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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260416T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260416T173000
DTSTAMP:20260409T232933
CREATED:20250205T050132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260214T111115Z
UID:848-1776346200-1776360600@inwardjapan.com
SUMMARY:half-day retreat tour: Secrets of Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sennyuji
DESCRIPTION:This contemplative tour takes you through beautiful back-road temples and shrines\, before heading into the hidden mountain trails behind Fushimi Inari Shrine. Whereas the main paths of Fushimi Inari shrine can get incredibly congested\, we will travel on the more hidden paths with few to no people that are maybe even more beautiful than the trails more traveled. \nWe will begin the day visiting some small yet serene and gorgeous temples in the Sennyuji temple complex. We will learn some background about the historic statues and the key place of those teachings in the development of Buddhist meditation in Japan. We will also see some famous Japanese garden views in one of the remote temples\, where the serenity invites contemplative introspection. \nThe tour continues with hidden back-mountain shrines\, each offering a special mystique. Some of these areas are used for a traditional Japanese spiritual tradition of “taki-gyo” or “waterfall meditation.” (maybe some of you have seen depictions of this practice in anime!) The trails will ultimately lead us around the back\, less-traveled paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine\, learning how this special famous shrine grew and developed\, and the roles it plays in Japanese spirituality with some contemplative exercises in the beautiful mountain forest along the way. \nThe variety of environments you can see within a single part of the day should leave a lasting impression\, and alongside the practices we do in these spaces\, hopefully deep inspiration as well. \nMeeting Place: Tofukuji Station \nFor questions\, contact us at:  \nnote: listed cost includes taxes and entree fees \n \n   
URL:https://inwardjapan.com/event/1-day-retreat-tour-sennyuji-and-the-secret-waterfalls-of-fushimi-inari-4/
CATEGORIES:Contemplative Tour,Mountain Hiking and Healing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://inwardjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/torii4.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260417T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260417T120000
DTSTAMP:20260409T232933
CREATED:20260305T074714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T074741Z
UID:1044-1776412800-1776427200@inwardjapan.com
SUMMARY:Morning Meditation Retreat at Secluded Shrine
DESCRIPTION:Spend the morning in a quiet calm and magical area of Kyoto\, hidden away from the crowds. We will practice a few forms of meditation throughout the morning to both relax and revitalize as Spring begins to flourish around Kyoto. Whether you are new to meditation or very experienced\, this morning retreat can offer adaptations to fit you. \n \nWe will meet at Tofukuji Station at 8am\, and walk together from there to Gosh-no-Taki Shrine. \nMeditation Guide: A Shingon Buddhist Priest\, who previously trained extensively in Zen and Thai Forest traditions. “Jishin” has about 20 years experience guiding meditations. With a PhD in culture and history of religions\, and experience teaching in several universities around the world\, Jishin has both the academic and insider understandings of Buddhism and Japanese religion. Previously a researcher at Tohoku University and Ryukoku University on Buddhist chaplaincy\, Jishin wrote about and volunteered in disaster and crisis care. Their books include Refuge in the Storm: Buddhist Voices in Crisis Care and A Thousand Hands: A Guidebook to Caring for your Buddhist Community. Jishin was also certified as a Clinical Meditation Teacher. \nFor Questions and Inquiries\, feel free to contact: \n \nOPTIONAL ADDITION: For an extra donation to the shrine\, those interested may also try “Taki-gyo” (waterfall meditation) after the retreat period. Taki-gyo is a about a 1300 year-old meditation tradition in Japan that involves chanting meditation while standing under a waterfall. The shrine will provide special clothing\, laundry service and a warm shower\, while Jishin will provide instructions. Please mention if you are interested in adding this unique experience.
URL:https://inwardjapan.com/event/morning-meditation-retreat-at-secluded-shrine/
LOCATION:Tofukuji Sation\, 東山区本町12-224\, Kyoto\, Kyoto\, 605-0981\, Japan
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://inwardjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gosha3-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T083000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T120000
DTSTAMP:20260409T232933
CREATED:20250721T070103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T093737Z
UID:897-1776933000-1776945600@inwardjapan.com
SUMMARY:Kuya Falls and the Mountain Rivers: A Morning of Mountain Hiking and Healing
DESCRIPTION:Hike in the mountains north of Arashiyama\, Kyoto in a mountain gorge toward the beautiful Kuya Falls\, a sacred waterfall on the remote grounds of an Eight Dragon King Shrine. We will practice numerous meditation exercises on the way\, learning about the origins of these hidden natural wonders as ancient contemplative spaces for mountain ascetics through Japanese history. A day filled with immersing yourself in the magic of nature\, living with the traditions of centuries of contemplatives who came before. \nWe will have also hike to a beautiful spot on the river\, in the mountain gorge with flowing rapids for a picnic and sharing of our experiences. \nCONTACT us for inquiries:  \nSnacks\, fees\, and taxes included in pricing.\nPlease contact us for group pricing for 3 or more people
URL:https://inwardjapan.com/event/kuya-falls-and-the-mountain-rivers-a-day-of-mountain-h/
CATEGORIES:Contemplative Tour,Mountain Hiking and Healing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://inwardjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/kuya1-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T083000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T160000
DTSTAMP:20260409T232933
CREATED:20251214T070707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T071016Z
UID:1005-1777537800-1777564800@inwardjapan.com
SUMMARY:1-day Meditation Retreat: Compassion for body\, mind\, and world
DESCRIPTION:Spend the day treating your body and mind right. We will begin with some relaxation meditations\, but as the day goes on\, you will learn a variety of compassion meditations\, beginning with more self-compassion and release\, gradually working with group compassion meditations for the world. \nProceeds from retreat will help maintain the primary venue\, Gosha Shrine (smaller temples and shrines need support to survive\, as they don’t receive the donations that bigger more popular places do) As both a beautiful\, sacred place to host the retreat\, and a place that needs more visitors\, IJJ aims to support mutual beneficial connections like this. [For an optional extra 5\,000 yen\, we can also add a waterfall meditation on site at the end of the retreat]. \nLunch\, tea\, coffee and snacks through the day also included. \nLearning several compassion based meditations through the course of the day\, and working through them with a small group\, you will come out of the day feeling refreshed and revitalized\, ready to start anew in 2025. A perfect treat for your body and mind 😉 \nRetreat leader: Jishin is ordained in the Shingon Buddhist tradition\, but previously also trained at temples in Thailand\, Taiwan\, and Korea. Jishin has taught meditation for more than 20 years and also eared his PhD\, researching meditation applied to healthy care and compassion. \n      \n{images of host shrine for the retreat} \nFor inquiries\, contact:  \nMinimum participation age: 15\nDiscounts available for students\, groups of 3 or more\, and Kyoto locals: please inquire \nNOTE: Venue will be at Gosha Shrine\, but we will meet just outside Tofukuji Station and head there together.
URL:https://inwardjapan.com/event/1-day-meditation-retreat-compassion-for-body-mind-and-world-4/
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://inwardjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20190118_142652.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T232933
CREATED:20250721T084251Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T013944Z
UID:917-1778146200-1778158800@inwardjapan.com
SUMMARY:Kuya Falls and the Mountain Rivers: A Day of Mountain Hiking and Healing (away from golden week crowds!))
DESCRIPTION:Hike in the mountains north of Arashiyama\, Kyoto in a mountain gorge toward the beautiful Kuya Falls\, a sacred waterfall on the remote grounds of an Eight Dragon King Shrine. We will practice numerous contemplative exercises on the way\, learning about the origins of these hidden natural wonders as ancient contemplative spaces for mountain ascetics through Japanese history. A day filled with immersing yourself in the magic of nature\, living with the traditions of centuries of contemplatives who came before. \nWe will have also hike to a beautiful spot on the river\, in the mountain gorge with flowing rapids for a picnic and sharing of our experiences. \nCONTACT us for inquiries:  \nnote: listed cost includes plant-based snacks\, taxes\, and entree fees. When registering\, please alert us to any feed allergies or dietary restrictions.\n(If you would like to register a group of 3 or more\, feel free to inquire about group discounts!)
URL:https://inwardjapan.com/event/917/
CATEGORIES:Mountain Hiking and Healing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://inwardjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/kuya1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T163000
DTSTAMP:20260409T232933
CREATED:20250802T110646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T103637Z
UID:929-1778403600-1778430600@inwardjapan.com
SUMMARY:1-Day retreat tour: Meditation at Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari
DESCRIPTION:This contemplative tour takes you through beautiful back-road temples and shrines\, before heading into the hidden mountain trails behind Fushimi Inari Shrine\, mixed with meditation sessions in quiet\, serene areas without the tourists. \nWe will begin the day visiting some small yet serene and gorgeous temples in the Sennyuji temple complex. We will learn some background about the historic statues and the key place of those teachings in the development of Buddhist meditation in Japan. We will also see some famous Japanese garden views in one of the remote temples\, where the serenity invites contemplative introspection. \nMeditation rooms are available in some temple spaces\, while in another\, we will practice a mini-walking meditation pilgrimage after learning about some of the Japanese pilgrimage traditions. \nThe tour continues with hidden back-mountain shrines\, each offering a special mystique. Some of these areas are used for a traditional Japanese spiritual tradition of “taki-gyo” or “waterfall meditation.” We will have some meditation sessions and lunch in a typically off-limits shrine room. \nThe trails will ultimately lead us around the back\, less-traveled paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine\, learning how this special famous shrine grew and developed\, and the roles it plays in Japanese spirituality. You may try out the Taki-gyo experience for an extra 1000 yen! (special clothing will be provided). \nThe variety of environments you can see within a single part of the day should leave a lasting impression\, and alongside the practices we do in these spaces\, hopefully deep inspiration as well. \nMeeting Place: Tofukuji Station \nFor questions\, contact us at:  \nnote: listed cost includes plant-based lunch\, taxes\, and entree fees. When registering\, please alert us to any feed allergies or dietary restrictions.\n(If you would like to register a group of 3 or more\, feel free to inquire about group discounts!)
URL:https://inwardjapan.com/event/1-day-retreat-tour-meditation-at-sennyuji-and-the-secret-waterfalls-of-fushimi-inari-3/
CATEGORIES:Contemplative Tour,Mountain Hiking and Healing,Retreat Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://inwardjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20231028_140817-e1728552331887.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T170000
DTSTAMP:20260409T232933
CREATED:20260305T075003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T075003Z
UID:1047-1778832000-1778864400@inwardjapan.com
SUMMARY:Morning Meditation Retreat at Secluded Shrine
DESCRIPTION:Spend the morning in a quiet calm and magical area of Kyoto\, hidden away from the crowds. We will practice a few forms of meditation throughout the morning to both relax and revitalize as Spring begins to flourish around Kyoto. Whether you are new to meditation or very experienced\, this morning retreat can offer adaptations to fit you. \n \nWe will meet at Tofukuji Station at 8am\, and walk together from there to Gosh-no-Taki Shrine. \nMeditation Guide: A Shingon Buddhist Priest\, who previously trained extensively in Zen and Thai Forest traditions. “Jishin” has about 20 years experience guiding meditations. With a PhD in culture and history of religions\, and experience teaching in several universities around the world\, Jishin has both the academic and insider understandings of Buddhism and Japanese religion. Previously a researcher at Tohoku University and Ryukoku University on Buddhist chaplaincy\, Jishin wrote about and volunteered in disaster and crisis care. Their books include Refuge in the Storm: Buddhist Voices in Crisis Care and A Thousand Hands: A Guidebook to Caring for your Buddhist Community. Jishin was also certified as a Clinical Meditation Teacher. \nFor Questions and Inquiries\, feel free to contact: \n \nOPTIONAL ADDITION: For an extra donation to the shrine\, those interested may also try “Taki-gyo” (waterfall meditation) after the retreat period. Taki-gyo is a about a 1300 year-old meditation tradition in Japan that involves chanting meditation while standing under a waterfall. The shrine will provide special clothing\, laundry service and a warm shower\, while Jishin will provide instructions. Please mention if you are interested in adding this unique experience.
URL:https://inwardjapan.com/event/morning-meditation-retreat-at-secluded-shrine-3/
CATEGORIES:Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://inwardjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gosha3-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260529T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260529T160000
DTSTAMP:20260409T232933
CREATED:20251124T110222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T004836Z
UID:971-1780045200-1780070400@inwardjapan.com
SUMMARY:Uji Matcha\, Nature\, and Temples: Serenity and Contemplation in the Tea Town
DESCRIPTION:A scenic and relaxing days wondering through the quiet areas of Uji\, matcha capital of the world. Learning the history and background of how that tea developed in Japan\, and its relationship to Buddhism and meditation. We will explore a few of the more quiet temples and shrines of the city as well\, learning some of the meditations related to tea and appreciating the five senses. \nThe day begins in a beautiful and unique Zen temple. Depending on the day and group preferences\, we will either break for lunch at the temple or at a cozy restaurant in downtown Uji (with veggie/vegan options). Then\, we will sample some of the tea from historical tea shops and explore a famous old shrine in the town. Along the way\, you will have the opportunity to try a few mindful meditation exercises and learn about the deeper connection between those practices and the tea culture of Japan. \nProgram cost includes high quality tea\, transportation between sites and site entry fees\, as well as other associated taxes and fees.\nLunch is not included within the program cost. \nWe will meet at Chushojima Station \nAbout the guide: \nJishin completed a PhD in Cultures and Histories of Religion in Berkeley\, California\, and teaches Japanese religions part-time at Ryukoku University in Kyoto. Jishin is ordained as a Buddhist priest within the Shingon school\, and trained directly in a few other Japanese spiritual traditions\, including its mountain spirituality\, “Shugendo.” A leading author on Buddhist care and meditation traditions\, and a meditation teacher for over twenty years\, Jishin offers both a depth of knowledge from the academic cultural and historical angle\, alongside personal experience training and practicing in the types of sites you will see. \n 
URL:https://inwardjapan.com/event/uji-matcha-nature-and-temples-serenity-and-contemplation-in-the-tea-town/
CATEGORIES:Contemplative Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://inwardjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/matcha-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260707T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260714T170000
DTSTAMP:20260409T232933
CREATED:20251214T060058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260214T120605Z
UID:1000-1783411200-1784048400@inwardjapan.com
SUMMARY:Clinical Meditation Certificate Program and Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Based on the Japanese clinical meditation program developed by Rev. Oshita Daien through nearly 40 years of work in applying meditation in clinical settings\, we now offer an English version of the program. \nOshita Daien’s innovative system organizes myriad world meditation styles into four categories. So that rather than a one-size-fits-all application of meditation to needs of a patient or individual\, meditation types can be better adapted to fit a person’s needs. \nThis is a very involved training program with 4 phases: \n1) Application: Applicants submit detailed essays about their experience and intentions for joining such a program. Through the essays and an online interview\, we will try to ensure this truly is the right program for you and be able to adapt certain aspects of it to fit your own professional needs. \n2) Preliminary Remote/Online Training: Once you begin the program\, you have access to a variety of readings and videos that introduce various parts of the 4 meditation categories\, explain their background\, and sample video meditations to follow. You will practice the different styles yourself and write journals about your journey with the practices\, and reflections about how you think they can apply to your own life and work. \n3) One Week Training Retreat: All participants from the cohort will gather at the monastery in Japan for an intensive week-long retreat. You get to stay at a 1000+ year old expansive mountain top temple complex\, Hida Senkoji. We will have numerous in-person meditations together\, along with dialogs about the practice and its application in different settings. the last portion of the week will also include role-playing activities when you will guide meditations for others in various conditions. The feedback from these exercises\, along with follow-up advising and discussions\, will help refine both your own capacity to help others through a meditative practice\, and also help us reflect on our own meditation experiences in more depth. \n4) After returning home\, you will begin some practice with applying these methods with friends\, colleagues\, and others you know. You will submit further journals about your experience\, and we will join you for online reflection and feedback about your experiences and any issues that arise. After accumulating 15 hours of leadership experience\, and submitting all required journals\, you will qualify for the initial certification. \nCertification: After completing requirements for all stages of the program\, we will issue your Clinical Meditation Teacher Level 1 certificate. \nIncluded in costs are:\n– All communications\, consultations\, and training before and after the retreat (includes bilingual Clinical Meditation Introductory book\, other readings\, and 40-day program with numerous videos)\n– Room\, board\, and all training during the retreat (please note that as a retreat\, food is lighter on purpose: 2 main meals plus snacks will be available; also please ensure we are aware of any allergies or dietary needs).\n– Certificate at end of program \nAbout Oshita Daien: Oshita Daien now has more than 3 decades working in and transforming hospitals and hospices in Japan. He opened one of Japan’s first university chaplaincy programs\, created a public spiritual care training program\, created the clinical meditation system and training program\, and has authored or co-authored over 15 books. He ordained as a Shingon Buddhist priest in Japan\, but also trained as a Theravada Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka. He then worked as a researcher at Kyoto University\, studying meditation traditions around the world as well as psychology and care. He became the abbot of Hida Senkoji Temple for many years and a Maha-Acharya (high ranking priest)\, before recently passing on abbot duties of the temple. \nAbout Jishin Michon: Jishin is also ordained in the Shingon tradition\, but previously trained in Theravada and Zen\, as well as ordaining as an interfaith minister. Jishin received a MDiv in Buddhist chaplaincy and a PhD in cultures and histories of religion\, while researching Japanese innovations in spiritual care. Jishin teaches part-time at Ryukoku University\, leads retreats through Inward Journeys Japan\, and is editor of A Thousand Hands: How to Care for Your Buddhist Community and Refuge in the Storm: Buddhist Voices in Crisis Care. \nAbout Hida Senkoji Temple (retreat site): A beautiful\, expansive and historic temple located on the edge of the Japanese Alps in Gifu Prefecture. The mountain top temple includes a forested pilgrimage route\, numerous temple buildings and important cultural properties\, and stunning mountain views. The temple also features the World Harmony Meditation Center\, especially used for retreats and clinical meditation trainings. One of its most famous historical inhabitants was Enku\, a Buddhist priest who traveled Japan hundreds of years ago visiting and caring for thousands of disaster victims. He is known to have carved many thousands of small Buddha statues to give to such people\, and numerous famous old statues are still preserved at Hida Senkoji today. \n \n \n[images of Global Peace Meditation Center located at Hida Senkoji Temple\, and a center for training in Clinical Meditation] \n   \n[images of an Enku Buddha carving at Senkoji Temple\, one of the famous temple trees\, and some of the temple grounds] \n \n[Rev. Jishin leading a prayer and reflection at a disaster site in Northern Japan] \n 
URL:https://inwardjapan.com/event/clinical-meditation-certificate-program-and-retreat/
CATEGORIES:Clinical Meditation,Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://inwardjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20190607_103154-scaled.jpg
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