Saitama Wellness for Takedera Zen Meditation and Hot Spring

Saitama Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, offers a diverse options of experiences that cater to wellness and mindfulness enthusiasts and it's only about 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. After Takedera, your wellness journey continues to the Kirari spa villa at Miyazawako 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, saunas, and more. Spend your afternoon at the spa villa before returning to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Your tour concludes here.

1. 1

   Takedera

   2 hours

   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.

2. 2

   Takedera

   40 min

   To elevate your meditative journey amidst the bamboo forest, prepare for a transformative experience with "Blowing Zen Meditation" (吹禅瞑想) led by the esteemed musician Masaaki Aoyama. Renowned for his expertise in mindfulness practices, Aoyama seisei will guide you on this profound meditative journey. The music instrument you will be learning for ""Blowing Zen Meditation"" is called shakuhachi (尺八). Different from the modern version of modified shakuhachi and the Western musical scales, the shakuhachi that is made for Zen training is in its natural state and has a soft tone, as if the wind were blowing through an aged bamboo grove.

3. 3

   Miyazawako Onsen Kirari, Annex

   3.3 hours

   Kirari at Miyazawako Lake (approx. 15 mins by car from Takedea Temple) is a Japanese-style spa/onsen villa where you can immerse in a variety of pools, each offering unique therapeutic benefits. Indulge yourself in its tranquility, relaxation, and holistic wellness before returning to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.