The experience
Hozenin is a branch temple of Manpuku-ji, the head temple of the Obaku school of Zen, in Uji. It was founded in 1690, and its main hall looks out on a stroll garden of moss, pines and maples.
The head priest or deputy head priest gives a short talk on Zen in plain words. Then you sit zazen in the hall while incense burns. You do not need to sit in full lotus. Crossing one leg, or sitting on a chair, is fine.
After sutra chanting, breakfast is a seasonal herbal porridge with side dishes and pickles, then a hot herbal tea. Each guest receives a goshuin seal with the name of their guardian deity.
On the day
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The talk
A short talk on Zen by the priest, in the main hall.
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Zazen
Seated meditation. The talk and zazen take about 40 minutes.
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Sutra chanting
Before the meal.
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Breakfast
Herbal porridge, side dishes and herbal tea, about 40 minutes.
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Goshuin
A seal with the name of your guardian deity, to take home.
Guide price
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Per person, from | ¥19,000 |
- Includes the experience, breakfast, facility charges, the interpreter and tax.
- There is a minimum of two guests. A booking for one pays the two-guest minimum.
- This is the lowest per-person rate. The final price depends on the number of guests and the date.
Good to know
- Booking deadline
- At least 7 days before.
- Cancellation
- Full refund up to 8 days before, by 17:00 Japan time.
- Language
- An English-speaking interpreter is included.
- What to wear
- Shoes come off. Wear socks, loose clothes and a skirt or trousers that cover the knee. Please avoid very casual clothes.
- Food
- The breakfast is vegetarian but not vegan. Allergies need to be known at least 10 days before.
- Access
- The temple is not wheelchair accessible. Arriving more than 15 minutes late cancels the experience.
What STAYGO does
- We arrange the morning through Wabunka, the booking site the temple uses, and keep in touch with them about your date.
- We plan the early train to Uji, or a car, so you arrive on time.
- We pass on any allergies in good time.
This experience is paid in advance by credit card, in yen, through Wabunka, at the price they show. STAYGO adds nothing to it.
Arranged only as part of a STAYGO journey.
Details checked on the host's published page on 13 October 2026. Hosts set their own prices and terms and may change them. We confirm them again when we arrange your date, and nothing is confirmed until the host accepts it.
You pay hotels, ryokan, restaurants and guides directly, at their own rates. We add no markups and take no commissions. The Signature planning fee is USD 3,500 for your group, for a journey of 7–14 days. Longer or more complex journeys are planned as Bespoke.
