Kyoto Hidden Riverside Zen Mediation and Uji Matcha Experience
+4 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $105 / person
- Location
- Kyoto, Japan
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 9 reviews
- Languages
- KO, EN, ZH-CN, FR
- Group
- Small group, up to 10
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- SunnySight Japan
- Meeting point
- This experience takes place at Root2 Riverside in Takao.From Kyoto Station, take the JR Takao/Keihoku Line bus bound for Toganoo and get off at Makinoo . Walk 4 min to the venue.From Shijo-Karasuma, take City Bus #8 bound for Takao, get off at Takao or Makinoo, and walk 3–5 min.
Description
This Zen workshop offers a truly unique opportunity to experience mindfulness in a calm, natural setting, not inside a temple, but by the riverside, surrounded by trees and fresh air. It’s designed not just as a tourist activity, but as a genuine introduction to Zen practice. Participants are guided step by step through the basics of zazen (seated meditation) in a way that is easy to understand and approachable, even for beginners. Rather than focusing on strict formality or religious rituals, the workshop emphasizes how Zen can be part of everyday life. You’ll learn how to carry the mindset of calm and awareness with you. Not just during your trip, but back home as well. The experience concludes with a peaceful tea time, where you’ll enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets and freshly whisked matcha, allowing your mind and body to gently return to the flow of daily life.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Wed
- Start times
- 10:00 AM
- Season
- Starts Mar 4, 2027
- Adult (ages 5–69)
- $105
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 21.
Tour Options
What's included
Included
The whole experience of zen workshop
Premium Uji matcha and seasonal wagashi are served
Not included
Private transportation
Tip/Gratitude
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
9 reviews
How it compares in Kyoto
- Starting price $105 is 38% above the typical $76 for tours of similar length in Kyoto
Excurgo comparison of 1,631 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Kyoto Hidden Riverside Zen Mediation and Uji Matcha Experience lasts about 2 hours.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $105 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Wednesdays, starting at 10:00 AM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is This experience takes place at Root2 Riverside in Takao. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Takao/Keihoku Line bus bound for Toganoo and get off at Makinoo . Walk 4 min to the venue. From Shijo-Karasuma, take City Bus #8 bound for Takao, get off at Takao or Makinoo, and walk 3–5 min. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in KO, EN, ZH-CN, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 9 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by SunnySight Japan.
Reviews(9)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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- Shortest: Kyoto Hidden Riverside Zen Mediation and Uji Matcha Experience — 2 hours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto Hidden Riverside Zen Mediation and Uji Matcha Experience | 2 hours | 5.0 (9) | $105 | |
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from$105
5.0(9) Free cancellation