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Wellness in Saitama: Takedera Blowing Zen Meditation & Hot Spring
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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
6 Hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: Japanese, English
Overview
Saitama Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, offers a diverse options of experiences that cater to wellness and mindfulness enthusiasts and it's only an hour away from Tokyo.
This unique offering takes you to Takedera in Hanno City, a distinctive temple where the harmonious blend of Shintoism and Buddhism converges with a vast bamboo forest. While immersing yourself in the tranquility of this spiritual sanctuary, meet your instructor, Mr. Aoyama, for a truly unique experience – learning the art of "suizen," or blowing Zen meditation. This practice is so rare that even many Japanese locals have never encountered it.
Following your visit to Takedera, your wellness journey continues to the Kirari Spa Villa by Miyazawa Lake. As one of Saitama's most popular spas, this villa boasts an extensive variety of options - A carbonated pool, open-air baths, hot stone baths (aka "ganban-yoku"), saunas, and more. Spend your afternoon at the spa villa before returning to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
What's Included
- English-speaking guide (depart after drop-off at Kirari Spa Villa)
- Takedera tour and introduction
- Blowing zen "suizen" experiences
- Round-trip transfer to/from Takedera
- One-way transfer from Kirari Spa Villa to Hanno Station
- Admission to Kirari Spa Villa
- (Option) Lunch (vegetarian) at Takedera
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
Meet up with your guide and the driver or the Priest from Takedera "Bamboo Temple" outside of the South Exit of Hanno Station at 10:00 AM.
Start time
10:00 AM
End Point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Takedera Temple, the "Bamboo Temple" in Japanese, stands out as a hidden gem in Eastern Japan, preserving the harmonious blend of Shintoism and Buddhism. After arriving at the temple, the priest will give you a tour while explaining the rich history of this spiritual sanctuary. Fully embrace yourself in its tranquility and natural beauty of the bamboo forest.
Starting at 11:15 AM, meet your instructor, Mr. Aoyama, to explore the blowing Zen meditation "suizen". Mr. Aoyama, a renowned musician with a broad background in mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation, will introduce you to the shakuhachi, the traditional Japanese bamboo flute. After learning the basic techniques of blowing Zen, take a stroll at the bamboo forest, where will further calm your mind and control your breathe.
As an optional add-on, savor a vegetarian lunch at Takedera around 12:30 PM, featuring seasonal vegetables and herbs. The lunch is thoughtfully designed with a bamboo theme for your enjoyment.
After Takedera, make a stop at Kirari Spa Villa (approx. 15 mins by car). Spend a relaxing afternoon at the onsen before heading back to the hassle and bustle of Tokyo.
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operated by Beauty of Japan
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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