The power to transform—to shift your form, your heart, your mind.

In the stillness, the emptiness, of this sacred 300-year-old temple, find the space to focus on yourself—whether within your daily life or as part of your journey through Japan.

Be guided through the temple’s rich history, discovering how it has evolved over centuries. Travel a pilgrimage, in a few minutes.

Then, step into the temple’s main hall for a fire ceremony beneath the fierce yet protective gaze of Fudō Myō'ō, the Fire Buddha, whose presence shields us from evil and guides us toward clarity.

Fresh air, gentle movement, cleansing with fire, and broom, with breath and movement.

A moment of transformation, rooted in tradition and tranquillity.

The Sacred Fire Ceremony in the Temple’s Main Hall

We have the rare privilege of experiencing Goma, the sacred fire ceremony, within the temple’s main hall.

At the back of the hall lies the original cave, where the temple’s altar was first built 300 years ago. The statue, still enshrined within, presides over the space with an awe-inspiring presence, a silent guardian of centuries past.

As the flames rise, let the ritual draw you into full awareness—of the space around you, the history that lingers in the air, and the quiet transformation within.

We have the chance to chant along with the monks during the call and response part of the ceremony, and with the heart sutra if you’re familiar with it.

A powerful moment of purification and renewal, preparing us for the mindful temple work and exquisite lunch to follow.

Step into the rhythm of a monk’s daily life with a rare opportunity to care for the temple while deepening your own practice of mindfulness.

For 30 minutes, we will help maintain this sacred site—an act of quiet devotion that mirrors the monks’ own daily rituals.

Daily tasks like sweeping are viewed as acts of purification and mindfulness. By engaging in simple, repetitive movements monks refine their awareness of the space around them as well as their inner state.

The humble act of cleaning clears both physical and spiritual clutter, cultivating presence, patience, and respect for the sacred space. Through these rituals the monks align themselves with the flow of nature, preparing both mind and body for deeper spiritual work.

A moment of quiet labour, a gesture of gratitude, and a deeper connection to the spirit of the mountain and the daily life of the monks.

A Breath of Stillness in the Mountains

Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you move through gentle, mindful stretches, overlooking a quiet forest wrapped in nature’s embrace.

Far from the crowds of central Kyoto, this sacred gully feels like another world—peaceful, untouched, and steeped in serenity. Here, the mountain itself seems to guide your breath—clean and clear, carrying the subtle scent of earth and trees across the valley.

There’s no need for special clothing—just wear something comfortable that allows you to bring your knee to your chest with ease.

In this tranquil space, we take thirty minutes to gently unwind—stretching out the tightness of daily life and travel—releasing any tension from body and mind.

With our attention drawn to the senses, we bring ourselves to the nourishment, for the day.

Lunch will be a lunch box with a mix of savoury dishes and sweets created my Yukiko Uno and her team at Mushiyashinai and Gion Soy Milk Ramen.

Shojinryori with Shojin Sweets. Shojinryori is traditional temple fare made to nourish the monks through their arduous training regimen. 'Shojin' means 'asceticism', but these meals are a surprisingly indulgent probably due to the severity of traditional training.

Shojin Sweets are a new addition to the shojin world - seasonal flavours, naturally vegan, prepared gluten free, with a blend of Japanese and western takes on much loved sweets in Japan.

Receive an amulet/good luck charm from the temple as well as the the amulet that we write on to offer our thanks and prayers to the buddha in the fire ceremony.

You can offer a wish or prayer for yourself, family or friends, or for he world at large. This wooden offering will then be fed into the ‘mouth of buddha’ represented by the fire in the ceremony.

The mikawari amulet that you can take home with you, acts as substitute for you - taking the full brunt of any negative, or evil activity coming your way. If it breaks, then it's time to get a new one as it's done its job protecting you.

This reminder of your experience will stay with you until you next have a chance to visit.