1-day retreat tour: Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari
2024-12-10 08:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Tofukuji Sation, 東山区本町12-224, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
This contemplative tour takes you through beautiful back-road temples and shrines, before heading into the hidden mountain trails behind Fushimi Inari Shrine.
We 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.
Meditation 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.
The 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.” 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.
The 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.
CONTACT us for inquiries and reservations
Meeting place: Tofukuji Sation
note: listed cost includes taxes

Kuya Falls and the Mountain Rivers: A Day of Mountain Hiking and Healing
2024-12-03 09:30 - 15:00 (Europe/London)
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.
We 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.
CONTACT us for inquiries and reservations

1-day Temple Retreat & Tour: Ishiyamadera
2024-11-30 08:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London)
Just a short trip outside Kyoto, visit the gorgeous and expansive 1300-year old temple famous for its large, ethereal rock formations. The main building of the temple features architectural styles similar to the famous Kiyomizudera. Numerous gardens, ponds, and trails on the temple grounds make for a stunning visual journey. This temple is a part of one of Japan’s oldest and most famous pilgrimage routes, all featuring statues of Kannon, the Buddhist embodiment of perfect compassion. Ishiyamadera was also reportedly a setting that inspired the writing of “Tales of Genji,” known as the world’s first novel, and an important moment in women’s history; it’s author is honored in a couple places on the temple grounds.
Besides learning some background that this temple played in Japan’s religious, historical, and cultural development, guests will learn about the many symbols that dot the land and have a chance to practice various forms of moving, standing, and sitting meditations in the gazeebo, near some of the sacred rock formations, and around the various garden spaces. We will learn both some of the basic breathing and relaxation practices along with some compassion and seed-syllable vibration visualizations sacred to this temple’s background.

Join us for this refreshing, revitalizing, and beautiful day in one of Japan’s hidden gems!

CONTACT us for inquiries and reservations
Meeting place: Kyoto Station.
note: cost includes taxes

1-day retreat tour: Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari
2024-11-25 08:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London)
This contemplative tour takes you through beautiful back-road temples and shrines, before heading into the hidden mountain trails behind Fushimi Inari Shrine.
We 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.
Meditation 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.
The 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.” 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.
The 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.
CONTACT us for inquiries and reservations

1-day Temple Retreat & Tour: Jingoji and Takao Area
2024-11-18 07:30 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | jingoji temple, Umegahata Takaocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 616-8292, Japan
When Kukai, the founder of Esoteric Buddhism in Japan, returned to Kyoto with new teachings, Jingoji was his first temple of residence. Well before Kukai founded the now-famous UNESCO heritage sites of Toji and Koyasan, he began teaching at this more remote mountain temple. It’s soothing river just outside the grounds and the stone stairs leading up to the temple feel like they transport you to another world outside the busy city life. The temple’s main statue is a Medicine Buddha and the temple and surrounding grounds have been known for traditions of healing through the centuries.
Besides learning some background that this temple played in Japan’s religious, historical, and cultural development, guests will learn about the many symbols that dot the land and have a chance to practice various forms of its traditional meditations. We will learn forms of breathwork and visualization throughout the day, as well as walking meditations and exercising our senses within the nature.

Join us for this refreshing, revitalizing, and beautiful day in Kyoto’s gorgeous northern mountains!

CONTACT us for inquiries and reservations
Meeting place: Kyoto Station.

Crisis and Post-Disaster Care Workshop (private event)
2024-11-06 08:00 - 2024-11-09 17:00 (Europe/London) | Honolulu, Hawaii, HI, United States
Honolulu, Hawaii
[Private event for Buddhist Ministers in Hawaii]
Sessions include:
Fundamentals of Crisis Care
Psychology of Trauma and Grief
Culture and Care During Crisis
Healthy Compassion and Self-Care
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Half day mountain retreat 半日リトリート・瞑想体験会
2024-10-20 09:00 - 14:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Kiyotaki Sakura Aoki Parking Lot, 30-2 Sagakiyotaki Ikkahyocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 616-8451, Japan
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 and finish with optional picnic by the river at the end (pack some onigiri or small lunch!)
If needed, transportation is provided from Saga Arashiyama Station to the Kiyotaki area parking lot.
