Zen & Spirituality Tour
Hidden Japan
Discover the spirituality of Japan in the mountains outside Tokyo
An exclusive experience in Hakone and overnight at the "Hidden" Saijoji Zen Temple
In an exclusive collaboration with Saijoji Zen Temple, this special tour provides you with private transportation, local bilingual guide, meals, and special access to the grounds and monks of Daiyuzan. In addition to the special access to Saijoji Temple, this experience also includes visits to Hakone Shrine, ropeway ride to the top of Mt. Komagatake in Hakone, a visit to Odawara Castle and more.
DEC 11/12th & 19/20th only
Ride the Ropeway for Views of Fuji & Hakone
We start our time with a trip up the Komagatake Ropeway with stunning views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Sagami Bay. This spiritual peak will also be followed by a visit to the revered Hakone Shrine.
Exclusive Access to Historic Temple
The Saijoji Zen Temple in the Ashigara foothills of Hakone has a history dating back more than 400 years. We will be guided by one of the monks at this temple on a tour of the grounds, dinner, and meditation session. Our overnight stay will be in this special place
Private Transportation & Guide
Private transportation and bilingual local guide will meet you at Odawara Station and be with you for the entirety of the trip giving you the convenience, knowledge, and flexibility to discover and experience this area at your leisure.
Culinary Delights
Taste the local and historic cuisine. Enjoy a range of special culinary delights from lunch at a historic hotel overlooking Lake Ashi to the shojin ryori vegan buddhist dishes of a zen temple. This tour also includes a stop by a 400 year old tea house as we experience the area with all our senses.
DAY 1
10:00 Odawara Station Pick Up
11:00 Komagatake Ropeway
12:00 Lunch on Lake Ashi
13:00 Hakone Shrine Visit
16:00 Saijoji Temple Arrival
17:00 Orientation/Temple Tour
18:00 Dinner with Monk
DAY 2
6:00 Morning Zen Ceremony
8:00 Temple Breakfast
9:00 Leave Saijoji Temple
10:00 Odawara Castle Tour
12:00 Arrival Odawara Station
FAQ
We will meet you just outside the Shinkansen gates at Odawara Station in front of the Starbucks. Odawara Station is easily reached from Tokyo by hte JR Tokaido Line, Odakyu Line, or Bullet Train.
A local bilingual guide with be with you from start to finish as well as private transportation making this a stress free and enjoyable time.
Payment is accepted in cash on the first day of the trip.
We will start with lunch at the Yama no Hotel restaurant with your choice from their extensive lunch menu which includes delicacies like sushi, sukiyaki, and yakiniku. Dinner and breakfast will be served at Saijoji Temple and will be vegan shojin ryori in accordance to the practices of the temple monks and traditions.
Everything from pick up to drop off will be by private transporation giving you flexibility and comfort during your time.