Private Tour of Japan’s Largest Zen Temple: Gardens & Matcha

A Fully Private Experience
Enjoy a relaxed, private tour guided at your own pace, away from crowds.

Step into a Hidden Zen World
Explore a historic Zen temple complex where time slows down and silence becomes part of the experience.

Immerse Yourself in Zen Gardens
Discover different styles of gardens, from minimalist dry landscapes to seasonal scenery that changes throughout the year.

Matcha in a Tranquil Setting
Take a moment to sit and enjoy matcha while overlooking a peaceful garden.

Optional: Seasonal Japanese Lunch (Plan A)
Experience the beauty of the seasons through a thoughtfully prepared meal (Plan A only).

◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Admission fees for Myoshinji
◎ Matcha fee at Taizo-in
◎ Lunch fee　(Plan A only)
× Transportation costs

[Plan A] 3.5 Hours | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
[Plan B] 2.5 Hours | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Begin your private tour by stepping into a vast Zen temple complex, where the atmosphere immediately shifts from the busy city to a world of quiet and calm.

As you walk through the grounds, your guide will lead you to several carefully selected sub-temples, each offering a different perspective on Zen aesthetics. From minimalist dry landscape gardens to vibrant seasonal scenery, you will experience the contrast and depth of traditional Japanese garden design.

Along the way, you’ll encounter historic architecture, serene spaces, and subtle details that reflect centuries of craftsmanship and spiritual practice—all at a relaxed pace tailored to you.

During the tour, take a moment to sit down and enjoy matcha while overlooking a peaceful garden. This quiet pause offers a chance to slow down and simply appreciate the surroundings.

For guests joining Plan A, the experience concludes with a seasonal Japanese meal prepared with care, allowing you to further enjoy the harmony of nature and tradition through food.

Myoshin-ji is one of the largest Zen temple complexes in Japan, with a history of over 700 years.

Within its expansive grounds, dozens of sub-temples are arranged like a small town, where monks continue their daily practice even today. Walking through this area offers a rare glimpse into a living Zen environment.

On this tour, you will visit several carefully selected sub-temples within the complex, each featuring its own unique gardens, architecture, and atmosphere.

You will also have the opportunity to view a remarkable ceiling painting of a dragon, created over 350 years ago and preserved in its original state—an impressive work that has quietly watched over the temple for centuries.

・Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 2 days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.

・Free of charge for cancellations up to 3 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 2 days or less prior to the tour date.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be more than 5 minutes late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.