Afternoon Kissako Zen and Tea Experience in English on November 10th, 2026

Kissako Zen and Tea Experience

A quiet Zen encounter in English at a living Kyoto temple

At Shunkoin Temple, Kissako is an invitation to encounter Zen as it is genuinely practiced—through stillness, tea, and attentive presence.

This experience takes place within a private temple setting and garden, normally closed to the public, where Zen practice has been sustained for over four centuries. Guests are personally guided in English by Takafumi Zenryu Kawakami, offering rare access to Zen practice as a living tradition rather than a performance or demonstration.

Rather than following a rigid program, the experience unfolds with care and intention—balancing seated meditation, reflective dialogue, and the sharing of tea as a contemplative act. Each element is designed to encourage clarity, attentiveness, and a deeper appreciation of silence.

Kissako is offered to a limited number of guests who seek depth, sincerity, and a meaningful cultural encounter in Kyoto. It is not designed for speed or spectacle, but for presence.

What the experience includes

Cold-infused tea prepared using traditional utensils from Asahiyaki, Kaikado, and Kanaami-Tsuji

Seated Zen meditation (zazen) - guided meditation

Tea appreciation engaging the five senses

Nansō meditation, a restorative practice associated with the teachings of Hakuin Ekaku

Dharma talk and reflective dialogue

Guided visit to the temple garden and prayer hall

Practical information

Duration: Approximately 120 minutes

Language: English

Maximum group size: 12 participants

Fee

¥23,000 per person (tax not included)

Private Kissako experiences may be arranged upon request for groups.
Please contact us for availability.

Dress code

Socks are required

Modest attire is recommended

Short skirts are discouraged for seated meditation

Cancellation policy

100% of the total fee will be charged for cancellations made less than 7 days before the reserved date

Rev. Takafumi Zenryu Kawakami

Zen priest and thinker. He is the 24th head priest of Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto and teaches Zen Buddhist philosophy and meditation, other Eastern contemplative traditions, and the cultural and religious diversity in well-being in Japanese and English to visitors to the temple. His travels and talks have brought him to the likes of the Holy See (online), Brown University, MIT, Microsoft, BNP Paribas, Gallup, TED x Kyoto, Mind & Life Institute, Eton College, etc. He is a member of the U.S.- Japan Leadership Program by the U.S. – Japan Foundation and a researcher at Keio Media Design of Keio University Graduate School of Media Design.

Publication:

l Lambert, L., Lomas, T., Lai, A., Diener, E., Kawakami, T., etc, Towards a greater global understanding of wellbeing: A proposal for a more inclusive measure. International Journal of Wellbeing. 2020;10(2):1-18