See a different side of Kyoto
Welcome to Kyoto, and the rest of Kansai!
Find the quieter, out of the way, yet still stunning parts of Kyoto, and other areas in Kansai as I share what I love about this amazing part of Japan.
Mindful tours
Half day:
The nine-headed dragon - a unique way of praying
The shrine is named after the 9-headed dragon that is worshipped here. The Shine is in the foothills of the north of Kyoto, out of the crush of the city.
We will write on our votive candles, place them, do nine laps of the shrine as proscribed, as a walking meditation. We will then take the o-mamori and burn the outer wrapper in the provided spot to complete the ritual.
Following our mindful observances at the shrine, the tour can be extended to include the nearby ‘cat temple’ which is actually an art gallery filled with amazing art, much of it done while the artist was in their teens. The same artist created the painting of the dragon at the nine-headed dragon shrine. If we’re lucky, the ‘head monk’, also a cat, will be there!
Tour includes votive candle and edible o-mamori (amulet/good luck charm)
Dragon tour - 2-2.5 hours ¥27,500 up to 6 people
Dragon & Cat tour - 3.5 hours - ¥35,000 up to 6 people
Full day:
Tanuki Magic - see details here
Waterfalls and Rapids day trek:
up to 7-hour day - depending on walking pace
Visit 1200-year-old temple, a hidden shrine, stunning riverside hike. Packed lunch included.
We’ll take the bus to the trailhead in the mountains north west of Kyoto, and visit a temple with a unique way of driving off evil - we throw clay tiles into the gorge to drive all the evil away.
From there we will walk down the gorge along the beautiful river scenery over 4 hours, via a small but spectacular waterfall shrine (time permitting), to the station and take the train back to Arashiyama.
There will be time for a quick swim at lunchtime at the swimming pools for those who are keen in summer.
Pricing:
¥49,000: up 1-2 people. Includes 3 evil-expelling tiles per person.
¥3000 extra per person up to 6 people total.
Retreats
Regularly scheduled:
Come to a regularly scheduled retreat on Koyasan, or in Takahama on the Japan sea coast. Maximum 12 people. There are also semi-private retreats available at premium rate.
2-night, 3-day retreats start from ¥198,000 in a 2-person shared room with shared facilities. Lunch, dinner and breakfast, all activities included.
1/2-day and full-day retreats also listed on the retreats tab
See retreats tab for all current retreats
Bespoke retreats:
Depending on availability and notice, bespoke retreats will be available on Koyasan and in Kyoto. Both locations are temple stays with shared facilities.
Within each retreat we will experience traditional Japanese mindful activities - some buddhist, some secular. Eat delicious traditional temple fare and local produce prepared in the local way.
These are private retreats just for you and your group. I cannot find other travellers to join you. However , if you are looking for people to do this retreat with, please put a call out on Japan Travel facebook pages and gather your own group if you like :)