What this is
Chair Zen Meditation is a seated zazen workshop that adapts traditional Rinzai Zen Buddhist meditation for modern practitioners who may find floor sitting physically challenging. The session is led by Yokota Nanrei, the abbot of Engaku-ji, one of Japan's most prestigious Zen temples located in Kamakura. Zen meditation has been practiced in Japan since the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and continues to influence contemporary mindfulness, leadership, and wellbeing practices worldwide. This format strips away the physical barrier of traditional seiza or lotus postures, making authentic Zen instruction genuinely accessible. It is a rare opportunity to learn directly from a senior temple abbot in a small, intimate group setting in central Tokyo.
Who should go
This workshop is ideal for professionals, mindfulness practitioners, and curious visitors who want a genuine introduction to Japanese Zen Buddhism without needing prior experience or physical flexibility. The atmosphere is quiet, contemplative, and instructional — expect focused guidance rather than a casual drop-in class. Those interested in Japanese cultural and spiritual traditions, or who practice yoga or mindfulness and want to explore its Buddhist roots, will find this particularly rewarding. The session is capped at just 50 participants, so book well in advance to avoid missing out.
Good to know
Tickets for this event are likely sold through a dedicated booking page or eplus.jp — check the event organiser's site directly, as smaller workshop-style events in Tokyo often use their own registration systems rather than major ticketing platforms. AP Tokyo Yaesu is a conference and event facility in the Yaesu district, directly adjacent to Tokyo Station's Yaesu Exit, making it extremely easy to reach by train. The venue is a professional meeting room environment — expect a clean, modern, air-conditioned space with chairs arranged for the session rather than a traditional temple setting. Given the 50-person cap, the room will feel intimate and focused. There is no bag check policy typical of concert venues, but keep belongings tidy and phones silenced. The session runs in the evening, so factor in post-rush-hour train times when planning your journey home.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.