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.
Later, 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 pools. Spend your afternoon at the spa villa before returning to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
NOTE: Please note that tattoos are strictly prohibited at this particular spa facility.
Options
Including Lunch (vegetarian)
Vegetarian lunch at Takedera: savor seasonal vegetables and herbs served with uniquely designed tableware made of bamboo.
What's included in Wellness in Saitama: Takedera Blowing Zen Meditation & Hot Spring
(Subject to Option Inclusions)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.
Inclusions
- 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
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- 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.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Please present this ticket to your guide upon meetup at Hanno Station. The guide will handle the admission to Takedera, blow zen experiences, and admission to Kirari Spa Villa. If you have selected and paid for the optional lunch at checkout, lunch will be included as well.
