Saitama Wellness for Takedera Zen Meditation and Hot Spring

Saitama Prefecture , Japan

Saitama Wellness for Takedera Zen Meditation and Hot Spring

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

+ Original Vegetarian Lunch

Vegetarian Lunch at Takedera

Wellness in Saitama: Takedera Blowing Zen Meditation & Hot Spring

What's included

Round-trip transfer to/from Takedera Temple

English-speaking guide (depart after drop-off at Kirari spa villa)

Guided tour at Takedera Temple

Blowing zen "suizen" experiences with a professional instructor

Admission to Kirari spa villa

Detailed 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.

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.

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.

What's not included

Transportation from Kirari spa villa

Guide after drop-off at Kirari spa villa

(Optional) Vegetarian lunch at Takedera Temple

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

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.

Important notes

When you meet up with your guide, please present this ticket. Later your guide will take care of all the admissions including Takedera Temple and Kirari spa villa.

About Saitama Prefecture

Saitama Prefecture, located just north of Tokyo, offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. Known for its parks, museums, and as a gateway to the mountains, it's a perfect blend of modern living and traditional charm.

Top Attractions

Kawagoe

Known as 'Little Edo,' Kawagoe features well-preserved Edo-period buildings, traditional sweets, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Budget to Moderate

Chichibu

A mountainous region known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes.

Nature Full day to overnight Budget to Moderate

Saitama Super Arena

A multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports events, and exhibitions.

Entertainment 2-4 hours Variable

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kawagoe Mochi

A traditional sweet made from rice flour, often filled with red bean paste or other sweet fillings.

Dessert Vegetarian

Saitama Gyu (Beef)

High-quality beef from Saitama, often grilled or served in hot pots.

Dinner Contains meat

Soba Noodles

Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often with a dipping sauce or in a broth.

Lunch Vegetarian (check for dipping sauce ingredients)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park Canyoning in Mitake Gorge Onsen (hot spring) visits Strolling through Kawagoe's historical streets Visiting temples and shrines in Nikko and Kamakura Exploring traditional candy shops in Kawagoe Boating on Lake Chuzenji in Nikko Skiing and snowboarding in the mountains of Chichibu

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring offers cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn provides cool temperatures and beautiful fall colors. These are the most popular times to visit.

10-25°C (50-77°F) 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Saitama is generally safe with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and official tour operators.
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services, especially in tourist areas.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 80 km (50 miles)
Haneda Airport • 30 km (19 miles)

By train

Tokyo Station, Ueno Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Buster Terminal Tokyo

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and punctual train network covering the entire prefecture and connecting to Tokyo.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Omiya Kawagoe Chichibu

Day trips

Nikko

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural landscapes.

Kamakura

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

A coastal town known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha.

Kumagaya

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A city known for its historical sites and the Kumagaya Onsen hot spring.

Festivals

Kawagoe Festival • Early October Saitama Gold Theater Festival • Annual (dates vary) Chichibu Night Festival • Early December

Pro tips

Use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for easy and discounted public transportation.
Visit Kawagoe during festivals for a more authentic and vibrant experience.
Explore the rural areas of Saitama for stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
Try local specialties like Kawagoe Mochi and Saitama Gyu for a taste of the region's cuisine.
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.