Sacred Japan: Koya-san & Kyoto

29 October - 6 November 2010
Led by Stephanie Dowrick & William Suganda $4,180 per person (based on twin-share)

To download travel itinerary, please click here Places limited to 18 participants

Journey highlights

Steeped in ancient traditions, spiritual practices and rituals, both Koya-san (Mt Koya) and Kyoto are ideal settings to experience the beauty and wonders of sacred Japan. Koya-san is a small world-heritage town high in the mountains and is perhaps Japan’s most renowned spiritual location. It is home to Shingon (mystical/esoteric) Buddhism, with its emphasis on inner understanding and harmony between people and nature. Kyoto, the ancient capital, is especially loved for its superb gardens, serene temples and shrines, and old-world charm. Each of these unforgettable destinations truly captures the essence of Japan’s rich cultural, spiritual and aesthetic traditions.

Some Highlights Include:

  • Talks and discussions with Stephanie Dowrick on the priceless art of seeing deeply; Shingon Buddhism and its inspirations in our own lives; peace of mind practices; Haiku and journal writing.
  • Staying in an exquisite traditional Shingon temple lodging and joining some of the daily rituals.
  • Following a path through tall cedars and cypresses to reach Okuno-in, Koya-san’s most sacred site with its 200,000 tombs and its monuments to past emperors, shoguns and poets, and to the founder of Shingon who dwells in “eternal meditation”.
  • Experiencing a blessing ritual and meditative chants from one of Koya-san’s senior monks.
  • Exploring the arts and crafts of Kyoto with a special emphasis on the Heian period and the weaving district.
  • Strolling through “living art”: the gardens of Kyoto on a private tour.
  • Visiting the fascinating Golden Pavilion and the Rengeo Temple with its 1001 800-year-old statues of Kannon (Kwan Yin), goddess of compassion and mercy.
  • Cultivating the exquisite practice of Haiku at Kyoto’s Funaoka mountain.

To book

To book on this tour, please complete an application form and return to our travel agent (details on the form).

Email: service@inspiredtraveller.com.au
Fax: + 61 2 9663 5763
Post: PO Box 549 Kensington NSW 1465, Australia

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