Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch

As a longtime visitor to Kyoto from Hong Kong, I wasn't sure if this Zen meditation and temple tour would offer me anything new. But this experience ended up being the highlight of my most recent trip. My guide Yutaka san was an absolute delight - not only was his English well, allowing for clear translation, but his passion and knowledge for sharing Zen Buddhism with me was truly impressive. Yutaka san mentioned I was the first person he had ever met from Hong Kong on this tour, which made the experience even more special. One of the most meaningful parts was when we visited the smaller temple within Tofukuji that was dedicated to Zen meditation practice. There, I was guided through the meditation process by a resident monk. His serene yet approachable demeanor put me at ease as he walked us step-by-step through the proper techniques and mindset. Coming from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, where we're constantly immersed in work and daily pressures, having this opportunity to truly pause and experience Zen meditation was incredibly valuable. The monk's guidance, combined with the peaceful temple setting, allowed me to achieve a level of self-reflection that I rarely get to access in my normal routine. Yutaka's expertise in conveying the history, philosophy and cultural significance of Zen Buddhism throughout the tour also gave me a much richer understanding of this profound tradition. Even as a seasoned Kyoto visitor, I left feeling like I had discovered an entirely new dimension to the city. We as tourists always appreciate the beauty of Kyoto's scenery, temples, and old buildings, etc, but I think when we know the deeper meaning and history behind these sites, the journey becomes more meaningful and memorable. I cannot recommend this tour enough, especially for fellow Hong Kong residents seeking an authentic Zen experience and respite from the stresses of daily life. Yutaka and the resident monk created an incredibly welcoming and transformative environment for me to engage with these ancient spiritual practices. A true highlight of my time in Kyoto.