Toyama)
Experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of Toyama at Zuiryuji temple in Takaoka. Enjoy a private tour of the grounds by the head priest and a traditional tea ceremony with matcha and wagashi.
Highlights
Join a guided tour of Zuiryuji Temple, one of Japan’s national treasures, guided by its head priest, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at the onsite teahouse with matcha green tea and sweets.
Get a rare glimpse into the daily lives of monks at the temple.
Learn about the history and culture of Zuiryuji Temple, one of the main Buddhist landmarks in the Hokuriku region.
10 meals
Experience Details
Zuiryuji Temple is one of Takaoka’s most salient spiritual and cultural landmarks and a fascinating example of 17th-century Zen architecture. In this experience, you’ll be greeted at the temple by its head priest, who will take you on a guided visit to its grounds. As you walk through the halls and sacred rooms, you will learn unique insights ranging from the temple’s fascinating history and intricate architecture to the everyday lifestyle of monks.
After you have walked through the precinct, you will enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at the onsite tearoom, which is usually closed to the public. The tea house is in a quiet garden, a fantastic place to relax and soak in the zen atmosphere. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and wrap up the experience by sipping matcha green tea and tasting traditional wagashi sweets.
Itinerary:
-Arrive at Zuiryuji Temple and greet the head priest, who will take you on a guided tour of the temple grounds.
-Enjoy a tea ceremony at the temple teahouse, located in a quiet garden. Enjoy masterfully prepared matcha green tea with traditional wagashi sweets.
Toyama prefecture has emerged as one of Japan’s most unique travel destinations, prized for its white winter scapes, sacred temples, and pristine mountain and seaside views. Takaoka is a city on the western coast of Toyama that can be reached in under 3 hours from Tokyo on a shinkansen bullet train or in less than an hour from Toyama Station. The city has several attractions, like the city's Old Castle Park and Great Buddha statue. This experience gives you a rare insider's look into the past and present of Zuiryuji, the only temple in Toyama Prefecture designated as a national treasure and a must-visit in Takaoka.
Inclusions
Admission fee to Zuiryuji Temple and guided tour led by the temple’s head priest
Tea ceremony with wagashi sweets, matcha, and etiquette training
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the venue
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host directly at Zuiryuji Temple in Takaoka, Toyama, a 15-minute walk or short bus ride from Shin-Takaoka Station, which is serviced by a shinkansen train line to Tokyo. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Please dress appropriately/respectfully for the temple environment (modest clothing, socks/close-toed shoes).
Please know that the temple is an active religious site with practicing monks.
Tour guests will meet on-location at the temple.
Cabs and chartered buses can be arranged for guests for a separate fee. Please inquire upon booking.
The program content can be tailored to the needs of visitors, and it is possible to book only one part of the tour if desired. Please inquire about this directly with the host upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 weeks before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Takaoka in western Toyama is the second largest city in the prefecture. Know as the "Land of Water," this area is abundant with natural spring water from seven large rivers. During the Edo period, under the Maeda family, the region became known for its impeccable craftsmanship. Popular crafts include copper and lacquerware. The area is also known for its temples, including the beautiful Zuiryuji Temple.
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10 meals
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