THE ZEN TOUR
Feel it in nature, feel it in culture.
We value nature and provide you with time to return to nature.
This is a one-day tour, and you will have a variety of experiences including a session on the snowy mountain wearing snowshoes and zazen meditation at Kankoji Temple.
What is "THE ZEN"
THE ZEN is a tour that provides valuable time to step away from everyday life, reset your mind, and face yourself.
snowshoe tour
We will go on a snowshoe trek for about 2 hours aiming for "Minamikata Inari" located halfway up the mountain behind Kankoji Temple.
A route that can only be entered in winter and a scent in the air that can only be felt in winter.
Please enjoy it.
01
Tour introduction
Tour Guide
Chikako Iida
Started skiing at the age of 3.
Since her late teens, she has skied snowy mountains in New Zealand, North America, Europe, and other countries.
Her life's work is traveling to snowy mountains and oceans around the world.
・Japan Mountain Guide Association certified mountaineering guide
・JSBA certified professional snowboarder
・Japan Avalanche Network Level 1
・Niigata Prefecture Natural Environment Conservation Officer
・Trekking Guide Stage II / Ski Guide Stage I / International Mountain Leader (IML) Hiking / Trekking Guide
02
Kankoji zazen experience ⛩
You will experience zazen meditation at Kankoji Temple.
You will have a very pleasant time.
After that, you will make your own matcha.
You can experience the culture of Japan and shrines with all five senses.
Kankoji
A Zen temple known for its beneficial miso.
Engakuji school of Rinzai sect.
When the Uesugi family was destroyed in a war during the Sengoku period, the Great Prajnaparamaya sutra donated by the Uesugi family was buried in miso and survived, which is why miso is said to have divine blessings, and is famous for the phrase, ``Did you lick the miso at Kankoji Temple?'' is.
This is a Sotoshu temple built in the Kamakura period, and is known as one of the 33 Echigo Kannon sacred sites. Located in an area rich in nature, it has a long history as a center of local faith.
Venue
Overall Flow
Snowshoe tour starts
Snowshoes, backpacks, beacons, and snowy mountain climbing equipment are available for rent, so you can participate in the tour with confidence.
10:00
Arrival at Nanpo Inari
This place is special.
You will arrive after walking for about an hour from departure.
11:00
Tea with a short break
Everyone will make a snow table and chairs.
Let's relax and drink tea there.
11:15
Snowshoe tour finished
thank you for your hard work.
I think I was charged with beautiful energy in nature.
11:50
Lunch at Kamakura
It's lunch time inside the kamakura.
We offer rice balls made from Koshihikari rice from Uonuma, miso soup made with miso from Kankoji Temple, and amazake .
Enjoy your meal in a special space.
12:00
Kankoji zazen experience
In Zen Buddhism, it is a training method for calming the mind and entering a deep meditative state.
Let's have an experience of focusing on "sitting" to tune up the mind and body and look inside.
13:00
Matcha making
You can enjoy the process of making matcha yourself.
This is a precious moment where you can experience the culture of the tea ceremony and experience the charm of fragrant matcha.
13:50
Sutra copying experience
Sutra copying is the practice of copying sutras containing Buddhist teachings, letter by letter, with all your heart. It has become popular as an act to calm the mind and unify the spirit, and in modern times it is also popular for purposes of prayer and healing.
14:20
Visiting Kankoji Temple
We will show you around the inside of Kankoji Temple.
Come experience the history and culture.
15:00
Tour ends
Pick-up available
Please indicate if you require transportation when applying for the tour.
2025 Tour dates
01 - February 17, 2025
02 - February 21, 2025
03 - March 3, 2025
Tour price
¥50,000/one person (tax in)
Maximum capacity is 10 people.
note that.
About payment
Payment will be made on-site on the day of the tour.
You can pay in cash or use a credit card.