Experience the World of Zen
How would you like to experience
Zen spirituality in a cultural center such as Kyoto? Precious works of art and beautiful gardens are offered for contemplation and can provide insight into the inner workings of the soul.
(About 7.5 hours)
In only one color, the world of Zen is revealed in a Muromachi Period India-ink painting known as "Hyonen-zu". This painting shows a man catching a catfish in a gourd and is thought to have been inspired by the riddle, "How do you catch a catfish with a gourd?" set by an Ashikaga shogun. This painting displays a unique bit of Zen humor yet also offers a visual stimulant for pondering this characteristically deep Zen question.
Reservations for one-day Zen experiences (including viewing of this painting) can be made through the website. Tea, a vegetarian bento (lunch box), a calligraphy class, meditation, and a guided tour in English are also included as part of this course. In addition, private areas of the temple usually closed to the public will be open from January 1st - March 18th, making this a must-see for any winter traveler.
Details
Address: 35 Hanazono yoshinji-cho Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Hanazono Station
Hours: 9:00 - 1700
Fee: 7500 yen (includes meditation, calligraphy, tea ceremony experience, vegetarian lunch box, and guided temple tour in English) *Cash only (Japanese yen)
- Keifuku Railway: From Myoshin-ji Station to Kitano-Hakubaicho Station: About 15 minutes
- City bus 205, 101, or 102: From Kitano-Hakubaicho bus stop to Kinkakuji-michi bus stop: About 20 minutes
Kinkaku-ji Temple, which has been designated a
World Heritage Site, is famous for its shining gold pavilion. Built in the three-tiered style, the first floor was built in the style of Heian residences (Shinden-dukuri), the second floor in the style of samurai residences (Buke-dukuri), and the third floor in the style of a Buddhist hall (Butsuden-hu). The pavilion is set facing the Kyoko-chi Pond (Mirror Pond), an arrangement that fits nicely with the elegance and ambience of the surrounding garden. Kinkaku-ji Temple is certainly a must-see for any Kyoto tourist.
Details
Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho Kita-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from city bus stop Kinkakuji-michi
Admission: 400 yen
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
- 20-minute walk or city bus 59: From Kinkakuji-mae bus stop to Ryoanji-mae bus stop: About 15 minutes
Details
Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryo Shita-machi Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: A short walk from city bus stop Ryoanji-mae
Admission:500 yen
Hours:8:30 - 16:30 (December 1st - February 28th), 8:00 - 17:00 (March 1st - November 30th)
