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The Essence of Matsushima: Zen Meditation and Private Temple Tour | 7 hours 45 minutes

2 Reviews | Sendai
New On TravelOne
From $180.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 10 travelers in total.
Adult (13-100) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 10
2
Non Refundable All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
The Essence of Matsushima: Zen Meditation and Private Temple Tour
2 Adults x $180.00
$360.00
Approx Total
$360.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • All transportation fees during the tour
  • Matcha tea and traditional sweets at Kanrantei Tea House
  • All admission fees and activity fees
  • Enjoy a Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch in a traditional Japanese building in Entsu-in Temple.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private transportation

Overview

Embark on a transformative journey to uncover the essence of Zen in the serene Matsushima Bay. Tranquwell, a premier wellness retreat company, invites you to a day of Zen and nature. [Highlights] - Immerse yourself in the Zen tradition at Zuigan-ji Temple. Enjoy a guided tour with an English-speaking Buddhist priest, learning about the temple's history and the practice of Zazen (Zen meditation). Gain exclusive access to special rooms and admire the beautiful Fusuma paintings up close. - Experience the calming tranquility of Entsu-in's moss garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. - Enjoy a delicious and healthy Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch. - Sip on a cup of matcha with a stunning view. Please note that our tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate. If we don't reach this minimum number, unfortunately, we'll have to cancel the tour. You'll be notified of any cancellation 72 hours prior to the start time, and a full refund will be issued.

Meeting points

Sendai Station
1-chōme-1-1 Chūō, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0021, Japan

Open in Google Maps

A Tranquwell representative will meet you at Stained Glass "Paean for the Trees" at the central concourse outside the ticket gates, JR Sendai Station. We will take a train from Sendai to Matsushima, and then lead you on a walking tour in Matsushima.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • Kanrantei

    Traditionally, Buddhist monks have employed matcha as a pre-Zazen ritual to enhance their concentration. Before embarking on Zazen later in the morning, enjoy a bowl of matcha at the Kanrantei Tea House, where you will be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the bay. As you savor the delicate flavor and rich aroma of matcha, surrounded by the serene atmosphere, prepare your mind for the tranquility of Zazen. This traditional ritual helps to center your focus and appreciate the beauty of stillness.

    30 minutes

  • Matsushima Bay

    Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, where poets, warlords, and other historical figures fell in love with its scenery. Visit the renowned Godaido Temple, one of Matsushima's most picturesque landmarks.

    20 minutes

  • Zuiganji

    Zuiganji Temple is one of Tohoku’s most famous Zen temples. An English-speaking Buddhist priest will show you around the temple first. He will even let us enter special rooms which are not open to the public. Learn interesting history facts which are not on your travel guide book. Later, we will have a Zazen (Zen meditation) session with the monk. Learn Zen breathing techniques and meditate in the serene environment of the temple.

    1 hour 45 minutes

  • Entsu-in Temple

    Indulge in a traditional Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch at Entsu-in Temple, savoring the delicate and colorful Buddhist cuisine served in a historic Japanese building.

    1 hour 30 minutes

  • Entsu-in Temple

    Entsuin Temple, nestled in Matsushima's waterfront, honors Mitsumune Date, a promising samurai heir who tragically passed away at 19. It features beautiful moss gardens as well as a rock garden which represents the islands of Matsushima Bay.

    45 minutes

  • Sendai Station (Pass By)

    The tour is scheduled to end at 4:45 PM at Sendai Station.

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The remaining hours will be allotted for travel and lunch time
  • Please be aware that the end time may be delayed due to traffic conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. We kindly request that you allow for extra time when scheduling.

Non Refundable

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

5.0

2 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    2
  • 4 stars
    0
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
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Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 2 reviews with 5 stars

Amazing Zen Tour!

Published on Feb, 2025

I learned breathing techniques and body postures fro;;m the monk . Zazen experience will be useful for future life to improved concentration . Highly recommended!

Excellent experience at the historic temple

Published on Feb, 2025

Zuigange Temple loved by Date Masamune. Standing quietly in the snow, the temple was very beautiful. I had a wonderful time with the monk who gave us detailed explanation of the 400-year-old Zuigange Temple. The zazen experience afterwards was unforgettable! I emptied my mind and enjoyed the quiet time.

Great day

Published on Jan, 2025

I wanted to join this tour especially because of zazen experience. It was my first time practicing Zazen, and I think it’s a great way to get a brief introduction if you’re trying it for the first time. It was also a rare opportunity to ask questions directly to a monk and learn from him. And Buddhist meal in the tour were also amazing. Thank you!

Matsushima Bay Trip

Published on Dec, 2024

Had an amazing experience on the Matsushima bay tour, truly one of Japan’s wonders. With the help of the English speaking guides I had the chance to explore Matsushima, try some of the finest traditional Japanese cuisine, visit the temple, including beautiful rooms normally closed to the public and had a meditation session with one of the monks. Simply lovely

Great retreat experience

Published on Oct, 2024

I really enjoyed this tour in beautiful Matsushima, Miyagi. Zen meditation and private tour at time-honored Zuiganji temple was great experience. After strolling around the serene garden of Entsuin, Shojin ryori, vegetarian course meal next door was so tasty and beautiful in eyes. Away from busy life, it was a great opportunity to focus myself and get refreshed.

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