Envelope Yourself in the Majestic Beauty and Serenity of Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s Most Scenic Locations

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Miyajima,Hiroshima

• 3.5 hours

• 6 people max.

• Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Step into the past for a day of majestic beauty and serenity

World Heritage Site Itsukushima, or Miyajima (shrine island) as it is locally known, is located in Hiroshima Bay mere minutes by boat from the city of Hiroshima.  Revered by emperors, empresses, aristocrats, and priests among others for more than a thousand years, it was described in 1643 by Confucian philosopher/writer Hayashi Gaho as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. 

Following years of monastic practice in China, Buddhist monk Kukai was drawn to Miyajima by the shape of Mount Misen which he felt resembled the profile of Buddha.  In the year 806, he founded a temple on the island to serve as the head temple of the Omura School’s Shingon sect which is noted for its adherence to a life of asceticism and spiritual pursuit.  This temple along with the sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea, Shikoku, and Kyushu from atop Mount Misen have drawn many on spiritual pilgrimages to the island.  Take your own step into the past for a day of majestic beauty and serenity that will stay with you forever.

What you’ll do

10:00 Registration
10:30 Guided tour of the temple
11:30 Zazen, Dharma talk
12:00 Meal (Shojin-ryori temple vegetarian meal using vegetables from Miyajima)
13:00 Matcha served over the fire from the fire hall at the top of Mt.Misen
13:30 Delivery of red seal book and red seal

Who can attend

Children must be 11+

Availability

Everyday
Session 1 (start at 10:00)

Access

40 min taxi ride and 10 min ferry ride from Hiroshima station.
or 30 min train ride and 10 min ferry ride from Hiroshima station

or 45 min ferry ride from Peace memorial park in Hiroshima

What to wear

Trekking shoes preferred. Sandals and Skirts are not allowed. We encourage you to bring a rain suits.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy, here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.