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Insider Experience: Kyoto's Zen heritage
Zen. In terms of literature describing Japan, it's hard to find a word that is more commonly misunderstood. Let our "Insider" reveal all...
Japan's temple gardens are commonly described as inducing "Zen-like calm", and in books using the title Zen and the Art of? one will find advice relating to myriad pursuits, from golf to motorcycle maintenance. Let us help you cut through the waffle to find the true meaning of the word Zen.
We can arrange for you to join our very own "Insider" expert in Asian religion. Together you'll explore the history and philosophy of Zen by visiting temples belonging to all three of Japan's Zen schools: Obaku, Rinzai and Soto. From the Rinzai school's tradition of koan, enigmatic Zen riddles, to the Soto school's focus on shikantaza, "just sitting", and the Obaku school with its unique Chinese influence, let us help you explore Kyoto's fascinating Zen through its temples and gardens.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379
A quick note about our experiences: Our experiences are designed to be part of a complete, tailor-made travel package and are not available to book individually. This allows us to ensure every detail – from accommodation to transport – is perfectly coordinated for you. If you're interested in one of these experiences, we'd love to help you build a full itinerary around it!
Other Religion experiences
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Buddhist temple lodgings
Spend a night in shukubo temple lodgings; a fantastic way to understand the simple, traditional lifestyle of Japan's Buddhist monks.
Shingon Buddhism
“Understanding fully the true nature of your own mind is equal to understanding everything.” – From the Dainichi-kyo, Shingon Buddhist sutras.
Tatsue-ji temple stay
Temple number 19 of Shikoku's 88 temple circuit, Tatsue-ji offers overnight stays in simple shukubo lodgings.
Temple stamp book
For a beautiful memento, why not keep a shuuin stamp book to record each temple you have visited?
Pilgrim's stay on Haguro-san
Make your own pilgrimage to sacred Mount Haguro and stay in Buddhist temple lodgings.
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