ZEN Meditation With a Japanese Monk in Odawara Castle

Stepping into the historic Odawara Castle, you’ll find yourself immersed in a serene oasis perfect for a transformative Zen meditation experience. Led by a knowledgeable Japanese monk, this intimate session allows you to connect with ancient practices and unwind within the castle’s tranquil grounds. With personalized guidance and a chance to explore the main keep, this unique offering promises a spiritual journey you won’t soon forget. What secrets of Zen might you uncover during your time at Odawara Castle?

Good To Know

1. Opportunity to experience ZEN meditation guided by a knowledgeable Japanese monk within the serene setting of Odawara Castle.
2. Intimate group size limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience.
3. Comfortable seating provided, and entrance tickets to the castle’s main keep included in the package.
4. Easily accessible location with convenient transportation options, and free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the event.
5. Suitable for participants aged 18 and above, but not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Experience Overview

What can travelers expect from this ZEN Meditation experience with a Japanese monk at Odawara Castle? They’ll enjoy a serene setting inside the historic castle, with chairs provided for comfort during the meditation session.

Groups are limited to 12 travelers to ensure an intimate experience. The cost starts at $135.08 per person, depending on group size. Conveniently, the experience includes entrance tickets to the castle’s main keep.

Participants should wear comfortable, loose clothing. This activity isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Inclusions

This ZEN Meditation experience includes entrance tickets to the Odawara Castle Main Keep, allowing participants to fully enjoy the historic setting.

To ensure maximum comfort during the meditation session, the experience provides:

1. Chairs for participants to sit on, eliminating the need to sit cross-legged on the floor.
2. A peaceful and serene environment within the castle grounds, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Guidance from a knowledgeable Japanese monk, who’ll lead the meditation and provide insights into the practice.

Meeting and End Point

The meeting point for this ZEN Meditation experience is at the entrance of the Odawara Castle Main Keep, located at 6-1 Jōnai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan.

This is where travelers will gather before the activity begins. Once the meditation session is complete, the experience will end at the same meeting point.

The activity is easily accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for participants.

With chairs provided for comfort during the meditation, travelers can focus on their Zen practice in the serene setting of Odawara Castle.

Schedule and Availability

The experience is available with a start time of 5:00 PM, and confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

This ZEN meditation session offers several convenient features:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
2. Reserve Now and Pay Later option available.
3. The experience takes place at the Entrance of Odawara Castle Main Keep, making it easy to find and access.

With these flexible scheduling options and a convenient meeting point, this ZEN meditation with a Japanese monk is an accessible and appealing experience for travelers.

Participant Guidelines

Participants must be at least 18 years of age to join this ZEN meditation experience.

It’s not accessible for wheelchair users, but strollers are allowed. The venue is located near public transportation, making it convenient to reach.

However, this activity isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions. Comfortable, loose clothing is suggested for maximum comfort during the meditation session.

The experienced Japanese monk leading the practice will ensure participants feel at ease and can fully enjoy the ZEN tradition within the historic Odawara Castle.

Getting to Odawara Castle

Reaching Odawara Castle, the meeting point for this ZEN meditation experience, is a straightforward endeavor.

You can easily access the castle by:

1. Taking a train – The closest station is Odawara Station, just a 10-minute walk from the castle.
2. Driving – Ample parking is available nearby, with rates ranging from ¥300 to ¥500 per day.
3. Hopping on a bus – Several local bus routes have stops within a short distance of the castle.

Once at the castle, simply head to the main keep’s entrance, where your ZEN meditation session will commence at the scheduled time.

What to Expect During the Meditation Session

Upon arrival at the Odawara Castle main keep, participants gather in the serene setting to begin their ZEN meditation experience with the Japanese monk.

The monk leads the group through proper posture and breathing techniques, emphasizing mindfulness and presence. Participants sit in chairs provided for comfort as the monk guides them through a 30-minute meditation session.

The session is punctuated by the monk’s gentle instructions and the peaceful ambiance of the historic castle grounds.

Afterward, the group has an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their experience with the monk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’re some common questions travelers have about this ZEN meditation experience? From start times to accessibility, there are a few key things to know.

• What time does the meditation session start? The experience begins at 5:00 PM, allowing travelers to explore Odawara Castle earlier in the day.

• Is the activity wheelchair or stroller accessible? Unfortunately no, the site isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed.

• What should I wear? Comfortable, loose clothing is recommended for the meditation session in the castle’s serene setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in the Meditation Session?

Unfortunately, the experience is only open to participants 18 years and above. Children can’t join the ZEN meditation session, as the activity isn’t suitable for them. The guidelines clearly state the age requirement for this experience.

What Happens if I Arrive Late to the Meeting Point?

If you arrive late to the meeting point, you may miss the start of the activity. The experience has a fixed start time, and you’ll need to arrive on time to fully participate. Late arrivals can’t be accommodated.

Is There a Dress Code for the Meditation Session?

The experience doesn’t have a strict dress code, but the participant guidelines suggest wearing comfortable, loose clothing. This allows for easy movement and focus during the meditation session with the Japanese monk.

How Long Does the Meditation Session Typically Last?

The meditation session typically lasts around 1 hour. It includes a brief introduction, followed by 30-40 minutes of guided Zen meditation practice under the instruction of the Japanese monk. The session concludes with a short reflection period.

Is There an Option to Extend the Meditation Session?

The experience doesn’t mention an option to extend the meditation session. However, participants can check with the provider if there’s flexibility to continue the guided meditation beyond the scheduled 5:00 PM start time, based on availability and group size.

The Sum Up

Experience a unique blend of Japanese history and spiritual practice at Odawara Castle. Enjoy the tranquil grounds as a local monk guides you through a personalized Zen meditation session. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned practitioner, this intimate experience offers a chance to deepen your understanding of this ancient tradition. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the castle and discover the peace within.