Sacred Japan—Temples, Shrines and Zen Spirit

Sacred Japan—Temples, Shrines and Zen Spirit

7 days
From
$5,000
/person
Best Time to Go
Year-round

As temple bells ring and incense drifts through the air, the mind gently slows. In Japan, Zen is not about chasing answers, but simply being present. Walking quiet stone paths or sitting in still gardens, you may begin to feel a quiet return to yourself. Here, peace comes not from doing, but from pausing.

Tour Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the profound spiritual atmosphere of Mount Koya, where sacred temple visits offer a deep encounter with the very soul of Japan.
  • Visit Ise Jingu, Japan’s most revered shrine, with over 2,000 years of history and an enduring spiritual bond with the Imperial lineage.
  • Practice Zen meditation in a hidden temple room, closed to the public, and awaken your inner stillness.
  • Experience Japan’s highest expression of luxury at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto and Amanemu, where heritage, architecture, and nature converge in perfect harmony.
  • Travel in exceptional comfort with Gran Class—the Shinkansen’s first-class experience—complemented by seamless transfers with a private chauffeur.
day1-2

Kyoto

You arrive at Kansai International Airport, where a private chauffeur will greet you and ensure a seamless transfer to Kyoto.

Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital for over a thousand years, is a city where timeless elegance and cultural heritage are beautifully preserved. With more than 2,000 temples and shrines—including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Kyoto invites travelers to explore its tranquil Zen gardens, sacred Shinto sites, and atmospheric geisha districts. From the ritual beauty of the tea ceremony to seasonal kaiseki cuisine crafted with precision, every experience offers a glimpse into Japan’s most refined traditions.

Sample experiences
・Join an exclusive tea ceremony held in a rarely opened, 300-year-old tearoom
・Take part in a private zazen meditation session at a temple normally closed to the public
・Savor a private kaiseki dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant

day3-5

Nara

Step into Japan’s first capital, Nara — a peaceful city filled with history and nature.Home to the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, sacred forests, and hundreds of friendly deer, Nara offers a calm and spiritual atmosphere.
Walk the lantern-lit paths of Kasuga Taisha and enjoy the quiet beauty of this ancient place. Unlike Kyoto, Nara feels more natural and relaxed, where tradition and nature live in harmony.

Sample experiences
・Savor traditional Buddhist cuisine made with seasonal vegetables, free from meat, fish, and strong flavors.
・Engage in the meditative art of hand-copying Buddhist sutras—a practice that calms the mind and deepens self-reflection.
・Embark on a pilgrimage through Mount Koya, a sacred mountain founded over a thousand years ago.

day6-7

Mie

Located in the Kansai region, about two hours from Osaka, Mie is a coastal area blessed with rich natural beauty. It is home to Ise Grand Shrine, considered the spiritual heart of Japan, and a place where deep cultural and religious traditions are still very much alive. From the finest seafood like Ise lobster to world-renowned Matsusaka beef, Mie offers a wealth of culinary delights. It is a region where ocean, mountains, tradition, and faith come together in perfect harmony.

Sample experiences
・Savor a gourmet dinner showcasing Matsusaka beef—one of Japan’s most revered wagyu, raised exclusively in Mie Prefecture.
・Experience a sacred visit to Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s most revered Shinto sanctuary.

You will be safely transferred to Kansai International Airport by a private chauffeur from Mie, concluding your wonderful journey.