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Activities & Experiences · Hanazono / Myoshin-ji

Zazen Meditation at Shunko-in 春光院 坐禅体験

Zen meditation in English at Shunko-in, a sub-temple of the vast Myoshin-ji complex, led by a vice-abbot who studied in the US. A rare chance to learn zazen with real explanation, in a quiet temple.

HoursSessions by reservation
ClosedIrregular
PriceZazen class: ¥3,000
Getting thereHanazono Station (JR Sagano Line), 5 min; Myoshinji Station (Randen), 5 min
Time needed1.5 hours
Best timeMorning
Address42 Hanazono-Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Websiteshunkoin.com

About

Shunko-in is one of the dozens of sub-temples inside Myoshin-ji, the headquarters of the Rinzai Zen sect, in north-western Kyoto. Its vice-abbot Takafumi Kawakami has taught zazen in English for years, explaining the posture, breathing and meaning of practice clearly. Sessions include guided meditation and discussion, and visitors can also see the temple's garden and a rare 'Christian bell' from the era of Jesuit missionaries. Myoshin-ji itself is a peaceful walled city of temples with few crowds, well worth a walk before or after.

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Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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