Top Kansai Wellness Classes in 2026

This is the only every morning yoga session by the river in Kyoto which is operated in English. As you enjoy yoga, you can enjoy the sounds of nature and beautiful air. It may help you to enjoy your time in Kyoto even more. Also, you can meet new people and enjoy communicating with people from all over the world.

Step inside a working Zen temple in Kyoto for a private cultural experience rarely available to ordinary visitors. Meet your English-speaking guide and join the resident priest for an authentic zazen meditation session inside a traditional Zen hall. Learn proper posture, breathing, and meditation practice in a quiet setting designed for reflection and mindfulness. After meditation, move to a tatami room overlooking a centuries-old karesansui Zen garden. Enjoy freshly whisked matcha tea and a seasonal Japanese sweet while the priest explains Zen philosophy, temple culture, and the meaning behind the garden’s stone arrangements and rake patterns. Your guide translates throughout the experience, helping you connect naturally with the priest and better understand the traditions of Zen Buddhism. This intimate experience offers a peaceful side of Kyoto that most travelers never see.

・Authentic Zen meditation guided by a Rinzai-trained host ・ ☕ Freshly roasted Indonesian specialty coffee ・ Peaceful traditional Kyoto machiya & small group (max 4 guests)

Enjoy an authentic Zen experience. You can practice Zazen (seated meditation) under careful guidance at a temple situated on a hill with a beautiful view. For those unable to sit in the traditional cross-legged posture, we recommend "chair Zazen." We host this session in the hope of enriching your journey—offering a deeper spiritual experience through meditation—before you tackle the climactic sections of the Kumano Kodo World Heritage route 15:30 – Check-in begins Served: Matcha green tea and Japanese sweets, followed by a choice of Japanese tea, water, coffee, or black tea. Around 16:00 Talk on the Kumano Kodo, Zen meditation, and a Dharma message. 16:30 – 17:20 – Zen meditation experience. Afterwards – Q&A session (time permitting). While the guiding monk is not fluent in English, he will provide attentive and thorough guidance using a translation device. We hope you will take this opportunity to experience it for yourself.