VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

1. Meet at 10:00 AM (arrive at the temple 5 minutes early)

    Start at 10:10 AM

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2. Incense Appreciation Experience (10 min) → 10:20 AM

    Instructions on holding the incense burner and explanation of the fragrance. Each person will smell twice.

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3. Kendo Experience (30 min) 10:20 AM → 10:50 AM

    How to hold the bamboo sword, stances (posture), how to swing, practice swings (slow and fast) 10 swings each, striking practice (up to 5 strikes), practice striking each other, group photo

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4. Incense Offering Experience 10:50 AM (10 min) → 11:00 AM

    Read names aloud and offer incense

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5. Zazen Experience 11:00 AM(15 min) → 11:15AM

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6. Matcha Experience 11:15AM (10 min) → 11:30AM

    One bowl per person (self-serving)

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7. End 11:30AM

Listening to incence and Kendo Practice Experience
After calming your mind with the fragrance of incense wood, you will experience kendo. Everyone is welcome to participate, from beginners to advanced practitioners. All participants will practise the correct grip and swinging technique for the bamboo sword (shinai).

Zazen Experience　

Experience zazen, the fundamental practice of Zen Buddhism. Sit with proper posture, focus your mind, and empty your thoughts.

Matcha (powdered green tea) experience
After a brief explanation of matcha etiquette, each participant will prepare one cup of matcha using the tea bowl and full set of utensils provided on their tray.

龍渕寺（Ryūen-ji Temple）

Ryūen-ji Temple, a tranquil Zen temple near Kanazawa's bustling downtown. Founded approximately 450 years ago. Passing through the mountain gate, you instantly enter another world. The entire temple grounds are enveloped by trees, and you'll feel the air grow still and quiet. The traditional main hall stands tall directly ahead, while to the left, a bamboo grove stretches refreshingly toward the sky. Now, step inside the main hall and experience zazen meditation under the guidance of a monk. Settle firmly onto the tatami mats, cross your legs, and quietly open your mind. Look within yourself, spend time with a pure heart, and touch the wisdom of Buddhism.

Payment Methods
Credit card payment via the reservation page.
If you encounter any issues with card payments, please apply via email and pay in Japanese yen on the day.