Menu
JAPAN
STAR
TRAVEL
AGENCY
Book

The World of Zen

Zen philosophy is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture. By exploring it, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Japan, making your stay here more enriching and engaging.

Monks Heading to the Temple for Service: monks are a rare sight in the city. To detach from the mundane world, they undergo their training at a temple nestled in the foothills of the mountains.

Introduction

The World of Zen

Simply put, Zen is the pursuit of understanding one’s own existence. Zen monks undergo rigorous training to achieve this, and art forms reflecting this practice include the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and incense ceremony. Furthermore, the essence of Zen—calming the mind and delving deeply into oneself—can be applied to everyday life, influencing many aspects of Japanese thought and behavior. Zen also teaches that rather than fearing or avoiding challenges, one should confront them directly. It is through facing and overcoming trials that personal growth is achieved. We will introduce the globally appreciated philosophy of Zen and offer insights into how to engage with it. We hope that during your stay in Japan, you will gain an understanding of Zen that enriches your life.

More Information

Zazen Meditation

Zazen is a fundamental practice in Zen Buddhism, serving as a form of meditation to calm the mind and engage in self-reflection. By sitting quietly with a straight back and crossed legs, and focusing on one's breathing, practitioners aim to clear away distractions and maintain a state of mental emptiness.

Zazen is now globally recognized for its ability to relieve stress and promote mental stability in today’s fast-paced world.

Sado — Tea Ceremony —

Have you ever witnessed the refined elegance of a tea ceremony? Every detail, from the way sliding doors are opened to the careful handling of tea utensils, is minimal and graceful, with all excess removed. This refined simplicity not only calms the mind but naturally encourages guests to sit up straight and focus on the present moment. The tea ceremony is a practice of mindfulness and respect, where honoring the manners, people, and tools.

Kado — Flower Arrangement —

It may appear as a glamorous pastime, but it originally served as Zen training, focusing on the art of arranging flowers beautifully. The goal isn't to create a perfect form viewed from one angle, but rather to cultivate a mindset that appreciates beauty in imperfections and seeks to learn from the natural forms of plants about how to live harmoniously in society.

Zen philosophy emphasizes respect for all life and the interconnectedness of all existence.

Kodo — Art of Incense —

In Kodo, you follow precise procedures and use various tools to carefully prepare and enjoy the delicate scents of rare fregrance wood.

In Kodo, experiencing the fragrance is referred to as "listening." This practice prioritizes the olfactory sense and "listens" to the infinite world of scents, making it an art born from the delicate sensibilities of the Japanese people.

"Shojin-Ryori" Traditional Vegitalian Cuisine

Soybeans have long been a key source of protein in Japan, with condiments like miso and soy sauce highlighting their versatility. This tradition reflects a natural diet suited to Japan's climate, influenced by Zen teachings that emphasize minimizing harm to living beings.

Though Japan has a long history of eating fish, meat consumption only became common in the past century.

Languages

  • English
  • Francais
  • Espanol
  • Chinese
  • Korean

Our Suggested Plans

Shopping Escort by Japanese Top Stylist

Embark on an elegant and sophisticated day in Tokyo, the dazzling epicenter of fashion and style. With a top-class stylist by your side, indulge in a shopping journey tailored perfectly to your taste.

¥300,000
/group
See More

1 Day Tour from Tokyo -Mt. Fuji

Experience the best Mt. Fuji day tour from Tokyo, from scenic Lake Kawaguchiko to cultural landmarks. Discover breathtaking views and rich heritage with a private one-day tour,

¥176,000
/group
See More

1 Day Tour from Tokyo -Nikko

Explore the UNESCO-listed temples and shrines of Nikko, where you can immerse yourself in its rich culture and history while sensing the presence of the past samurai era with untouched natural beauty.

¥176,000
/group
See More
error: Content is protected !!