A 12-Day Pilgrimage Through Sacred Japan

(Provisional Programme Itinerary)

 

Day 1:

Arrival in Kyoto, opening circle, orientation and a gentle neighbourhood walk.

Day 2:

A sacred day in Uji, visiting Byōdō Temple, sharing lunch, walking the Daikichiyama trail, pausing at ancient shrines, with tea meditation before returning to Kyoto.

Day 3:

A day of ascent at Daigo ji, with time in the temple grounds, a shared lunch, a mountain walk to Kami Daigo and a silent descent back towards Kyoto.

Day 4:

A journey into the northern mountains, visiting Kibune Shrine, following the forest path to Kurama dera, soaking in the onsen and returning to Kyoto for the evening.

    Day 5:

    Leaving Kyoto for the grand shrines of Ise, the spiritual heart of Japan. Visiting both the outer (Geku) and inner (Ise Naiku) temples, staying in the city overnight. 

    Day 6:

    Journey to Nara, with visits to Horyuji, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Also, a medicinal herb garden, before settling in for the night. 

    Day 7:

    Travelling onwards to Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Buddhist temples. A walk through the revered and beautiful stillness of Okunoin. A shojin ryori dinner and a temple stay.

    Day 8:

    An early start with meditation and breakfast, walking stretches of the Nyonin michi, time to take in the spirit and history of Koyasan, a temple meal, dialogue with a monk and evening practice together.

      Day 9:

      Entering the Kumano Kodo-Chikatsuyu, beginning the pilgrimage through the cedar forest towards Takahara, with lunch along the way, time to arrive, settle and visit the local shrines.

      Day 10:

      Continuing on foot along the Kumano Kodo to Chikatsuyu, sharing lunch on the trail, then arriving for an evening of rest, bathing and dinner together.

      Day 11:

      A further day on the pilgrimage path, travelling to Nonaka Ipposugi and walking on to Yunomine, where the hot springs offer warmth, rest and a space for reflection.

        Day 12:

        Journeying to Kumano Hongu, then travelling by boat along the Kumano River to Kumano Hayatama, visiting sacred sites before continuing to Kii Katsuura for the night.

        Day 13:

        Walking the path to Kumano Nachi, spending time at this powerful final sacred site, then travelling by train to Osaka.

        Day 14:

        A final gathering to complete the pilgrimage, followed by departure.