Evening Stillness

Evening Stillness

A little Zen, some gentle movement, a whole lot of deep stillness

Within a literal Zen space created in the mid-1500s, take some time purely for yourself.

After closing, we have exclusive access to this serene temple space, with the head monk leading a short zazen - seated zen meditation session - perfect for beginners.

After the Zazen, we’ll have a gentle, mind and body restoring stretch, releasing any holds through the body, around the joints.

Finally, lie down in the stillness, the silence, to let the crystal singing bowls resonate through your mind and body, allowing you to let go of so much on the inside.

Reconnect with the space both within and around you. The stillness, the release, the calm.

July 19th, 2025
4:30 - 6:30pm

  • Find Presence in Silence

    Find your seat and fall into the silence.

    Zazen is the meditation practice specific to the Zen sect of Buddhism - smallest of the 4 largest sects in Japan.

    The head monk of this almost 500 year old temple, will teach us how to sit, and guide us through this short practice. Giving pointers on how to find stillness within your seat, and calm within your heart and mind, in the silence of this private space.

    Zen was initially brought from China in the 600s, before becoming a distinctly Japanese practice about 500 years later. This is your opportunity to see if this is a practice you would like to make your own.

  • Find Release in Movement

    Ease through gentle movements, adapted to meet your needs.

    Each pose chosen to slow the breath and the mind, reduce cortisol, to bring focus to your experience within your body, and allow you to work with that.

    Each breath, an exercise in observation. Each movement, an experiment to understand your body better. Each moment of stillness, an opportunity to both better understand, and train your heart and mind.

    Just wear something comfortable that allows you to bring your knee to your chest with ease.

    In this tranquil space, take time to gently unwind, releasing any tension from body and mind.

  • Find Space within Reverberations

    Fall into the waves of sound.

    Feel yourself fully supported by the mat, by the temple itself as you settle back into relaxation.

    At the same time, feel yourself floating as the reverberations wash over you, through you, cleansing the extraneous thoughts, releasing the holds in the body that you had yet to notice, melting away any blocks on creativity and productivity.

    This is time for you, to completely relax. Time to stop, reset, reboot. Let the reverberations of the crystal bowls provide the cleansing you need.

Schedule:

  • 4:15pm: arrive at temple

  • 4:30pm Zazan taster

  • 4:50pm: gentle stretch

  • 5:20pm sound bath

  • 6:10-6:30pm pack up, enjoy garden, leave temple

Inclusions:

  • entrance to temple

  • exclusive use of temple for the event

  • zen meditation taster lead by head monk

  • yoga and walking meditation

  • sound bath

Daikokuji Temple Complex

Our temple is one of Daitokuji’s 22 sub-temples. Full details provided with booking confirmation.

  • Access via the following bus stops:

    • Kekun Jinja-mae

    • Daitokuji-mae

    • Imamiya Jinja-mae

Click on the map for Kekun Jinja-mae bus stop location

Reserve your spot here

  • Full meet up details provided once booking is complete.

  • Intimate group - maximum 10 participants in this exclusive temple event

Please be aware that it is a 5 minute walk into the temple from the main gate.

About us

Our temple is tucked away within the quiet paths of a historic Zen temple complex in northern Kyoto, this hidden sub-temple offers a rare blend of refined architecture, relaxing gardens, and layered spiritual history. The main hall, dating back to the 1500s, is a rare surviving example of Muromachi-period design - simple, balanced, and grounding. Originally a family temple for a powerful warlord with strong spiritual leanings, it now provides a space of deep stillness with subtle details, well away from the city’s busier attractions.

The surrounding gardens, redesigned in the 20th century by a celebrated landscape artist, and quiet symbolism. One representing the rough seas; another hints at unexpected influences. A weathered lantern thought to contain hidden meanings and a pair of simple tea rooms complete the grounds, creating an atmosphere that invites slow movement and reflection. Though modest in scale, this temple holds a quiet power, making it a the perfect place to regain your centre, your stillness, and your calm.

Sam is a yoga and meditation instructor, as well as a cultural guide, originally from Brisbane, Australia. With a foundation in Sports Science and over a decade of experience teaching personalised yoga, her approach helps you find the best way for your to move. With over 15 years in Japan, Sam offers access to places rarely visited by tourists - quiet temples, hidden gardens, and intimate cultural spaces providing language support and nuanced insight.

Discover the real Japan as you step away from the crowds and over-produced tourist experiences into these quiet spaces still available in some parts of Kyoto.

Her teaching focuses on cultivating self-awareness: learning how to move with care, adapt with confidence, and understand your body’s needs in each moment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Sam helps you discover a practice that is genuinely your own - supportive, sustainable, and empowering - perfect for your body on any given day.

“My intention is to help you find ‘your yoga’ - a version of yoga that feels natural and grounded in your own body and experience. As a cultural guide, I want to offer visitors a way into the quieter, more authentic corners of Japan - spaces where the pace slows, offering a deeper connection to each place and allowing the self to unfold.”

Cancellation Terms and Conditions

In the case of refunds being provided, any fees involved in payments and refunding payments will be paid by the client.

  • From Payment until 21days before the retreat, cancellation fees are 0%

  • Until 10 days beforehand , cancellation fees are 30%

  • 2-9 days beforehand cancellation fees are 50%

  • Cancellation from the day before or on the day of the event, during the retreat, or no shows will incur a 100% cancellation charge

In the case of typhoon, or other natural disaster, that leads to a national or local area stay at home order and therefore cancellation of the retreat, all funds will be returned minus any fees incurred to return those funds.