Spirituality, Nature and Ceremony in Japan

Visit the Nikko Toshogu shrine, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. You’ll be able to marvel at the wooden carvings and golf leaf adorning the shrine complex.

You’ll then visit the Futarasan Shrine, which was dedicated to the Shinto gods of Nikko’s three most sacred mountains. The shrine was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who played a significant role in introducing Buddhism to Nikko. Take the chance to slow down and relax in the lush gardens, accompanied by the quiet burble of the spring.

Visit Nikkosan Chuzenji Temple, a branch temple of Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple which was founded in 784 by Shodo, the first head priest of Nikko. The wooden statue for which it’s named represents Kannon, the thousand-armed goddess of mercy. It is said to have been carved by Shodo himself.

Learn the history of Chuzenji as you explore the temple’s different halls. In the Godaido hall you’ll see statues of the five wisdom kings, who guard the teachings of Buddhism. Look out over Chuzenji Lake and the surrounding mountains to admire the calming scenery.

Encounter shugendo, an ascetic religious tradition that draws on Taoist, Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. First purify yourself with incense, before hiking to three secluded waterfalls of the Kirifuri highlands. Try the centuries-old takigyo practice of standing beneath a cascade of thundering water to purify the body and mind, and come away refreshed by the spiritual energy of the mountain.

Experience a tea ceremony, one of Japan’s most famous traditional cultural practices. Learn the art of making tea and feel the deep appreciation held for tea utensils and Zen Buddhism.

You will then visit the Ohara area to explore the rural Sanzenin Temple, which was founded by the revered monk Saicho who introduced Tendai Buddhism to Japan in 804. A series of connected temple buildings lead you to the Shuhekien Garden (a traditional Japanese garden). Let the world fade away as you pause to admire the thoughtful placement of its stone pagoda, still pond and garden art.

Visit Shisendo Temple, which was built in 1641 as a mountain hermitage. The name Shisendo means ‘Hall of Immortal Poets’, and the temple is home to 36 portraits of ancient Chinese poets. Head to the study and lookout to the Tang-style garden’s sea of maple trees and fragrant satsuki azaleas. Then take the time to settle into the temple’s elegance and allow your senses to quietly awaken, stirred by the rhythmic sounds of the shishi odoshi (bamboo water fountain).

Try your hand at kintsugi. Meaning ‘golden joinery’ in Japanese, kintsugi is the process of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer or resin.

The kintsugi philosophy is about being non-judgemental and compassionate towards yourself and others. Learn about kintsugi and urushi (a natural lacquer obtained from the urushi tree that has been used for centuries) from a master artist, deepening your connection and understanding of Japan’s time-honoured traditions.

Meet your private nature guide for a day of trekking at Kunisaki Peninsula Long Trail. After the influence of Buddhism into the Shinto religion, a combination of rituals and practices were combined and one of these ancient practices is shugendo.

Your guide will reveal how the practice centres around rigorous training by mountain ascetic hermits to gain spiritual enlightenment. This is an intimate experience that allows you to deepen your connection with Japan’s traditions and history, and reflect on the wisdom of the area’s ancestors.

Explore Monjusen-ji Temple, which is believed to be founded in 648 by the Father of Shugendo.  There are two Nio statues (Agyo and Ungyo) that stand at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the main hall of Monjusenji. Known as a place for seeking wisdom, it is likely you’ll see someone praying for academic success on your visit.

Then visit Futago-ji Temple, a temple rich with history and tradition on the hillside of Mount Futago. Reflect on how monks would trek through the peninsula’s mountains in prayer and meditation as you walk up the temple’s stairs to its halls, passing by the imposing Nio statues that ward off evil spirits.