Tokyo: Private Zen Meditation & Tea Ceremony at Asakusa Temple

Summary

Practice zazen with a Tokyo monk then share matcha in a quiet temple

You’ll slip off your shoes and step into a centuries-old Asakusa temple for private Zen meditation led by a local monk. Learn zazen basics, join a traditional matcha tea ceremony, and chat freely with your hosts — all in English support. It’s peaceful, personal, and leaves you with this odd sense of calm you might carry long after leaving Tokyo.

What’s the experience like?

We slid open the wooden door and stepped into the quiet of this old Asakusa temple — honestly, I almost missed it from the street. The air inside felt cooler, smelled faintly of tatami and incense. Our guide, Emi, smiled and handed us slippers (mine were a little too small but that just made me laugh). She explained we’d meet the monk soon for our Zen meditation session — I tried not to look nervous, but my hands kept fiddling with my sleeve. It’s funny how just sitting still can feel like such an adventure in Tokyo.

The monk greeted us with this gentle nod — his robe looked soft and lived-in, not stiff like in movies. He talked about zazen, which is basically sitting and breathing but also… not just that? Hard to explain. We sat together on cushions, knees complaining a bit (mine did anyway), listening to the rain tapping on the old roof tiles outside. For a few minutes I actually forgot about my phone buzzing in my bag. Afterward he asked if we had questions — I tried to ask something about “mu” but probably said it wrong; he just smiled kindly.

Then came the matcha tea ceremony — slow movements, bright green powder whisked until it frothed. The taste was grassy and slightly bitter, which somehow matched the mood of the place perfectly. We chatted with the monk over tea; he told us stories about growing up nearby and what it’s like living in such an ancient part of Tokyo. Emi helped translate when we got stuck on words. Before leaving we snapped some photos together (the monk even suggested a silly pose). Walking back out onto the busy street felt strange after all that quiet — I still think about that hush sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zen meditation and tea ceremony

• Meet at hidden temple in Asakusa
• Learn about Japanese culture and Zen
• Attend monk's lecture on Zazen
• Practice seated meditation (Zazen)
• Experience matcha tea ceremony
• Engage in free talk with monk
• Take photographs within temple

Top questions

Is this Zen meditation experience in Tokyo private?

Yes, it’s a private experience at a temple not open to the general public.

Where does the meditation take place?

It takes place at a 400-year-old temple in Asakusa, Tokyo.

Is there English support during the tour?

Yes, English-speaking guides are included for explanations and translation.

What activities are included besides meditation?

You’ll also join a matcha tea ceremony and have time to talk with the monk.

Can I take photos inside the temple?

Yes, you can take photos with the monk and around the temple grounds.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or children allowed?

Infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

How do I get to the temple?

The temple is accessible by public transportation in Tokyo.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to a private Asakusa temple for Zen meditation led by a local monk, an English-speaking guide throughout, participation in an authentic matcha tea ceremony, time for conversation with your hosts, plus photos within the historic temple before you head back out into city life.