Sunday Early Morning Zen Meditation at Enkouji

Before you go

After the Meiji era Enkouji was Japan's only training monastery for nuns, and its zendo from that time survives; the Sunday session is held there. The four parts are zazen, samu, a Dharma talk and the breakfast porridge.

• The talk includes a look at the temple's wooden movable type, described on the official page as Japan's oldest
• Capacity of 20, with posture and breathing guidance for beginners

Getting there

The temple is at 13 Ichijoji Kotani-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto (606-8147); telephone 075-781-8025. The zazen page states no station or bus directions; the site has a separate access section.

Booking

A reservation is required, by telephone only: call 075-781-8025 by 17:00 on the previous day (phone hours 09:00 to 17:00). No opening date for reservations is stated. Groups of 20 or more arrange a separate date and time.

Crowds

Capacity is 20 people. The official page states no busy periods.

Good for

For beginners who want to try zazen and for anyone wanting a quiet early-morning sitting.