Find Zen with Japan’s Sōtō Buddhist Monks

Travel from Japan’s urban intensity to the forested temples of Fukui for a deep immersion into Sōtō Zen Buddhism.

Live within a temple community and follow the rhythms of monastic life alongside local monks, from meditation and prayer to mindful daily tasks. Senior practitioners share insight into the philosophy and discipline of Zen, offering a grounded understanding of how its principles can be integrated into everyday life.

Details

4-Night, 5-Day Journey
From GBP 11,925 per person
When to Go: Magnificent in all seasons

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Day 1

Welcome to Tokyo’s Tranquillity

Arrive at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, a haven of elegance in the Nihonbashi district.
Enjoy curated evening experiences, from dining at one of the hotel’s 12 celebrated restaurants to unwinding in the 38th-floor wellness suite with panoramic city views.

Day 2

Discovering Eternal Peace

Fly to Komatsu Airport and journey to Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, the "Temple of Eternal Peace," nestled in cedar forests.
Savour Eiheiji’s renowned soba noodles at Riuzen Soba before an exclusive tour with Adachi Eoshi, Master Guru of the temple.
Learn Zen meditation fundamentals at Hakujukan, a temple inn, and join the monks for an authentic communal dinner and sleeping experience.

Day 3

Explore Traditional Crafts

Begin the day with a sacred Dokkyo prayer service.
After breakfast, partake in a private Kodo incense ceremony, then visit Kokouryu Sake Brewery for a tour and lunch paired with their finest small-batch sake.
Later, create a traditional zazen meditation cushion and connect with the local rural community.
End the day with a shojin ryori meal at Hakujukan, crafted from wild plants and seasonal ingredients.

Day 4

Spiritual Insights and Luxurious Onsen Retreat

Start with a prayer service and breakfast before heading to Kippoji Temple, where Zen Master Dōgen first trained. Explore its meditative gardens, learn vegetarian temple cooking from the monks, and practise Zazen meditation.
In the evening, retreat to Beniya Mukayu, a luxurious ryokan with healing onsen baths on the slopes of Healing Buddha Mountain.

Day 5

Farewell to Japan’s Spiritual Heritage

Enjoy a serene breakfast at Beniya Mukayu before travelling to Komatsu Airport. Fly back to Tokyo, with opportunities for curated experiences in the Kaga region, such as private tea ceremonies, porcelain workshops, and mountain hikes, arranged by The Luminaire.

Inclusions

From GBP 11,925 per person for 5 days, based on two people sharing.

1 night at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, in a Deluxe Room, with breakfast.
2 nights at Eiheiji Hakujukan temple stay, with breakfast.
1 night at Beniya Mukayu luxury ryokan, with breakfast.
Take part in an immersive Kodo incense ceremony.
Private visit to Sake brewery, and craft studio for Zafu cushion making.
Private prayer experience and communal temple living.
Return flights to and from Fukui.
All private transfers.
All meals in Fukui.

When to Travel

Magnificent in all seasons.

Exclusions

Flights.

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Learn About The Luminaire

Mandarin Oriental has partnered with luxury travel company The Luminaire to create transformational experiences for a growing number of our hotels around the world. Combining behind-the-scenes access with our world-renowned service, each journey sparks curiosity - offering fun, excitement, and a deeper understanding of the world.

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