“Ichi-go ichi-e” – A Japanese saying for, “one chance in a lifetime”, “for this time only,” “never again”.
Join Dr. Mark Vierra and Reverend Kim Kaiser for a spiritual journey to Japan. Experience daily dharma talks by Reverend Kim, an ex Soto Buddhist monk.
Modified Daily Itinerary:
We will visit the Higashiyama district, and the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, with its 11 headed figure of Kannon (Japanese for Kuan Yin). This temple is designated as a world heritage site. Afterwards we will visit Sanjusangendo; Temple was originally built by Taira no Kiyamori for retired emperor Go-Shirakawa in 1164 and dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon. The temple features a huge hall containing 1,001 figures of Kannon carved in the 12th and 13th centuries. Evening Welcome Dinner Together.
Visit the Golden Pavilion Kinkakuji a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will, it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Later, we will contemplate the superb Zen temples of Daitoku-ji and Ryoan-ji, the sites of the famous Zen garden composed only of rocks and sand, meditate upon the serene Ryonanji Zen Garden. Evening Free.
Local train to Nara, a World Heritage site. Visit Todai-ji Temple, which is the largest wooden building in the world. It houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), which is also one of the largest bronze images in the world. There is a beautiful deer park with a great opportunity for feeding deer Afternoon return to Kyoto.
Optional Tour Day. Free to explore Kyoto on your own. Suggested outings include, Inari Shrine, Arashiyama or if you wish on you own visit Bishamondo Shorin-ji is located in a slightly remote area off to the South if you come from the city. It is well-known as one of the temples that actively welcomes tourists (including groups) to their Zazen mediation class. Given their welcoming atmosphere for Zazen beginners, it has become a popular destination for both Japanese and international tourists interested in the experience
Take a local train to the mountain village of Kurama which is tucked away in the hills above Kyoto. Soak in an onset, a natural hot spring bath, one of Japan’s great pleasures. Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch and visit the famous Kurama-dera Temple, which houses Bishamonten, the protector of the north. Have the opportunity to leave an offering.
Journey by bus to the sacred Mt Koya, known as the world headquarters of the Koyasan Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is considered a sacred duty of many Japanese Bhuddhist to make a pilgrimage here, one time in their life. Stay two nights at a Sukubo, a buddhist temple inn. Walk through the ancient graveyard, Okunoin Cemetery, which houses the mausoleum of Kuki, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.