What is Zazen?

Zazen means sitting meditation and focuses on still, alert posture and mindful breathing. In Soto Zen the emphasis is on shikantaza, or just sitting without specific goals, while Rinzai temples often integrate zazen with koan study. Sessions usually ask practitioners to sit upright on a zabuton cushion or in a seiza position and to alternate periods of sitting with kinhin, slow walking meditation.

Where to try it

You can find public zazen sessions in Kyoto and its temple districts, Kamakura's historic Zen temples, and at Koyasan's temple lodgings where guests may join morning practice. City-based Zen centers and some temples in Tokyo also run weekly English-friendly introductions designed for visitors. Many larger temple complexes list their experience offerings online but smaller temples may require contacting them directly.

How a session typically runs

A beginner-friendly session usually starts with a short orientation, a demonstration of posture, and a warning bell to begin sitting, often lasting 20 to 40 minutes per sitting. Monks may lead chanting or a short talk afterward, and kinhin is used between sittings to restore circulation. Sessions often end with time to ask questions and a small donation is customary for guided classes.

Practical tips and etiquette

Wear modest, comfortable clothing that allows you to sit cross-legged or in seiza; avoid bright perfume and large jewelry. Arrive early, remove your shoes before entering practice halls, silence your phone, and follow the monk's instructions rather than photographing during zazen. Reservations are recommended for temple programs, and bringing cash for the suggested donation or temple fee is polite.

History and cultural context

Zazen arrived in Japan via Chan Buddhism from China and became central to Japanese Zen after figures like Dogen founded the Soto school in the 13th century. Over centuries, zazen shaped arts, tea ceremony, garden design, and samurai discipline, making it more than a practice but a living cultural thread. Today it attracts tourists and locals seeking both spiritual depth and a calm pause from busy modern life.