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Matsushima - Tohoku: Private Zazen, Temple Tour & Mindful Cuisine
Product code 482873P3
From
From USD 200
Dates
Available from Dec 24, 2024
Start times
9:00 AM
Travelers
Adult ages 13-100
Options
Matsushima - Tohoku: Private Zazen, Temple Tour & Mindful Cuisine
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
7 hours 45 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Manual
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From USD 200
Matsushima - Tohoku: Private Zazen, Temple Tour & Mindful Cuisine





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Duration
7 hours 45 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Manual
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Uncover a renewed sense of self amidst the breathtaking beauty of Matsushima, where countless monks have sought spiritual awakening. [Highlights] - Immerse yourself in the Zen tradition at Zuigan-ji Temple. Enjoy a guided tour with an English-speaking Buddhist priest, learning about the temple's history and the practice of Zazen (Zen meditation). Gain exclusive access to special rooms and admire the beautiful Fusuma paintings up close. - Experience the calming tranquility of Entsu-in's moss garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. - Enjoy a delicious and healthy Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch. - Sip on a cup of matcha with a stunning view. Please note that our tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate. If we don't reach this minimum number, unfortunately, we'll have to cancel the tour. You'll be notified of any cancellation 72 hours prior to the start time, and a full refund will be issued.
Overview
Uncover a renewed sense of self amidst the breathtaking beauty of Matsushima, where countless monks have sought spiritual awakening. [Highlights] - Immerse yourself in the Zen tradition at Zuigan-ji Temple. Enjoy a guided tour with an English-speaking Buddhist priest, learning about the temple's history and the practice of Zazen (Zen meditation). Gain exclusive access to special rooms and admire the beautiful Fusuma paintings up close. - Experience the calming tranquility of Entsu-in's moss garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. - Enjoy a delicious and healthy Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch. - Sip on a cup of matcha with a stunning view. Please note that our tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate. If we don't reach this minimum number, unfortunately, we'll have to cancel the tour. You'll be notified of any cancellation 72 hours prior to the start time, and a full refund will be issued.
What's Included
Included
All transportation fees during the tour
Matcha tea and traditional sweets at Kanrantei Tea House
All admission fees and activity fees
Enjoy a Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch in a traditional Japanese building in Entsu-in Temple.
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private transportation
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
A Tranquwell representative will meet you at Stained Glass "Paean for the Trees" at the central concourse outside the ticket gates, JR Sendai Station. We will take a train from Sendai to Matsushima, and then lead you on a walking tour in Matsushima.
End point
A Tranquwell representative will meet you at Stained Glass "Paean for the Trees" at the central concourse outside the ticket gates, JR Sendai Station. We will take a train from Sendai to Matsushima, and then lead you on a walking tour in Matsushima.
Itinerary
Stop 1
30 minutesAdmission included
Stop 1
Traditionally, Buddhist monks have employed matcha as a pre-Zazen ritual to enhance their concentration. Before embarking on Zazen later in the morning, enjoy a bowl of matcha at the Kanrantei Tea House, where you will be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the bay. As you savor the delicate flavor and rich aroma of matcha, surrounded by the serene atmosphere, prepare your mind for the tranquility of Zazen. This traditional ritual helps to center your focus and appreciate the beauty of stillness.
Stop 2
20 minutesAdmission included
Stop 2
Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, where poets, warlords, and other historical figures fell in love with its scenery. Visit the renowned Godaido Temple, one of Matsushima's most picturesque landmarks.
Stop 3
1 hour 45 minutesAdmission included
Stop 3
Zuiganji Temple is one of Tohoku’s most famous Zen temples. An English-speaking Buddhist priest will show you around the temple first. He will even let us enter special rooms which are not open to the public. Learn interesting history facts which are not on your travel guide book. Later, we will have a Zazen (Zen meditation) session with the monk. Learn Zen breathing techniques and meditate in the serene environment of the temple.
Stop 4
1 hour 30 minutesAdmission included
Stop 4
Indulge in a traditional Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch at Entsu-in Temple, savoring the delicate and colorful Buddhist cuisine served in a historic Japanese building.
Stop 5
45 minutesAdmission included
Stop 5
Entsuin Temple, nestled in Matsushima's waterfront, honors Mitsumune Date, a promising samurai heir who tragically passed away at 19. It features beautiful moss gardens as well as a rock garden which represents the islands of Matsushima Bay.
Pass by stop 6
Pass by stop 6
The tour is scheduled to end at 4:45 PM at Sendai Station.
Additional Info
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Other
The remaining hours will be allotted for travel and lunch time
Other
Please be aware that the end time may be delayed due to traffic conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. We kindly request that you allow for extra time when scheduling.
Other
Loose-fitting clothes are best for Zen meditation. Short skirts are not recommended.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Policy type
All Sales Final
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Experience may be cancelled for bad weather.
Experience may be cancelled if minimum traveler count is not met.
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0+ days before
Review Summary
4.9
14 reviews
Collected by Tripadvisor
