Zen Meditation Experiences You Must Try • The Real Japan Tokyo MeetUp • Japanese Knife Experiences with Artisans

In our increasingly chaotic world, perhaps there’s no better time to step through these temple gates and discover the timeless wisdom of Zen meditation.

My first experience of Zen meditation was when staying at a shukubo (Buddhist temple) in Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture, I participated in meditation and morning prayers (see the video).

I’m not a religious person, but it was a very calming experience.

Why not make your next trip to Japan more than just a vacation, but a journey toward inner peace?

Pull back the curtain on The Real Japan and join me as we explore five exceptional Zen meditation experiences.

Includes a Zen Meditation Quiz – Answer just a few quick questions and I’ll give you my recommendation for the best Zen meditation experience for you!

Date and venue for the next TRJ MeetUp are confirmed!

Hobgoblin Pub, Roppongi, Tokyo – Friday 13th(!) December 17:30

The venue is the British style pub the Hobgoblin in Roppongi – the largest pub in Tokyo. Address: 1/F, Aoba Roppongi Bldg, 3-16-33, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 106-0032.

Venue is just a 6 minute walk from either Roppongi Subway Station (Hibiya and Oedo Lines) or Roppoingi-Itchome Station (Namboku Line).

The event is free to attend – just buy your own drinks and any food if you want to eat. 

MeetUps are a relaxed chance for members of The Real Japan community to meet each other, me (of course!) and my wife, maybe some friends of The Real Japan and guest contributors.

Previous attendees established firm friendships at earlier MeetUps – which is great to see. Maybe you can meet new Japan travel buddies!

Oh, and everyone attending has the chance to win The Real Japan Travel Goodie Bag – packed with an exciting (and useful) selection of Japan travel-related goodies and a tasty snack or two!

If you are thinking of attending and are on Facebook please click the button below and hit the ‘Going’ button on the event page, so we can keep track of numbers and advise the venue where we have space reserved.

(If you’re not on Facebook – just leave a comment below to let me now you’re coming so I can look out for you!)

Hope to see you there!

In this episode of The Real Japan Deep Dive podcast:

Discover the art of crafting Japanese knives with these 5 rare and exclusive hands-on Japanese knife experiences with traditional artisans.

From crafting a kitchen knife in Tokyo, to forging a samurai knife in Nagoya, to making your own culinary knife in Osaka, crafting unique blades in Kyoto, these private/small-group workshops offer unique opportunities to learn from master artisans.

Immerse yourself in centuries-old techniques, from hammering red-hot steel to polishing with natural whetstones.

Create personalised knives engraved with your name, and take home a piece of Japan’s rich culinary heritage.

Calling all independent Japan travel enthusiasts!

Are you passionate about exploring the hidden gems and authentic experiences that make the Land of the Rising Sun so captivating?

Then you need to join my exclusive community, The Real Japan Pioneers.

This invitation-only Facebook group is a hub for hundreds of like-minded travellers who are on a mission to discover the real Japan – beyond the typical tourist traps.

From insider tips on navigating the best local eateries to planning unforgettable adventure itineraries, our members share a wealth of knowledge and experiences.

Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow Japan travel aficionados and collaborate on future trips.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your Japan travels to the next level.

Click the button below to request access to The Real Japan Pioneers group today!

Thanks to everyone who entered my latest giveaway.

The three lucky winners were Maya who won the 1st Prize of a Japan Travel Planning Kit – congratulations!

Winners of the two Runners Up Prizes – a copy of the second, expanded edition of my book Planning A Trip To Japan – are Darrell and Sharon – congratulations to you both!

More Giveaways to come – so keep an eye on your inbox.

• Essential Japan Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
• Japan’s Wildlife – Beyond Beauty and Into The Wild
• Exploring Tokyo’s Gaming Culture From Classic Arcades to VR Experiences
• 5 Fascinating Japanese Culture Lessons Films Teach Us
• Deep Dive Podcast: How To Travel in Japan Without Speaking Japanese
• Deep Dive Podcast: Fukuoka Sumo Tickets Best Seats & Experiences