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Self-Guided Zazen | Ryosokuin

Rather than being guided by a monk,
you are invited to place yourself within the “space” of Ryosokuin
and spend time sitting in its quiet presence.

Before entering into zazen,
we begin with sutra copying (shakyo).
Through the quiet act of writing each character,
you may gently settle your mind and breath.

After completing shakyo, you will move into the temple grounds.
Please turn off your mobile phone and refrain from conversation.

In the main hall, take a seat on a zafu cushion
and follow the written guidance enclosed in the envelope provided.

There will be no instruction from a monk.
Entrust yourself to the stillness of Ryosokuin
and spend this time simply with your own breath.

Event Details

Time: 8:30–9:15 AM
Fee: 4,000 JPY
Location: Shakyo Hall, Main Hall, and various areas within the temple grounds

Advance reservation is required through our dedicated website.

<Schedule>

8:30–8:45
Introduction and shakyo (“Kanzeon”) in the Shakyo Hall

8:45–8:50
Move to the Main Hall

8:50–9:10
Self-guided zazen
(Please follow the written instructions provided in your envelope.)

9:10–9:15
Zazen concludes with the first ringing of the orin bell.
Please exit quietly at the sound of the second bell.

Reception

Please enter through the Bishamonten entrance of Ryosokuin
and proceed to the Shakyo Hall for reception.

Important Notes

Please turn off your mobile phone while inside the temple grounds.

Kindly refrain from conversation within the grounds and during zazen.

No instruction from a monk will be provided.

Temple staff are available (Japanese language support only).

Cancellations cannot be accepted after payment has been completed.

Description:
At Ryosokuin Temple, normally closed to the public, enjoy a 30-minute Yuwai mamori (amulet) making experience with a bowl of matcha.

Program Flow:
1. Introduction to Amulet Making
After being seated, you will receive an introduction and explanation of the Musubi-mamori (amulet) making process.

2. Amulet Making Experience
Please decide on your wish and enjoy creating your own original amulet.
During the experience, our staff will serve matcha tea and Japanese sweets.
We invite you to take a moment to relax and enjoy a calming cup of tea alongside your amulet making.

3. Free Time
After the program concludes, you are welcome to spend the remaining time at your leisure until the end of the scheduled time.
In this quiet, historic setting, create your own unique amulet with care and intention.
Enjoy a peaceful moment with freshly prepared matcha, surrounded by the calm atmosphere of the temple.

Create your own personal amulet in a serene, historic space.

Enjoy a peaceful moment accompanied by a bowl of matcha tea.

Dates:
March 10 (Tue), 23 (Mon), 29 (Sun),
April 9 (Thu), 18 (Sat), 29(Wed)
Time:
10:30AM – 11:00 AM / 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
(30 minutes)

Capacity:
Up to 15 participants

Price:
¥6,600 per person

Important Notes:
・Please note that cancellations are not accepted once a reservation is confirmed.

・After completing your reservation, please inform staff of your name at reception on the day of the experience.

・This is a shared experience, and other groups may participate together.

・Reservations are accepted one month at a time. Advance bookings beyond this period are not available.

For group bookings or further inquiries, please contact: xexemeditation@gmail.com

Description:
A special 45-minute tea ceremony experience held in the normally non-public Shoin and Hiroma(large) room of Ryosokuin Temple.
Surrounded by profound tranquility, enjoy a moment of calm in this historic setting.

Program Flow:
1. Guided Temple Visit
You will be guided through the temple grounds while receiving an introduction to the history and background of the temple.

2. Tea Ceremony
After an explanation of the relationship between Zen temples and the tea ceremony,
you will experience a Bonryaku(Symple style) tea ceremony, where a bowl of thin tea is prepared.
Please enjoy our original Japanese sweets along with matcha.

3. Free Time:
After the program concludes, you are welcome to explore the temple grounds freely until the end of the scheduled time.


Savor a bowl of matcha prepared especially for you, accompanied by an original confection available only for this experience.

Step away from the noise of everyday life and allow yourself a quiet moment to restore your mind and spirit.


Dates:,
March 12(Thu), 28(Sat), 30(Mon) 2026
April 18(Sat), 22(Wed), 29(Wed)

Time:
1:00–1:45 PM / 2:00–2:45 PM (45 minutes)

Capacity:
Up to 10 participants

Price:
¥8,000 per person

Important Notes:
・Please note that this seating is organized by Ryo­sokuin's tea facilitator, and is not a tea gathering hosted by Ryo­sokuin's tea master.

・Please note that cancellations are not accepted once a reservation is confirmed.

・After completing your reservation, please inform staff of your name at reception on the day of the experience.

・This is a shared experience, and other groups may be present during the session.

・Reservations are accepted one month at a time. Advance bookings beyond this period are not available.


For group bookings or further inquiries, please contact: xexemeditation@gmail.com

Description:
A relaxing 45-minute Sound Meditation experience held at Ryosokuin temple, in the normally non-public.

Program Flow:
1. Program Introduction
After being seated, you will receive an introduction to the sound meditation.

2. Sound Meditation Experience
Enjoy the harmonious layers of natural sounds surrounding Ryosokuin, combined with the clear resonance of orin singing bowls.
Allow the vibrations to wash over you, inviting calmness and deep rest.

3. Free Time
After the program concludes, you are welcome to spend the remaining time at your leisure.
Please enjoy the lingering sense of tranquility until the end of the scheduled time.


Step away from everyday thoughts and enjoy a quiet moment as your mind naturally comes into balance.


Dates:
March 2(Mon), 4(Wed), 5(Thu), 24(Tue), 25(Wed), 26(Thu), 31(Tue),
April 1(Wed), 14(Tue), 15(Wed), 21(Tue), 22(Wed), 28(Tue), 29(Wed) 2026

Time:
10:00AM–10:45AM (45 minutes)

Capacity:
Up to 10 people

Price:
¥5,800 per person


Important Notes:
・Please note that cancellations are not accepted once a reservation is confirmed.

・After completing your reservation, please inform staff of your name at reception on the day of the experience.

・This is a shared experience, and other groups may participate together.

・Advance reservations are not available. Please book within the available period.

Contact

For group bookings or further inquiries, please contact: xexemeditation@gmail.com

At Ryosokuin, which is normally closed to the public,
you are invited to enjoy a Shakyo (sutra copying) experience accompanied by a bowl of matcha tea.

Please take a moment to relax and spend a peaceful, unhurried time with a serving of matcha.

The experience takes approximately one hour.
(Please note that this experience is conducted seated on a chair, not in the traditional seiza position.)

After the experience, you may take the sutra home to offer it at your family altar,
or we may respectfully perform a memorial offering for you at the temple.

Access & Transportation

For all visitors participating in temple activities—
including temple visits, zazen meditation, shakyo, and amulet-making experiences—
we kindly ask that you use public transportation.

Please note that vehicles are not permitted inside the Kenninji Temple grounds.

If you arrive by car, please use a nearby coin-operated parking lot outside the grounds
and walk to the temple.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.