Reiki Healing Tour: The Origins and Practices of Reiki in Kyoto's Mountains
2026-01-10 08:30 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Demachiyagani Station, 32-1, Tanaka Kamiyanagicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Reiki is a growing energy work and healing practice with roots in esoteric Japanese traditions. During this tour, we will explore the origins and practices of reiki in some of the places where it began and spread, along with the beautiful surroundings of those areas.
Whether you just are curious about this tradition or experienced in it, all are welcome to come explore these roots in an area of Northern Kyoto mountains also known for “Tengu,” wise winged mountain spirits.
CONTACT us for inquiries:
Meet at Demachiyagani Station
note: listed cost includes snacks, taxes, and entree fees
(please feel free to inquire about family or group pricing if you have 3 or more people!)

1-day New Year Meditation Retreat
2026-01-04 08:30 - 16:30
Start the New Year right, letting go of all stress and baggage of 2025, while refreshing your spirit and mind for 2026.
The day will start by meeting at Tofukuji Station.
This 1-day retreat experience will begin with a contemplative walk together through a quiet yet beautiful temple complex and see some special Buddhist statues, while we introduce ourselves to each other, and while we go over some basics of the theory behind mindfulness practices. We will then go to our host shrine, the small yet incredibly scenic Gosha Daimyojin Shrine, tucked into a part of town, hidden behind the Fushimi Inari mountain. We will spend most of the day at a private meditation room within the shrine. [funds from the retreat support maintenance of the shrine]
The guided meditations through the day will help us gradually relax more and more, as we also increase our awareness and concentration. In between, we will have time for questions and discussion as well.
You will have the opportunity to release many aspects of stress or tension from the previous year, and prepare your mind with a fresh and renewed sense for the new year!
Retreat leader: “Jishin” has taught meditation for more than 20 years, practicing at temples in Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. He is ordained in the Japanese Shingon tradition and also holds a PhD with a focus on Buddhist Studies. Jishin has published and spoken around the world on the application of meditation to care in modern times.
Lunch, tea, and snacks included

1-day Meditation Retreat: Compassion for body, mind, and world
2025-12-23 08:30 - 16:00
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.
Proceeds 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].
Lunch, tea, coffee and snacks through the day also included.
Learning 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 😉
Retreat 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.

{images of host shrine for the retreat}
For inquiries, contact:
Minimum participation age: 15
Discounts available for students, groups of 3 or more, and Kyoto locals: please inquire
NOTE: Venue will be at Gosha Shrine, but we will meet just outside Tofukuji Station and head there together.

1-Day Deep Relaxation and Mindfulness Retreat
2025-12-22 08:30 - 16:00
A relaxing, and refreshing, yet informative day, gradually going deeper into mindful meditation practice.
The day will start by meeting at Tofukuji Station.
This unique 1-day retreat experience will begin with a contemplative walk together through a quiet yet beautiful temple complex and see some special Buddhist statues, while we introduce ourselves to each other, and while we go over some basics of the theory behind mindfulness practices. We will then go to our host shrine, the small yet incredibly scenic Gosha Daimyojin Shrine, tucked into a part of town, hidden behind the Fushimi Inari mountain. We will spend most of the day at a private meditation room within the shrine. [funds from the retreat support maintenance of the shrine]
The guided meditations through the day will help us gradually relax more and more, as we also increase our awareness and concentration. In between, we will have time for questions and discussion as well.
Retreat leader: “Jishin” has taught meditation for more than 20 years, practicing at temples in Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. He is ordained in the Japanese Shingon tradition and also holds a PhD with a focus on Buddhist Studies. Jishin has published and spoken around the world on the application of meditation to care in modern times.
Lunch, tea, and snacks included

{images of host shrine for the retreat}
Optional addition [additional ¥3,000]: Waterfall Meditation – the Gosha shrine includes a beautiful waterfall grotto for the traditional Japanese practice of “takigyo,” meaning waterfall meditation. If anyone would like to close the day with this practice the shrine will provide the special clothing and laundry service, with extra tea service. Jishin will provide the instruction and chanting. This is not for everyone, but can be a very unique experience as very few locations offer this unique practice.

For Inquiries, contact:

Minimum participation age: 15
Discounts available for groups of 3 or more, students, and Kyoto locals: please inquire

1-Day retreat tour: Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari and Serene Sennyuji
2025-12-20 10:00 - 15:30
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.
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.” We will have some meditation sessions and lunch in a typically off-limits shrine room.
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.
Meeting Place: Tofukuji Station
For questions, contact us at:
note: taxes, and entree fees. When registering, please alert us to any feed allergies or dietary restrictions.
However, please bring a bento-type lunch for our picnic along the way.
(If you would like to register a group of 3 or more, feel free to inquire about group discounts!)

Kuya Falls and the Mountain Rivers: A Half-Day of Mountain Hiking and Healing
2025-12-17 08:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-07 09:00 - 13:00
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:
Price includes plant-based snacks, taxes, and fees.
Please feel free to ask us about group discounts for 3 or more people

1-day Temple Retreat & Tour: Jingoji and Takao Area
2025-12-09 09:00 - 13:00
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
Meeting place: Kyoto Station.
Note: Listed price includes plant-based snacks, taxes, and entree fees

1-Day retreat tour: Meditation at Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari
2025-12-07 09:00 - 15:30 | 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, mixed with meditation sessions in quiet, serene areas without the tourists.
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.” We will have some meditation sessions and lunch in a typically off-limits shrine room.
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. [You may try out the Taki-gyo experience for an extra 5000 yen! (special clothing, instruction, and tea afterwards will be provided)].
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.
Meeting Place: Tofukuji Station
For questions, contact us at:
note: listed cost includes plant-based lunch, taxes, and entree fees. When registering, please alert us to any feed allergies or dietary restrictions.
(If you would like to register a group of 3 or more, feel free to inquire about group discounts!)

1-Day Deep Relaxation and Mindfulness Retreat
2025-11-26 09:30 - 16:00 | Tofukuji Sation, 東山区本町12-224, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
A relaxing, and refreshing, yet informative day, gradually going deeper into mindful meditation practice.
The day will start by meeting at Tofukuji Station.
This unique 1-day retreat experience will begin with a contemplative walk together through a quiet yet beautiful temple complex and see some special Buddhist statues, while we introduce ourselves to each other, and while we go over some basics of the theory behind mindfulness practices. We will then go to our host shrine, the small yet incredibly scenic Gosha Daimyojin Shrine, tucked into a part of town, hidden behind the Fushimi Inari mountain. We will spend most of the day at a private meditation room within the shrine. [funds from the retreat support maintenance of the shrine]
The guided meditations through the day will help us gradually relax more and more, as we also increase our awareness and concentration. In between, we will have time for questions and discussion as well.
Retreat leader: “Jishin” has taught meditation for more than 20 years, practicing at temples in Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. He is ordained in the Japanese Shingon tradition and also holds a PhD with a focus on Buddhist Studies. Jishin has published and spoken around the world on the application of meditation to care in modern times.
Lunch, tea, and snacks included
Optional addition [additional ¥3,000]: Waterfall Meditation – the Gosha shrine includes a beautiful waterfall grotto for the traditional Japanese practice of “takigyo,” meaning waterfall meditation. If anyone would like to close the day with this practice the shrine will provide the special clothing and laundry service, with extra tea service. Jishin will provide the instruction and chanting. This is not for everyone, but can be a very unique experience as very few locations offer this unique practice.

For Inquiries, contact:

Minimum participation age: 15
Discounts available for groups of 3 or more, students, and Kyoto locals: please inquire

1-Day retreat tour: Meditation at Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari
2025-11-15 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-18 09:00 - 16:30
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.
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.” We will have some meditation sessions and lunch in a typically off-limits shrine room.
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. You may try out the Taki-gyo experience for an extra 1000 yen! (special clothing will be provided).
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.
Meeting Place: Tofukuji Station
For questions, contact us at:
note: listed cost includes plant-based lunch, taxes, and entree fees. When registering, please alert us to any feed allergies or dietary restrictions.
(If you would like to register a group of 3 or more, feel free to inquire about group discounts!)

1-day Meditation Retreat: Compassion for body, mind, and world
2025-10-25 09:30 - 2025-11-05 16:00 | Tofukuji Sation, 東山区本町12-224, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
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.
Proceeds 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].
Special Organic Buddhist Vegetarian lunch included! Tea, coffee and snacks through the day also included.
Learning 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 in the new year 😉
Retreat 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.
For inquiries, contact:
Minimum participation age: 15
Discounts available for students, groups of 3 or more, and Kyoto locals: please inquire
NOTE: Venue will be at Gosha Shrine, but we will meet just outside Tofukuji Station and head there together.

Reiki Healing Tour: The Origins and Practices of Reiki in Kyoto's Mountains
2025-10-22 08:30 - 13:00, 2025-09-16 08:30 - 13:00

Kuya Falls and the Mountain Rivers: A Half-Day of Mountain Hiking and Healing
2025-10-07 08:00 - 11:00
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 for some final sharing of our experiences.
CONTACT us for inquiries:
Price includes taxes, and fees.
Please feel free to ask us about group discounts for 3 or more people

Kuya Falls and the Mountain Rivers: A Day of Mountain Hiking and Healing
2025-09-24 09:30 - 13:00
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:
note: listed cost includes plant-based snacks, taxes, and entree fees. When registering, please alert us to any feed allergies or dietary restrictions.
(If you would like to register a group of 3 or more, feel free to inquire about group discounts!)

Short Meditations with Discussion: Moral vs. Immoral Mindfulness
2025-08-12 14:00 - 16:30 | あんてなショップふっと, 141 Sujiyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto, 600-8061, Japan
Come enjoy some super healthy raw vegan cafe food and drinks at Kiko’s Pop-up cafe. [Event is free or by donation, but cafe items cost money]
Jishin will lead a few short meditations, and also share a little about their own research and experience with the benefits and pitfalls of mindfulness from ethical perspectives. We will have open dialog, conversations, and Q&A on that and other topics that participants are interested in.
Come enjoy some stories and conversations, alongside revitalizing your body with healthy drinks and food. 🙂
The location is the Community space at “Tsukaesutejidai”
A little south of the area between Karasuma Oike Station and Kyoto Kawaramachi Station
600-8061 Kyoto, Shimogyo-ku, Sujiya-cho 141

1-Day retreat tour: Meditation at Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari
2025-08-10 08:00 - 15:30 | Tofukuji Station, 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, mixed with meditation sessions in quiet, serene areas without the tourists.
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.” We will have some meditation sessions and lunch in a typically off-limits shrine room.
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. You may try out the Taki-gyo experience for an extra 1000 yen! (special clothing will be provided).
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.
Meeting Place: Tofukuji Station
For questions, contact us at:
note: listed cost includes plant-based lunch, taxes, and entree fees. When registering, please alert us to any feed allergies or dietary restrictions.
{If you would like to register a group of 3 or more, feel free to inquire about group discounts!}

Half-day retreat tour: Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari
2025-07-30 08:00 - 13:00 | 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. You may try out the Taki-gyo experience for an extra 1000 yen! (special clothing will be provided).
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.
Meeting Place: Tofukuji Station
For questions, contact us at:
note: listed cost includes snacks, taxes, and entree fees
{please feel free to inquire about family or group pricing if you have 3 or more people!}

Kuya Falls and the Mountain Rivers: A Day of Mountain Hiking and Healing
2025-07-28 08:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-16 08:30 - 14:00
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:

Short Meditations with Discussion: Meditation and Spiritual Journeys
2025-07-22 14:00 - 16:00 | あんてなショップふっと, 141 Sujiyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto, 600-8061, Japan
Come enjoy some super healthy raw vegan cafe food and drinks at Kiko’s Pop-up cafe. [Event is free or by donation, but cafe items cost money]
Jishin will share a little about their own spiritual journey in Buddhist temples in Japan and around the world, as well as their experience with meditation traditions, while also providing a free short meditation. We will then have some open dialog and conversation about spiritual journeys and meditaiton paths.
Come enjoy some stories and conversations, alongside revitalizing your body with healthy drinks and food. 🙂

1-day retreat tour: Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari
2025-07-13 08:00 - 17:00
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.
Meeting Place: Tofukuji Station
For questions, contact us at:
note: listed cost includes taxes and entree fees

1-day retreat tour: Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi Inari
2025-06-29 08:00 - 15:00 | Tofukuji Sation, 東山区本町12-224, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan

Kuya Falls and the Mountain Rivers: A Half-Day of Mountain Hiking and Healing
2025-06-11 08:45 - 13:30, 2025-05-21 09:00 - 13:30
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 morning 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 short picnic and sharing of our experiences.
CONTACT us for inquiries:
Meeting place: Kyoto Station Central Gate (specifics will be sent through email)
Price includes transportation to hike and a snack. Please bring any desired picnic food for lunch/extra snacks & drinks.

1-day retreat tour: Sennyuji and the Secret Waterfalls of Fushimi
2025-05-28 08:00 - 15:00

1-day Temple Retreat & Tour: Ishiyamadera
2025-04-23 08:30 - 16:00 | ishiyamadera, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
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 at:
Meeting place: Kyoto Station.
note: cost includes taxes and entree fees; Ishiyamadera will not allow use of scenes within their temple pictured here without a publication fee that we cannot afford. So the cover image is a different tree out in public. However, I highly recommend using a search engine to see images of the many beautiful sites in the temple.

1-day Temple Retreat & Tour: Ishiyamadera
2025-03-26 08:30 - 16:00 | ishiyamadera, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
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:
Meeting place: Kyoto Station.
note: cost includes taxes and entree fees; Ishiyamadera’s policies do not allow us to post photos of the temple here, so the featured photo is just a public tree. However, I recommend using a search engine to see a sample of the many beautiful sites around the expansive temple grounds.
