Dawn Service at a Rinzai Temple — Zazen, Sutras & Incense
About this experience
David has been practising at a small Rinzai temple in Arashiyama for fifteen years and lives on the grounds. We start before sunrise: seated zazen in the main hall, then the morning sutra service, then incense offering at the altar as light comes through the latticed shoji screens. He doesn't turn the sutras into performance — he performs them, and you witness it, and sit in the sound of it, and sometimes find yourself following the rhythm without understanding the words. Tea afterwards in the room behind the altar. Questions welcome. Silence equally welcome.
Highlights
- Zazen in an active Rinzai temple — before the mountain wakes
- Full morning sutra service and incense offering
- Tea with David in the room behind the altar
- The experience of being still in a place where stillness is the practice
What's included
- Temple entry and participation fee
- Zazen cushion
- Matcha and conversation after
- Transport to Arashiyama
- Photography inside the hall (not permitted during service)
Meeting point
Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama — south end, the lantern side
Payment on the day
The insider's fee is paid directly on the day — bring the exact amount.
Meet David
David
Arashiyama
Speaks English, Japanese
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 48h before
Cancel at least 48 hours before the start time for a full refund of the MeetAnInsider intro fee. The insider's fee is paid on the day and is not charged until you meet.
2h 30min
min 1 · max 3
Price shown for 1 person · Up to 3 participants
Pay directly on the day
Charged when the insider confirms