Sacred Journeys -
Japan
A Walking Tour of Ancient Japan – Temples, Gardens & Spa
On the Trail of Re-enCHANTment
November 2-20, 2007
Past Tour
Tour Leader: Vasana Spogliarich,
EleCT, MBRCP, has
traveled and lived abroad for some 22 years in Europe,
Asia, Africa and Australia. It is that tangible quality
of religiousness and respect towards life which draws
Vasana to Japan. Having shared her love of traveling
through her photography with others for many years she
is now delighted to share this experience with you.
Learn more about Vasana on our
About Your Tour Leader
page.
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Tour Description
Over the millennia pilgrims have etched well worn paths
over the landscape. Walking these same routes is a unique and relaxing
way to experience “old Japan”. While modern life bustles ever onwards, this tour
will slow us down, enabling us to experience a bygone age. There will be times
when walking is done in silence to leave each one to experience these precious
moments as fully as possible. There will also be time to experience meditations
using sound as well as opportunities to observe monks chanting in their
monasteries.
While in many countries one goes to a museum to see the past culture, Japan is a
“living museum” of art, architecture, gardens and religion and hence a “walking
tour”. This tour will take us from the ancient to the ultra-modern. Beginning in
Tokyo we will bypass the hustle and bustle and begin our journey behind the
“bamboo curtain”. From there our enjoyable journey to the Spa Hotel in the
mountains is done in several hours whereas it took many weeks for the shoguns to
travel there from Edo.
We will journey to such places as Kamakura on the coast which holds claim to a
rich period in Japan’s history. We will see the splendors of Kyoto, going back
in history to approximately 700AD all the while taking advantage of everything
that modern Japan has to offer.
This is a participatory and experiential trip as we have a multitude of
different daily experiences which will stimulate all our senses. There will be
plenty of time for sharing and contemplation. Also, there are 2 luxurious spas
on the trip to relax in and get a feel for the national pastime enjoyed by the
Japanese for thousands of years.
Participants are encouraged and will be given time to speak to the group on a
subject of your passion relating to Japan or on something that you would like to
research about Japan or Japanese culture before coming.
The delights of the Japanese cuisine and colorful handicrafts will be a
treat as well as seeing the national treasures and antiquities which you find
around every corner.
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Tour Leader
Vasana Spogliarich. It was during her 3 years in India in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s that her interest in sound began through using a variety of meditation techniques. In 1989, while living in Italy, she began studying in the UK with Dr. Harry Oldfield, world famous expert in Kirlian photography and the inventor of Electro-Crystal Rebalancing and Polycontrast Interference Photography (PIP). Both she and her husband, Nabhraj, became practitioners and had a studio in Italy for 5 years before moving to Canada in 1995. They have owned and run Camelot–The Energy Connection since 1996 and have lectured extensively in Italy, Canada, China and the USA. They have been trainers in both Electro-Crystal Rebalancing and PIP for The Oldfield College since 1999 and are members of the Institute of Complementary Medicine (UK) as well as members of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners.
Vasana, with her husband Nabhraj, spent 4 years
translating the book "L'Esperienza Tantrica" Volume II
from The Tantric Vision by Osho. These are a collection
of discourses on the sutras "The Royal Song of Saraha".
Saraha was a mystic who was born 200 years after Buddha
and is known as the founder of Tibetan Tantra. His
teacher was the disciple of the son of Gautama Buddha.
Saraha, like Buddha before him, had abandoned the
traditional ways and speaks to us from the other shore
through poetry. It was published in 1996 by News
Services Corporation, Italy.
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Tour Summary
Day 1 Depart your
home city
Day 2 Arrive Tokyo
Day 3 Tokyo
Day 4 Tokyo
Day 5 Tokyo/Kinugawa Spa
Day 6 Kinugawa/Nikko/Kinugawa Spa
Day 7 Kinugawa/Nikko/Tokyo
Day 8 Kamakura
Day 9 Tokyo/Kyoto
Day 10 Kyoto/Ohara/Kyoto
Day 11 Kyoto
Day 12 Kyoto
Day 13 Kyoto
Day 14 Kyoto
Day 15 Kyoto/Uji/Kyoto
Day 16 Kyoto/Izu Peninsula Spa
Day 17 Izu Peninsula Spa
Day 18 Izu Peninsula/Tokyo/Narita
Day 19 Return to your home city
DAY 1 - Fri, Nov 2: DEPART YOUR HOME CITY
Depart your home city on your international flight to Tokyo.
DAY 2 - Sat, Nov 3: ARRIVE TOKYO
Arrive Tokyo. Airport Limo Bus to Hotel seeing the Tokyo skyline illuminated at night. Early dinner.
As Japan has such a rich history it is valuable to understand it in context as we travel in the upcoming weeks therefore you will receive a handout during the flight on the historical timelines and we would ask that you study this before arrival.
Overnight: Hotel Sunroute Asakusa or similar, Tokyo (3 nights)
DAY 3 – Sun, Nov 4: TOKYO (L)
The first morning we spend walking and relaxing in the magnificent and tranquil forest of Meiji Shrine, the most important Shinto Shrine in Tokyo. We will also see the secluded Naien Garden, a favorite of the Imperial family, with its pond, carp and sunken iris beds. Enjoy a Welcome Lunch at Meiji (included) where we can all get to know each other a little better and learn about the journey ahead of us. Later on we visit The Nezu Institute of Fine Arts which is a superb private art collection set in 5 acres of Tokyo’s finest gardens with 7 types of tea pavilions and waterfalls. Evening at leisure.
By the carp pond we will pose the question to be answered later on in the tour “What are the qualities of Japanese society which, if we took them back to our home, would improve our society as a whole”? These qualities are very apparent in the daily life of our host country; we will be looking for the most obvious but also for the most subtle.
DAY 4 – Mon, Nov 5: TOKYO
The morning begins with a local guide walking us through Senso-ji, Tokyo’s most sacred temple. We will take a riverboat cruise through Tokyo to The Hama Detached Palace Garden, a former Shogun’s residence where we will take morning tea on a floating pavilion. Returning by riverboat through Tokyo to Asakusa where we will have lunch near Senso-ji Temple. Afterwards we will shop in the colorful market (purses, kimonos, bags, music, sandals). Dinner in Asakusa.
An introduction to Buddhism & Shintoism, two of the major religions upon which the whole society has been based will be covered in the Palace Garden.
DAY 5 – Tue, Nov 6: TOKYO/KINUGAWA (D)
A mountainous ski and spa region approximately 2 hours north of Tokyo where one may hear the sound
of rushing water at every step. After checking into our Spa Hotel we will float down a river gorge
taking in the tranquility of autumn in the mountains. Spa experience evening.
A meditation using sound will be experienced before dinner. After dinner, Vasana will give a
short explanation on “Mudras” which are symbolic hand gestures used throughout history in Buddhist
meditations and with Buddhist statuary so that you will begin to recognize and understand them. Several
mudras, useful for our daily life, will also be taught.
Overnight: Spa Hotel at Kinugawa (2 nights)
DAY 6 – Wed, Nov 7: KINUGAWA/NIKKO/KINUGAWA (B/D)
Early mornings at the temples nestled in amongst the valleys are a special experience as we visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a local guide. Lunch at a forest Tea Shop before walking The Takino Path along the Inari River. As night descends in the cedar forest you may hear temple bells nearby. Spa experience evening.
Handouts with explanations on the symbolism used in Japan will be given so that you will be able to understand these more fully when you see them. With a little serendipity we will see a ceremony in which a priest will burn prayer sticks while chanting sacred scriptures and using mudras.
After dinner enjoy a short lecture with Vasana on Masuru Emoto’s work, ”The Message from Water” and its significance to humanity. This will take place before everyone retires to the hot springs of their choice.
DAY 7 – Thu, Nov 8: KINUGAWA/ NIKKO/TOKYO (B)
An early morning walk along the river enjoying the quietness of the mountains to see the hundreds of elusive, moss covered guardian deities marks the beginning of the day. After a picnic lunch we will take the train back to Tokyo stopping in at the ultra-modern Ueno Station with its immense stained glass panels.
Option of coloring/painting mandalas, geisha or freestyle will take place by the river.
Overnight: Hotel Sunroute Asakusa or similar (2 nights)
DAY 8 – Fri, Nov 9: KAMAKURA
A day trip to this quaint, seaside town which backs onto forested hills and bamboo groves where we will visit an artist’s residence and shop before “The Hydrangea Temple” with its ancient grotto. Lunch in abamboo garden. The view over Sagami Bay from the Hase-dera Temple is breathtaking. A 50 foot tall bronze Buddha will be one of the highlights. Dinner in Kamakura before returning to Tokyo.
Japanese gardens satisfy all of our 5 senses and we will see examples of these gardens
which have developed historically as we travel through the country. Handouts explaining the differences
will be given. Water, an ancient symbol of life and revered by all – a short explanation of water and its
use in temples and religion.
DAY 9 – Sat, Nov 10: TOKYO/KYOTO
We will leave Tokyo on the Shinkansen bullet train for Kyoto (3 hr) where we will arrive in late afternoon. Dinner in Gion district and a stroll to see the famous cherry tree illuminated amongst the temples. Nighttime illuminations in the gardens.
Overnight: 3* Star Hotel in Kyoto (7 nights)
DAY 10 – Sun, Nov 11: OHARA
These dreamlike temples surrounded by autumn leaves are set amongst the hills, rice paddies and thatched roofed farm houses. We will try our hand at the timeless art of paper making before a picnic lunch and will also visit a temple to hear monks chanting as they have done for thousands of years. Sanzen-in (1148AD) is reached by climbing up the hill past rows of brightly colored pickle shops. We will take time to copy sacred Buddhist scriptures in the temple, a practice which has been carried on here for more than 1,000 years. Dinner in Gion before returning to the hotel.
DAY 11 - Mon, Nov 12: KYOTO
We will begin the day with a silent stroll to Eikando Temple on the hill and then to Nanzen-ji with its massive San-mon gate and dreamlike gardens. We then walk along the “Path of Philosophy”, a canal lined with cherry blossom and maple trees. After lunch Kyoto’s traditional handicrafts are showcased in a modern, interactive museum or one could choose to visit Heian-jingu, a Shinto shrine famous for its circular walk around a large lake with covered bridges and views of the surrounding hills.
We will have a local guide for the morning visit to these 2 exquisite examples of different types of temples in the Eastern hills. Before dinner we will listen to an audio lecture on Buddhism by an enlightened Master.
DAY 12 – Tue, Nov 13: KYOTO
Sannenzaka is atmospheric - full of cobblestone streets, old wooden houses, shops which sell the distinctive Kiyomizu pottery and many other delightful handicrafts as well as many restaurants. After lunch you may have a free afternoon or you can choose to do an Ikebana class.
Before dinner in Gion/Pontocho, we will join historian and expert on Geisha, Peter Macintosh, while we discover the hidden “floating world” of Kyoto.
DAY 13 – Wed, Nov 14: KYOTO
From Kyoto Station we will take the train to Fushimi-Inari, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Gods of rice and sake, where we walk through the forested hills under thousands of vermilion tori. It is the most important shrine of this type of over 40,000 throughout Japan and was featured in the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”. After lunch we go to Sanjusangen-do Temple (1164AD) which is a mystical experience with 1001 life-size statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy or one could choose to visit The Kyoto National Museum, the Imperial Repository for local art and treasures. Dinner in Gion. Nighttime illuminations in the gardens.
While at a Tea House immersed deep in the forest Vasana will give an explanation of the names and significance of the 7 Shinto Gods.
DAY 14 – Thu, Nov 15: KYOTO
Kinkaku-ji
Temple (1397 AD) is covered in gold leaf and reflected in the lake is the
setting for the drama, “The Golden Pavilion”. It is one of the most stunning
sights on earth.
Lunch in a quaint “old Kyoto” style bistro. Ryoan-ji
Temple is famous for its 15th century rock garden, its riddle and
the exquisite lower pond garden. Old traditions live on in Kyoto and we will
visit an Indigo Dying workshop in the old textile district of Nishijin.
Dinner in Nishiki Market.
DAY 15 – Fri, Nov 16: KYOTO/UJI/KYOTO
This town is famous for the world’s oldest love story, “The Tale of the Genji,” where we will walk paths along the river where this novel took place. We will visit the famous Byodo-in (Phoenix Temple) on the lake as well as its unusual museum located underneath a hill. Lunch on the river – a comparison between English and Japanese proverbs. A Tea Ceremony will be held at a Tea House in a tatami room Dinner near Hotel.
The tea ceremony invokes a feeling of meditative contemplation despite its complex ritualistic nature and it was the Zen Monks of the 12th century who used this to refresh themselves between meditation sessions throughout the day.
DAY 16 – Sat, Nov 17: KYOTO/ IZU PENINSULA (D)
The Shinkansen bullet train will take us to an enchanting spa for 2 nights. Located on the south coast of Japan this magnificent Spa with 7 hot springs is immersed in a cedar forest overlooking Japanese gardens. Here we will rest, bathe, meditate and walk in this countryside haven.
After dinner we will gather as a group once more to re-pose the question from the first day “What are the qualities from Japanese society which our society could benefit from”? What have you learned from our journey? What are the qualities you would like to cultivate personally and aesthetically?
Overnight: 4* Star Hotel Spa, Izu Peninsula (2 nights)
DAY 17 – Sun, Nov 18: IZU PENINSULA SPA (B/D)
Another peaceful day beginning with a leisurely breakfast before taking a guided Nature Walk along the coast. Later on we decide which hot springs to bathe in as we wash away the miles and centuries we have walked over the past few weeks. The Izu Peninsula is where William Adams lived from 1604-1610 and whose adventures inspired the book, “Shogun”.
In the afternoon, Vasana will lead you in another meditation using sound and then you may choose one last painting of either mandalas or geisha to complete before dinner. Haiku evening after dinner before going off to the Spa.
DAY 18 – Mon, Nov 19: IZU PENINSULA/TOKYO/NARITA (B)
After a last morning stroll through the quiet streets of this countryside haven with its flowering magenta
bougainvillea we leave by Shinkansen bullet train for Narita Airport. Farewell dinner.
This evening we will come together for the last time to enjoy our Farewell Dinner. We will share what
we have learned on our journey, which aspects of Japanese society are most similar to ours and which
aspects are most different and which areas of study might this trip have inspired us to pursue.
Overnight: 3* Hotel or similar, Narita Airport (1 night)
DAY 19 – Tue, Nov 20: RETURN TO YOUR HOME CITY
A morning visit by bus to Narita with its charming shops and Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple (940AD) with
its enchanting lakes and Peace Temple. Return to Hotel to pick up luggage for the late afternoon flight to
home destination.
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
Tour Inclusions and Price
Tour Includes:
2 week Japan Rail Pass (Bullet Train) with reserved seating
Round trip transfers between airport and hotels
Hotel taxes and service charges and gratuities
Accommodations in economy/first class hotels with private bath (all nights but 4
are in a Single room with bath, without paying a single supplement – subject to
availability)
Accommodation in all “onsen” spas including breakfast and dinner (4 nights) –
(room sharing between 2 people necessary or single supplement possible if
available)
Sending service for baggage between Tokyo and Kyoto and return
Special Welcome Lunch
All local trains and buses
All entrances to museums, gardens and temples
Tea ceremony in tatami room setting
Riverboat cruise (2)
Tea and sweet on a floating pavilion
Floating down a
river gorge in a poled boat
Ikebana Class
Local guides where applicable
Walking lecture with Peter Macintosh, historian and expert on Geisha
Guided Nature Walk
Paper Making Lesson
Escorted throughout by Vasana Spogliarich
Added Features:
Travel together with a group of like minded people
Participate in cultural experiences unique to Japan
Visits to the magical world of Japan’s most famous temple gardens as well as
many out-of-the-way temple gardens
Walks in the hills to secluded forest temples whose grounds have been sacred for
more than a 1,000 years
Possibilities of witnessing rarely seen ceremonies and meditations in temples
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites
Introduction to various meditation techniques using sound
Haiku evening
Participants are able to obtain a “temple passport” with which the Master
Calligrapher at each temple scribes on each page. Cost approximately $10.00 per
book and $3.00 per entry
Participants may also have the opportunity of sitting in a temple where a
Buddhist priest will instruct you in “Shakyo”, a meditative practice of copying
sacred Buddhist sutras which has continued for over a 1,000 years in this
Temple. Paper, calligraphy brushes and ink supplied
Art/coloring supplies included
Handouts on various cultural experiences given as well as “Helpful Tips Before
Leaving”, “Useful Information While You are in Japan” and a “Book & Film List”
which you may enjoy in preparation for your journey
Photography – anyone interested in improving their photography “eye” skills,
help is available upon request
Vegetarian food often available
Limited to 12 participants to ensure the possibility of going places rarely seen
on a regular tour as well as having a more intimate contact with the people of
Japan
Western style beds available throughout
Japanese futons also available at the Spas. Western beds by request. Please
request type when booking
Audio discourse on Buddhism by enlightened Master
Farewell dinner
Tour Does Not Include:
International Airfare/departure taxes (ask us for a quote from your home
city)
Cancellation and Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote)
Meals, except where indicated in the itinerary and in the Tour Includes section
Cost to obtain valid passport
Any transport by subway or taxi as needed (approximately $40.00 and is already
included in your Daily Allowance which you will bring with you in Yen)
Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any
item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final trip
itinerary
Tour Price
Tour Price Per Person (Land Only)
USD $3480.00
CAD $3830.00
***DUE TO THE NATURE OF TRAVELLING IN JAPAN WHICH USES MOSTLY CASH FOR DAILY
TRANSACTIONS, PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING THE EQUIVALENT OF $50 CDN/$40 USD PER
DAY IN YEN FOR EXPENSES SUCH BREAKFASTS, LUNCHES, SOME/MOST DINNERS, DRINKS,
TAXIS, SOME LOCAL TRAINS, SUBWAYS AND SMALL SOUVENIR ITEMS, ETC.
Sacred Earth Journeys, Ste 220 - 133 E. 8th Ave. Vancouver,
B.C. V5T 1R8 Canada
Tel: (604) 874-7922, Toll Free 1-877-874-7922 www.sacredearthjourneys.ca