Ryozenkai: UT Zen Club

UT Ryozenkai: The Zen Society of the University of Tokyo

About Ryozenkai
Ryozenkai is a traditional Zazen (Zen meditation) society based at the Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo. Established in 1934, our organization carries a long-standing heritage dating back to the First Higher School (Ichiko), the predecessor of the College of Arts and Sciences. Our activities take place at the Zendo (Meditation Hall), located at the western end of the ginkgo avenue on the Komaba Campus. Known as the Zanmai-do, this historic structure was originally situated within the grounds of the former Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace) before being relocated here in 1940. The name "Zanmai" is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word Samadhi, a Buddhist term referring to a state of profound mental concentration and spiritual tranquility, free from all distractions.

Join Us
Ryozenkai warmly welcomes new members at any time. All students, faculty, and staff of the University of Tokyo are invited to participate in our sessions. No prior experience, age, or gender restrictions apply. Our community at Zanmai-do is diverse, comprising undergraduate and graduate students, international students, and university staff alike. We invite you to take this unique opportunity to experience the practice of Zen in the heart of Komaba.

Activities and Schedule

Student Zazen Sessions: Every Tuesday from 19:00 (Starts at 17:00 during long vacations)
Our weekly sessions are primarily for students. Beginners are more than welcome; please arrive at the Zanmai-do at least 10 minutes before the session begins.

Ju-san-nichi Kai (13th Day Monthly Meeting): The 13th of every month from 19:00 (Starts at 17:00 during long vacations)
We host a guest practitioner (Unsui) from Ryutaku-ji Temple in Mishima, Shizuoka—a temple with which we have shared a deep bond since our founding. You will receive direct guidance on Zazen from an ordained monk. These sessions are attended by a wide range of people, including alumni and faculty. Beginners are welcome. Please note not held in March and August.

Sesshin (Intensive Training Retreat): Late May (Summer) and Late October (Autumn)
During this period, we stay overnight at the Sanmai-do. Participants practice Zazen before and after their university classes and engage in Samu (mindful labor), such as cleaning and cooking. This is a vital time for us to preserve the Zanmai-do and pass our heritage to the next generation.

The Komaba Festival: November
This is the only time of year when the Zanmai-do is open to the general public. We serve green tea and Imagawayaki (sweet bean cakes) to visitors. Many of our current members first discovered Ryozenkai through this teahouse, and it remains a highlight of our year.

How to Participate

No prior notice or registration is required for any of our activities. Please come directly to the Zanmai-do on the day of the session, wearing comfortable clothes suitable for meditation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: ut.ryozenkai@gmail.com