This immersive experience in Tokyo blends culinary delights and spiritual exploration. It starts with a tranquil zazen meditation session at Asakusa Torin-ji temple, followed by a delightful Japanese course meal aboard the Tokyo Restaurant Bus. Theres some good all-you-can-drink sparkling Dassai as they savor the flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine. The journey concludes with a traditional matcha tea ceremony, where visitors appreciate the art and discipline of this centuries-old custom. This unique tour offers a chance to deeply engage with the richness of Japanese culture.

Key Points

Restaurant Bus Tokyo Japanese Dinner Course and Zazen Experience - Key Points

  • Immersive Japanese cultural experience including zazen meditation, sutra-copying, traditional matcha tea ceremony, and a Japanese course meal on the Tokyo Restaurant Bus.
  • Tour begins at Tawaramachi Station and ends at WACOAL The Store Marunouchi, with transportation provided between locations.
  • Limited tour availability with a maximum of 20 travelers for a personalized experience, starting at 3:30 PM.
  • Tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infants can sit on laps.
  • Pricing starts from $253.96 per person with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

Experience Overview

Restaurant Bus Tokyo Japanese Dinner Course and Zazen Experience - Experience Overview

What does this unique Tokyo experience entail?

Travelers will enjoy Japanese culture, starting with a Zazen meditation session and sutra-copying practice at the historic Asakusa Torin-ji temple.

Then, they’ll enjoy a Japanese course meal aboard a Tokyo Restaurant Bus, savoring all-you-can-drink sparkling Dassai.

The experience culminates with a traditional matcha tea ceremony, allowing participants to appreciate the art and discipline behind this revered custom.

Throughout the journey, guests can indulge in alcoholic beverages to complement the authentic culinary and cultural exploration.

Meeting and End Points

Restaurant Bus Tokyo Japanese Dinner Course and Zazen Experience - Meeting and End Points

The tour begins at Tawaramachi Station, where you will gather at the exit 2 area in front of the Asahi Shinsei Credit Cooperative.

From there, the group will be transported to the final destination, WACOAL The Store Marunouchi, located in the Marunouchi Building’s B1F.

The journey covers several prominent landmarks in Tokyo:

  1. Asakusa Torin-ji for the Zazen, Shakyo, and matcha tea ceremony experience.
  2. Dinner on the Tokyo Restaurant Bus featuring a Japanese Course Meal.
  3. Return to the Marunouchi Building for the end of the tour.

Schedule and Availability

Restaurant Bus Tokyo Japanese Dinner Course and Zazen Experience - Schedule and Availability

Although the tour begins at 3:30 PM, it’s important to note that availability is limited, with a maximum of 20 travelers per tour.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. This ensures a personalized and intimate experience for all participants.

Travelers should plan accordingly, as this popular tour tends to fill up quickly.

The schedule is designed to provide ample time for the various activities, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Japanese cultural practices and culinary delights throughout the afternoon.

Accessibility and Participation

Restaurant Bus Tokyo Japanese Dinner Course and Zazen Experience - Accessibility and Participation

Accessibility and participation are important considerations for this experience. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. The meeting and end points are located near public transportation, making it convenient for travelers. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Overall, most travelers can participate, with a few exceptions:

  1. The zazen meditation and sutra copying activities may require physical mobility and dexterity.
  2. The matcha tea ceremony may involve navigating small spaces and sitting on the floor.
  3. The dinner on the restaurant bus may present challenges for those with dietary restrictions or mobility issues.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

Restaurant Bus Tokyo Japanese Dinner Course and Zazen Experience - Pricing and Cancellation Policy

From $253.96 per person, the Restaurant Bus Tokyo Experience offers a competitive price point.

The lowest price is guaranteed, providing travelers with the best value.

Flexibility is built into the offering, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

The Reserve Now and Pay Later option is also available, making it easier to secure the experience.

Zazen (Meditation) at Asakusa Torin-ji

Restaurant Bus Tokyo Japanese Dinner Course and Zazen Experience - Zazen (Meditation) at Asakusa Torin-ji

What better way to begin this immersive cultural experience than with a serene Zazen meditation session at the historic Asakusa Torin-ji?

Participants will learn the proper posture and breathing techniques from a knowledgeable guide, as they quiet their minds and achieve a state of calm focus.

The Zen temple’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning architecture provide the perfect backdrop for this meaningful practice.

Key benefits of Zazen meditation include:

  1. Reduced stress and anxiety
  2. Increased focus and concentration
  3. Enhanced self-awareness and emotional regulation

Shakyo (Sutra Copying) and Matcha Tea Ceremony

Restaurant Bus Tokyo Japanese Dinner Course and Zazen Experience - Shakyo (Sutra Copying) and Matcha Tea Ceremony

After the serene Zazen meditation, participants then engage in the centuries-old practice of Shakyo, or sutra copying.

Sitting at a traditional desk, they meticulously reproduce sacred texts with a calligraphy brush, their strokes guided by the rhythm of their breathing. This meditative act cultivates focus, patience, and reverence.

Following Shakyo, guests partake in a tranquil matcha tea ceremony. An expert host prepares the powdered green tea, whisking it into a frothy brew served in delicate ceramic bowls.

Sipping the earthy, umami-rich liquid, participants savor the moment, immersed in Japanese culture and tradition.

Japanese Course Meal on the Tokyo Restaurant Bus

Restaurant Bus Tokyo Japanese Dinner Course and Zazen Experience - Japanese Course Meal on the Tokyo Restaurant Bus

Leaving the serene setting of the temple, guests board the Tokyo Restaurant Bus, eager to savor a delectable Japanese course meal.

The multi-course dinner features a showcase of Japanese culinary craftsmanship. Guests delight in:

  1. Meticulously prepared sashimi, each slice glistening with freshness.
  2. Delicate tempura, the batter light and crisp, enveloping succulent seafood.
  3. A decadent dessert, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Paired with the all-you-can-drink sparkling Dassai, the meal is a harmonious symphony of Japanese cuisine, satisfying both the palate and the senses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Vegetarian/Dietary Restriction Options for the Japanese Course Meal?

The Japanese course meal offers vegetarian and dietary restriction options. Guests should notify the tour provider of any dietary needs when booking to ensure accommodations are made for their meal.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Activity During the Experience?

The experience allocates around 1 hour for each activity, allowing guests to fully enjoy the traditional Japanese practices of zazen meditation, shakyo sutra copying, and the matcha tea ceremony.

Can Participants Choose to Only Attend Certain Activities Instead of the Full Itinerary?

Participants can’t choose individual activities – the experience is a set itinerary including all listed events. The full itinerary must be attended, as there’s no option to select only certain activities.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions During the Cultural Experiences?

There are no explicit restrictions on photography during the cultural experiences. Travelers are generally permitted to take photos, though they should be respectful and mindful of any rules or etiquette guidelines at each activity location.

What Language(S) Is the Experience Conducted In?

The experience is conducted in English, with Japanese interpretation provided. Participants can expect a multilingual tour that accommodates both English and Japanese speakers for a seamless culture.

Recap

This immersive cultural experience blends the tranquility of zazen meditation, the artistry of a traditional Japanese course meal, and the serenity of a matcha tea ceremony. Participants will journey through the heart of Tokyo, exploring the spiritual and culinary wonders that make this city so captivating. It’s an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Japanese heritage in a truly unique and unforgettable way.