Wellness in Saitama: Takedera Blowing Zen Meditation & Hot Spring

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.

Itinerary

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.

Stop At:

• Miyazawako Onsen Kirari, Annex, 27-49 Miyazawa, Hanno 357-0001 Saitama Prefecture

Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Near public transportation"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability"



Start Time: 10:00 AM
Duration: 6 Hours
Start location: Hanno Station, 1 Minamimachi, Hanno, Saitama 357-0036, Japan

Cancellations and refunds: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

Included

• Round-trip transfer to/from Takedera
• Takedera tour and introduction
• Blowing zen "suizen" experiences
• English-speaking guide (depart after drop-off at Kirari Spa Villa)
• Admission to Kirari Spa Villa
• One-way transfer from Kirari Spa Villa to Hanno Station

Not Included

• (Option) Lunch (vegetarian) at Takedera

Facilities