Ready to go Beyond?

Welcome to our one-of-a-kind, authentic Buddhist pilgrimage through mystical Japan this October timed perfectly with the glorious and iconic multicolored fall foliage. We've custom-curated every detail of this trip to set a unique stage for the teachings of the incomparable Tibetan master Geshe Tenzin Zopa while we simultaneously encounter a variety of Japanese philosophical traditions including austere Zen, tantric Shingon, animistic Shinto, and the fusion of them all, Shegendo. We hope that you experience the spiritual breadth and depth of Japan in a way that tourists, and even most locals, are not fortunate enough to encounter.

Inspired by the mantra derived from the Heart Sutra revered throughout East Asia, and as an homage to the dual qualities of human perseverance and surrender to the divine that we each must cultivate on the spiritual path, we have named this tour Gone Beyond!  Whether you hold on tightly or completely let go, we have densely packed our ten-day itinerary with carefully crafted experiences that you’ll cherish for years to come!

Main Tour: Kyoto and Koya, October 24 - November 3, 2024.

You’ll arrive in the modern city of Osaka, transfer, and rest at your comfortable, modern hotel and then we’ll all meet and greet during a magnificent welcome dinner featuring world-class Japanese cuisine. The next day we’ll transfer to the ancient heritage hub of Kyoto for three nights where we’ll be immersed in Zen Buddhism, enroute we’ll be welcomed by a Zen master for a tea ceremony and meal at his temple, to appreciate how the balance of ritual and meditative flow state infuses nearly every aspect of Japanese life.

In Kyoto, we’ll be based in a finely crafted 15th-century shukubo or temple guest house with a magnificent Dharma hall where we’ll practice morning meditations and reflect in the exquisite rock garden. Post-meditation and breakfast will feature excursions to thousand-year-old temples with stunning and serene architecture where we’ll offer group prayers and receive instructions from priests and leading scholars of the Zen tradition. A few hours in the afternoon on most days will be some free time to refresh. In the evenings, we’ll return to our Dharma hall for teachings led by Geshe Zopa or observe him in dialogue with local wisdom keepers.

From Kyoto, we will overnight in Nara, the original site of the establishment of Buddhism in Japan in the eighth century CE, and featuring an array of UNESCO world heritage temples and the famous deer park. Here we will meet a scholar of social work and delve into his service projects embodying love and compassion. We also rejoice in learning from a local expert of culinary art.

Nara is a midway point on the traditional pilgrimage route between Kyoto and our ultimate destination of Mount Koya, or Koyasan, where we’ll spend the remaining five nights of our main tour in retreat. As we leave the low-lying cities and enter the enchanted mountain ranges we'll begin to experience the eclectic fashion of Buddhism, Shinto animism, and mountain shamanism, unique to Japanese culture.

A cloistered temple settlement and village situated atop a sacred mountain, Koyasan is the epicenter of Shingon or Japanese tantric Buddhism. Founded in the ninth century CE by monk and Vajrayana master Kukai, Koyasan boasts an array of ancient UNESCO-designated temples, nature shrines, monasteries, and shukubo guest houses creating a protective mandala for serious practice. The powerful energy incubated here is what draws us in from around the world, to participate in the highly anticipated and historic opportunity of merging the twin streams of Tibetan Vajrayana led by Geshe Tenzin Zopa, and Japanese Shingon led by local monks and nuns.

Daily morning meditations, chanting, fire ceremonies, walks through incredible shrines and nature trails, mouth-watering Shojin or traditional multi-course vegan cuisine, and exquisite teachings by Geshe-la await us over the next five days as we fall deeper and deeper into the heart of tantra. 

Interspersed in our daily routine at Koya we'll have a one-day excursion to a revered mountain shrine deep in the forest where we'll participate in a ritual and offer prayers to the divine nature spirits and the land and enjoy a hidden, healing hot-spring afterward.

Following the main tour, we’ll send you off on your return journey home resonating with inspiration and brimming with appreciation for the remarkable precision and beauty that characterizes all forms of Japanese spirituality. You'll be among a very rare and privileged group to receive waves of transmission from Geshe-la, local monks, and scholars, together with the blessings of Japan's sacred land.

Extension: Kumano Kodo Trail, November 3-6, 2024

If you’re keen for more, don't miss our exclusive four-day extension where a more intimate group of 15 guests will hike and engage in spiritual practices on the most hidden, trails of the thousand-year-old, authentic pilgrimage route called the Kumano Kodo in the picturesque Kii Peninsula. This is the sister pilgrimage to the world-famous Camino de Santiago in Spain, which Miles will lead in 2025, both are the only pilgrimage routes to earn UNESCO World Heritage status. 

The Kumano Kodo is a hiking trail through indescribable natural beauty, bordering on the mythical, punctuated by ancient temples, quaint little guest houses, and natural hot springs (onsen) for healing and happens to be the main focus of research and practice of our expert guide Akiko.

The Kumano extension led by Akiko specifically takes us to the most concealed and sacred routes which most visitors are not able to encounter, immersing us in the Shegendo tradition, a unique fusion of Shinto, shamanism, and tantric Buddhism.

On our first day, we'll walk up to the most hidden and potent shrine at the top of the mountain in Kumano, immersing ourselves in the Shinto spirit, the oneness and compassion that pervades nature. Thousand-year-old trees welcome us and we offer prayers for world peace and harmony. We'll also submerge in the pristine mountain hot springs to rejuvenate body and soul. The foliage of the mountains at this time of year will be overwhelmingly beautiful.

On the second day, we'll meet the local Shugen master Kosho Tateishi, a renegade yogi like Geshe-la, who will reveal the fascinating Japanese spiritual tradition called Shegendo, a syncretic religion that combines nature veneration, shamanistic practices, Shinto animism, and tantric Buddhism. Watch this powerful film of Kosho shot deep in the Kumano to catch the vibe. We'll experience a fire ritual, shugen mountain walking meditation, and maybe even an optional frigid waterfall bathing meditation, for those with nerves of steal, the Wim Hoff method, or the ability to channel the tantric inner fire (tummo).

On the third day, we'll visit the ultimate destination of Kumano- Kodo, Nachi, where we'll witness the astonishing beauty of Nachi waterfall serving as a backdrop to stunning temple architecture, and showcasing that human genius and nature can be blended in perfection.

Not only will we visit a breathtaking Quan-yin temple, the goddess of compassion, and an array of ancient shrines, but we'll also have the honor of entering a national treasure, a meditation hall usually closed to the public, but open exclusively for our group for prayers and rituals. This hall was an ancient initiation site where death and rebirth rituals were practiced by Kumano monks centuries ago.

Hopefully, you're getting a sense of the endless and emergent possibilities when you Go Beyond? Imagine a four-day "walk and talk" with our master Geshe Tenzin Zopa through forested trails, practicing nature spirituality, and engaging in dialogue on tantra and rituals with mountain shamans.

Our Kumano extension is a very rare opportunity open on a first-come basis to those who have the physical fitness and endurance to walk around 3-4 hours per day including up mountain trails. We are limiting the experience to 15 pilgrims plus teachers and a guide to make it even more intimate and to ensure group cohesion as we travel on foot. Please note this will sell out quickly. There is no comparable tour like this available, we guarantee. If you have any health concerns or questions please contact us to discuss before registering.

Itinerary: Main Tour

Day 1: Oct. 24

Arrival in Osaka

• Arrival in Osaka (Kansai airport), transfer to hotel, settle in and rest
• Meet and greet, welcome dinner at 7:00 pm

 [Meals: D]

Day 2: Oct. 25

Kyoto, Zen, & Miyoshin-ji Temple

• Transfer to Kyoto, en route tea ceremony with a Zen master at Manpuku-ji temple
• Arrive and settle at Daishin-in shukubo
• Free time
• Orientation with Miles and Akiko
• Evening session with Geshe-la

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 3: Oct. 26

Kyoto, Zen, & Myoshin-ji Temple

• Morning meditation in the Daishin-in Dharma hall
• Walking tour of Miyoshin-ji temple complex and special teaching with Zen priest Rev. Taka (or similar)
• Free time
• Evening session with reputed Zen scholar Jeff Shore (or similar)

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 4: Oct. 27

Kyoto, Zen, & Tenryuji Temple

• Morning meditation in the Daishin-in Dharma hall
• Tenryuji temple visit
• Onsite instruction and meditation with Zen master Thomas Kirchner (or similar)
• Free time
• Evening session with Geshe Tenzin Zopa

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 5: Oct. 28

Kyoto to Nara, Service, & Todai-ji Temple

• Morning meditation in the Daishin-in Dharma hall
• Transfer to Nara
• Hands-on: Japanese Landscaping as prayer
• Visit Todai-ji Temple complex and deer park
• Evening session with Geshe-la
• Overnight in Nara

[Meals: B, L, D]


Day 6: Oct. 29

Nara to Koya, Culinary Arts, Horyu-ji Temple

• Morning meditation in Nara
• Possible visit to Horyu-ji Temple
• Intro to Japanese Culinary Arts
• Transfer to Koya
• Visit a Shinto Shrine
• Settle into temple guest house
• Evening session with Geshe-la

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 7: Oct. 30

Koya, Shingon, & Goma Fire Ritual 

• Morning meditation, Shingon chanting, and goma fire ritual
• Discover Kukai's legacy and Shingon lineage
• Tantric temple visits for prayers and rituals
• Free time
• Evening dialogue between Geshe-la and Shingon monk

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 8: Oct. 31

Koya, Shingon, Psychic Healing

• Morning meditation, Shingon chanting, and goma fire ritual
• Discussion with Shingon nun on psychic healing, and five-senses meditation
• Free time
• Evening session with Geshe-la

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 9: Nov. 1

Koya, Shintoism, Tenkawa excursion

• Morning meditation, Shingon chanting
• Excursion to Tenkawa region in the mystical mountains
• Visit Tenkawa Benzaiten, a Saraswati shrine
• Sacred Shinto shrine ritual
• Free time for optional hot sprngs
• Return to Koya, evening session with Geshe-la

[Meals: B, L, D]



Days 10: Nov. 2

Koya, Vajrayana, Death & Rebirth

• Morning meditation, Shingon chanting
• Visit Okunoin Mausoleum where master Kukai is venerated
• Discussion and meditation on death & rebirth
• Free time
• Evening session with Geshe-la

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 11: Nov. 3

Departure Day or Transfer to Kansai Airport 

• Morning meditation, Shingon chanting
• Transfer to Kansai Airport or for Extension transfer to Kumano Kodo trail

[Meals: B]

Kumano Kodo Extension Itinerary

Days 11: Nov. 3

Kumano, Prayers in Ancient Forest

• Morning meditation, Shingon chanting
• Transfer to Kumano mountains
• Hiking in the mystical mountains, prayers at shrines
• Check-in lodge, onsen, and rest
• Evening session with Geshe-la

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 12: Nov. 4
Kumano, Shugen, Elemental shamanism

• Morning meditation
• Hiking in the mystical mountains
• Meet Shugen master, fire rituals, chanting, (optional) waterfall bathing in the mystical mountains
• Check-in lodge, onsen, and rest
• Evening session with Geshe-la

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 13: Nov. 5
Nachi, Path to Nirvana

• Morning meditation
• Visit Nachi Amida temple, meditation and prayer with the priest
• Walk to Nachi waterfall, temple visits
• Check-in lodge, onsen, and rest
• Evening session with Geshe-la

[Meals: B, L, D]

Day 14: Nov. 6 
Departure Day

• Morning meditation
• Transfer to Kansai Airport

[Meals: B]

NOTE ON SINGLE ROOMS: We are venturing to Japan in the high season, when spaces are at a premium so rooms offered on this tour are double occupancy, with either private baths or communal washrooms. If you require a single room, depending on enrollment one may become available, so please inquire directly with our tour operator Sejiva during registration.

Myosin-ji Temple Complex
For the first eight of our twelve nights on the main tour, the group will be based within the Miyoshin-ji Temple complex, the largest Rinsai temple in Kyoto. A series of pristine walkways leads you past an array of shrines, reflection ponds, priest family homes, immaculate gardens, and large temple structures founded in 1342 CE. The Miyoshin-ji temple complex offers us a very authentic and contemplative environment in which to study and practice Zen Buddhism.

As for accommodations we offer two unique temple stay (shukubo) options:

Daishin-in within Miyoshin-ji Temple
Directly within the Miyoshin-ji Temple complex is the Daishin-in guest house (shukubo), family-owned and run and dating back to the 15th century. The family compound showcases incredible original wood walkways and rooms surrounded by a neatly manicured rock garden and bespoke art accents. The guest house offers nine very spacious double rooms each separated by traditional Japanese screens, featuring traditional futon beds upon tatami mats on the floor. There are communal-style washrooms for both men and women. Keeping your rooms and shared spaces clean and quiet is part of the ethos and contemplative etiquette of our stay here.

The Daishin-in also houses an epic Dharma hall and zen garden where the entire group will practice morning meditation and receive evening Dharma talks. The advantage of staying at this guest house is that you will have instant access to your bedrooms from the common spaces after group activities.

While the Daishin-in is a "no frills" accommodation, it is very beautiful, simple, and perfect for our purpose as pilgrims engaged in meditation practice. Wifi is available but please don't expect any luxury personal service or an array of amenities typical of a hotel stay. There is a local laundry mat and convenience es stores within walking distance of the guesthouse.

Shishinkaku at Ryuhonji Temple
The second option for accommodation during the first eight nights in Kyoto is within the Ryuhonji temple complex, affiliated with Nichiren Buddhism, dating back to the 14th century, and just a short 10-minute shuttle drive to Miyoshin-ji. The Shishinkaku is a beautifully renovated 300-year-old temple structure within the Ryuhonji compound, housing four adjoined micro apartments, each with a single room with twin raised beds, a private bathroom, and a cozy living area equipped with a microwave and an electric kettle. The Shishinkaku shares the garden courtyard with the Ryuhonji temple, where guests can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom as well as the sounds of temple drums and chanting of monks during their morning service. The possible benefits at this location are the raised beds and the private bathroom for two roommates but note you'll have to be prepared for the ten-minute morning and evening shuttle service between this location and our base at Miyoshin-ji temple complex.

Sekishoin, Koyasan 
For the final three nights of the main tour, the whole group will travel to and stay on sacred Mount Koya or Koyasan, the epicenter of Shingon Japanese tantric Buddhism, founded in 816 CE by the famous monk-pilgrim Kukai. Situated two hours south of Kyoto, we will stay at Sekishoin Shukobu in double rooms with private baths, futons mattresses on tatami mats on the floor, surrounded by an array of exceptional temple art, and feasting on exquisite homemade multi-course meals (kaiseki). Please read here for more information about staying at Koyansan and to familiarize yourself with the etiquette.

Kumano Kodo Trail
Finally, for those joining us for the post-pilgrimage extension hiking tour along the thousand-old UNESCO-designated Kumano Kodo trail, we will stay at a different guesthouse and inns on each of the three nights along our route through the sacred mountain. These will be simple pilgrim's lodgings, with futons on the floor, communal washrooms, as well as onsen, and natural thermal hot spring baths to rejuvenate after our daily hike. While our support vans will drive our luggage between locations, we suggest you pack very lightly and be physically prepared for the spectacular hiking as you'll have to keep up with Geshe-la who was raised walking similar mountain terrain!

Shukubo Mindset
We have selected accommodations that are simple, spacious, and beautiful, offering centuries of classic charm and imbued with an authentic, spiritual character. These rare temple guest houses come at a premium, are meant to be shared, and don't offer customary amenities typical of hotels. We hope those joining us for this tour welcome the unique opportunity to live as Japanese pilgrims do, in simple, shared, self-maintained spaces, typically sleeping on the floor and sometimes with common washrooms, and even public nudity in the same-sex onsen or thermal baths. 

As we have mentioned, if you need to have a private room, please inquire about the availability and pricing with the tour operator Sejva during registration.

Inclusion:

Accommodations, double occupancy only with either a private bath or communal washroom. 

All meals.

Entrance fees to temples and cultural activities.

Airport transfers and local transportation as indicated on the itinerary.

Honorarioums to tour leaders, guides, and guest teachers.

Online pre-departure orientation session, live and recorded.

Exclusion:

International airfare.

Visa, if required depending on nationality (please check).

Required travel insurance with emergency evacuation.

Medical clearance for Kumano Kodo hiking.

Laundry service, spa treatments, and other personal effects.

Tips for guest house staff, drivers, and servers are not required or expected in Japan. However, an optional tip for our local logistics coordinator who will travel with the group is welcomed.

Pilgrimage vs Tourism

Pilgrimage is not oriented towards relaxation, pleasure-seeking, or sightseeing, although these can occur.

The purpose of Buddhist pilgrimage is to purify negative karmas, generate virtuous merit, deepen self-understanding, and awaken the mind through practice. Not only for this life but also for the next, not only for oneself but also for others, not only for temporary happiness but for the ultimate happiness of liberation.

Purification of karma and accumulation of merit occurs through the power of 1) intention, 2) holy objects and sacred places, 3) the spiritual master, 4) rituals, ceremonies, activities, and contemplative practices, and 5) prayers and dedications.

Often purification can be challenging, one might experience hardship, physically or mentally, and these are considered part of the pilgrimage process of karmic release. For this reason, we caution prospective pilgrims to carefully consider whether or not a pilgrimage is suitable for them at this time.  

While the destination of pilgrimage is important, the mindset and manner in which the pilgrim travels is what distinguishes it from tourism. 

Please read more about the power of pilgrimage to heal us here.

Our Team

Lead teacher:
Geshe Tenzin Zopa is an extraordinary master in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, a traveling teacher for the FPMT organization, author of numerous books, featured in the documentary Unmistaken Child, and responsible for the Tsum Valley Rachen Nunnery. His bio is here.

Tour curator and co-teacher:
Dr. Miles Neale, PsyD, is a Buddhist psychologist, founder of the Gradual Path journeys, author of several books, and curates the annual Buddhist pilgrimage with Geshe Tenzin Zopa to various countries around the world. His bio is here.

Local guide:
Akiko Haruna is a Japanese yogini living in Bali. For over ten years she has led pilgrimages in the Kyoto-Koya-Kumano regions as a guide and has led spiritual seekers across Japan and beyond. Akiko is a professional life coach and movement meditation teacher. She serves masters of different spiritual lineages as and professional interpreter.

Tour Operator:
Sajiva is an Indonesian-based tour company that organizes meaningful and memorable experiences for travelers around the world. Sejiva strives to create positive impacts at the destinations they visit. Sejiva co-founder Matteo Bierschneider oversaw to great success the ground operations for our pilgrimage to Indonesia in 2023 in partnership with Sacred Earth Journeys. More here.

Orientation & Info Packets

Japan is one of the most culturally challenging, at times formidable, countries to visit, with a notorious language barrier and an array of unspoken, social protocols and expectations. But don't worry, you're in good hands with Akiko who join our online, recorded, group orientation one month before departure (September 24, 7:00 PM EST) to debrief us on cultural sensitivity, while Miles will prep you on the pilgrimage mindset and themes of this tour, and you can ask questions to prime you for the journey ahead. In addition, you'll receive an info packet from Sejiva with details on what to bring and expect on our tour.