Plan Status:
Active
CULTURE/
EXPERIENCE
Zen Morning at a Japanese Temple: Meditation, One-Character Calligraphy & Bell Ringing Rituals
Mie
3hours
Spend a quiet morning at a local temple in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. You can learn how to do zazen and participate in cleaning the temple grounds. You can copy a single character of a sutra. This will be a peaceful and introspective experience for travelers who want to engage with Japanese culture in a sincere and respectful way. I can understand a little English, but I'm still working on my English listening comprehension. I'd appreciate it if you could speak slowly! 😊
Highlights
Let’s start the morning with a peaceful prayer at a quiet, historic temple in Tsu City. If you want, you can try a short calligraphy experience by writing a single sacred character. As a special gift, each tour participant will receive one goshuin (temple stamp) from this temple. Learn the basics of zazen—how to sit and the philosophy behind it. The temple is easily accessible from Tsu Station.
Max Number of Guests
3 People
Itinerary
Meet at Tsu Station (Kintetsu or JR line) at 7:30 AM. Walk together to the temple (approx. 15 minutes). Join morning prayer with locals (approx. 30 minutes). "Samu" ※mindful labor(approx. 30 minutes). Tea gathering(approx. 30 minutes). Try shakyo (sutra copying) ※one character (approx. 5 minutes). Ringing the temple bell. Quiet time to reflect or explore the temple grounds. Walk back to Tsu Station together.
Meeting Point
In front of the East Exit ticket gate of Kintetsu (JR) Tsu Station
242 Hadokorocho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture
Map
What To Bring
No special items are required. We recommend wearing comfortable, modest clothing suitable for sitting on the floor.
Precautions
・The experience will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Please make sure to arrive on time. ・While there is no age restriction for participants, we ask that they be able to sit quietly for approximately 30 minutes ・Please remember that the temple is a sacred place. We kindly ask that you avoid wearing bright or revealing clothes. ・The zazen session may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will notify you as soon as possible. Please stay updated with any announcements.
Not Allowed:
・Taking photographs is prohibited from the time of zazen until the session is dismissed. ・Please refrain from wearing hats or sunglasses inside the temple. ・Loud conversations, phone calls, and other nuisance behavior are prohibited during the experience.
About Host
KEIKO ICHIKI
"Hello! My name is Keiko and I live in Mie, Japan. I want to share quiet and warm moments of Japanese daily life with travelers from around the world. My motto is: “Not sightseeing, but real Japanese daily life.” I hope we can enjoy simple, peaceful experiences together — not fancy, but full of heart. I can speak a little English, so please speak slowly... 😅 No problem — we can use gestures and smiles! Let’s enjoy the small but beautiful side of Japan together. Looking forward to meeting you!"