Japan Meditation & Zen Retreats: Where to Sit With Monks
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Experience authentic Zen meditation in a Buddhist temple — one of Japan's most profound cultural experiences.
Experience authentic Zen meditation in a Buddhist temple — one of Japan's most profound cultural experiences.
What Is a Zen Retreat?
A Zen retreat (禅修行 — zen shugyō) is a guided meditation experience at a Buddhist temple. You'll learn zazen (seated meditation) from monks in an authentic setting.
Types of Experiences
Day Experience
| Duration | What You Get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 hours | Zazen instruction, meditation, tea | ¥3,000–8,000 |
Overnight Stay
| Duration | What You Get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | Meditation, meals, temple stay | ¥10,000–20,000 |
| 2–3 nights | Deeper practice, multiple sessions | ¥20,000–50,000 |
| 1 week | Intensive retreat | ¥50,000–100,000 |
Best Temples for Zen Experience
Tokyo Area
| Temple | Location | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Kōmyō-ji | Kamakura | Day zazen experience |
| Tōkei-ji | Kamakura | Women-only temple |
| Kenchō-ji | Kamakura | Oldest Zen training temple |
| Kōdai-ji | Kyoto | Beautiful gardens + meditation |
| Myōshin-ji | Kyoto | Large complex, zazen sessions |
Kyoto Area
| Temple | Location | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Shunkō-in | Myōshin-ji | English-speaking monk, popular |
| Taizō-in | Myōshin-ji | Beautiful garden, meditation |
| Eihei-ji | Fukui | Major Zen training temple |
| Soji-ji | Yokohama | Major Zen training temple |
Mountain Temples
| Temple | Location | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Kōya-san | Wakayama | Temple stay + meditation |
| Yakuo-in | Mt. Takao | Mountain temple, accessible |
| Yamadera | Yamagata | Mountain temple, scenic |
What to Expect
Typical Schedule (Day Experience)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Arrival, change into robes |
| 9:30 AM | Introduction to zazen |
| 10:00 AM | Seated meditation (20–30 min) |
| 10:30 AM | Walking meditation (kinhin) |
| 11:00 AM | Seated meditation |
| 11:30 AM | Tea and discussion |
| 12:00 PM | End |
What to Wear
- Comfortable, loose clothing
- White robe may be provided
- Remove shoes before entering meditation hall
- Sit on cushion (zafu) on floor
What You'll Learn
- Proper sitting posture
- Breathing techniques
- Hand position (cosmic mudra)
- How to let go of thoughts
- Walking meditation
Tips
- Book in advance — popular temples fill up
- Wear comfortable clothes — you'll sit on the floor
- Don't eat heavily before meditation
- Be punctual — Japanese temples run on time
- Ask questions — monks are happy to explain
- Try it even if skeptical — the experience is valuable regardless
- Combine with temple stay — overnight is more immersive
- Learn some Japanese — helps with deeper understanding
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