Zen Meditation at the Private Temple Gesshin-in

"Zazen at Gesshin-in, a non-public temple where memories of the late Edo period lie dormant, to calm the mind."

Leave the hustle and bustle of Higashiyama in Kyoto and visit the temple "Gesshin-in," which is usually not open to the public. This space has a history as a base for the samurai who left the Shinsengumi during the late Edo period, and offers a completely private Zen experience where you can learn the practices of zazen and breathing techniques under the guidance of a monk.

In the main hall enveloped in silence, take a moment to focus solely on your breath. Spend time distancing yourself from the overwhelming information and busyness of daily life, and slowly align your mind and body.

(*This activity requires a reservation upon request. We will inform you of the availability after confirming your desired date and time.)

Overview of ActivitiesOverview of Activities

Touching in a temple that is usually closed to the public.
The history of the late Edo period and profound silenceTouching in a temple that is usually closed to the public.
The history of the late Edo period and profound silence

Mokushin-in is a temple that served as a base for the志士 who left the Shinsengumi during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period.

In this experience, we will specially guide you to the main hall, which is usually off-limits. While reflecting on the history of the志士 who shared their meals and lives here, you will confront yourself in a quiet space, separated from the noise of the outside world.

As you listen carefully in the hall where the traces of history remain, the sounds of the wind, the presence of the garden, and your own breathing—small sensations that you usually do not notice—will gradually become sharper.

Learn directly from a monk
Authentic Zen practices and ways to calm the mindLearn directly from a monk
Authentic Zen practices and ways to calm the mind

At the beginning of the experience, participants receive explanations from a monk about the posture and breathing techniques of Zen meditation, as well as the philosophy of Zen. The guidance is designed to be easy to understand for those who have never practiced Zen meditation before, ensuring that even beginners can participate with confidence.

After the meditation, there is also time to listen to the monk's talk. While touching on the spirit of Zen, participants can take home ways to live their daily lives more peacefully and how to face their own hearts.

This is a rich and intellectual time that not only focuses on adjusting posture but also teaches the culture and spirit behind Zen.

Easy for beginners
A completely private Zen meditation experienceEasy for beginners
A completely private Zen meditation experience

The Zen meditation consists of two 10-minute sessions with breaks in between. It is structured in a way that is gentle for those who may feel anxious about maintaining the same posture for a long time or are concerned about leg numbness.

In a private environment where you won't be with other customers, you can immerse yourself in silence at your own pace without worrying about the eyes of others.

Temporarily stepping away from information and digital devices to focus solely on your breath connects to modern digital detox and mindfulness practices. Enjoy a quiet retreat where a pleasant afterglow lingers even after the experience.

Flow of experienceFlow of experience

0:00〜0:15｜Arrival at Gesshin-in and Explanation of Zazen
You will be guided to the main hall and receive explanations from the monk about posture, breathing techniques, and the practice of zazen.

0:15〜0:25｜Zazen - First Session
Adjust your posture and focus on your breathing as you engage in approximately 10 minutes of zazen.

0:25〜0:35｜Break
Relax your body and take a quiet break.

0:35〜0:45｜Zazen - Second Session
Engage in another approximately 10 minutes of zazen, directing your awareness deeper into silence.

0:45〜1:00｜Talk by the Monk - Departure
After finishing zazen, listen to the monk's talk. After that, you will depart from Gesshin-in.
※Depending on the situation on the day, the content and timing may be subject to change.

OverviewOverview

• Operating period
  Year-round / between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
  ※ Please contact us at least 3 days before the desired experience date as a general rule.
  ※ This activity is available by request. After applying, we will confirm the feasibility and contact you to confirm the reservation.
• required time
  Approximately 60 minutes
• capacity
  2 to 10 people
  ※If you wish to experience it alone, we will accept it at the price for 2 people.
• fee
  15,000 yen (tax included) / per person
  
  ※ Minimum required fee: 30,000 yen (tax included)
  ※ Children aged 6 and above will be subject to the experience fee.
  ※ Cancellations made after 7 days from the experience date will incur a 100% charge of the experience fee.
• What is included in the fee
  ・Zazen experience fee
  ・Guidance by a monk
• implementation location
  Moon True Institute Main Hall and GardenGoogle Map
• Language support
  Japanese and English
  ※If you wish for a language other than Japanese, please consult us in advance.
• Clothing and Important Notes
  - Please come in loose-fitting clothing that does not constrict the body for zazen.
  - Participation in clothing that exposes a lot of skin is discouraged.
  - Food and drinks cannot be brought into the temple.
  - Please take care not to damage the tatami, fusuma, fixtures, and furnishings in the main hall.
  - If you are bringing small children, please cooperate to ensure a quiet experience within the temple.
  - Due to temple events and other circumstances, it may not be possible to hold the event at your desired date and time.