A sacred Usui Reiki Pilgrimage in Japan
17th - 23rd April 2027
Join us in April in Kyōto for an extraordinary 7-day pilgrimage to the spiritual and historical roots of Reiki. Walk the paths where Mikao Usui once sought enlightenment and deepen your own Reiki practice as you explore its rich connections to Shinto, Shugendō, and Buddhism. This transformative experience offers rare opportunities for learning, reflection, and profound spiritual growth.
The Experience
We start our Reiki pilgrimage in Kyōto, where we’ll stay in traditional temple accommodation as we immerse ourselves in the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient city. From there, we’ll explore the sacred peaks of Mount Kurama and Mount Hiei, with exclusive access to temples and areas not normally open to the public.
On Mt. Kurama—the birthplace of Usui Reiki and home to the secretive Sonten sect—you will walk the same sacred path through the tranquil forest that Usui once walked, pausing to meditate at Mao-den Temple and absorb the mountain’s transformative energy. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a prayer ceremony in the main hall of Kurama-dera temple.
On Mt. Hiei, the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism, you will take part in a private guided visit of Enryaku-ji Temple and meet a Dai-Ajari, a rare and deeply respected monk who has completed the kaihōgyō, earning the title of “marathon monk.” At Kakushō-ritsuan hermitage, where he now serves as head monk, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about his extraordinary 1,000-day kaihōgyō practice, receive a Kaji Buddhist empowerment blessing, and learn a meditation technique that we will practise together under his guidance.
In Kyōto, you'll visit Tanukidani-san Fudō-in Temple, a prominent temple associated with the mountain practice of Shugendō and a powerful place to connect with Fudō Myō-ō. Here, we will take part in a profound blessing ceremony in which personal blessings are offered for each participant, creating a deeply moving and individual experience.
And this is only a glimpse of what awaits you on our Reiki pilgrimage. Over seven transformative days in and around Kyōto, you’ll be immersed in a rare blend of spirituality, culture, and history, with countless opportunities for insight, practice, connection and deep inner reflection.
Temple Lodgings
The Dai-ajari
Mao-den Temple
Highlights
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Walking in the footsteps of Usui and receiving reiju on Mount Kurama.
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Attending a private prayer ceremony at Kurama-dera Temple.
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Hiking along the 'root path' through the sacred forest to the Kibune Shrine.
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Spending time with a Dai-ajari and learning about his kaihōgyō experience.
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Participating in a Kaji Buddhist empowerment ceremony on Mount Hiei.
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Learning the ancient practice of Shugendō at Tanukidani-san Fudō-in.
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Visiting Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine and participating in a Shinto prayer ceremony.
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Exploring Shōren-in and its connection to Tendai and Pure Land Buddhism.
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Taking part in a Kissako Zen and Tea Experience with Takafumi Zenryu Kawakami.
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Participating in a Reiki Share with Inamoto Sensei.
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Deepening your own Reiki practice and connection to the precepts.
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Enjoying time for meditation, contemplation and reflection at Taizo-in.
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Experiencing seasonal shojirin ryori, Japanese Buddhist temple cuisine.
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Relaxing and integrating in a traditional onsen (hot spring).
Why do the Pilgrimage with Me?
Since 1998, I’ve been travelling to Japan for work and pleasure, deepening my Zen meditation practice, and researching the roots of Reiki. In more recent years, I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the Reiki community in Kyōto, and offering annual Reiki pilgrimages. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for Japan’s history, culture, arts, and esoteric spiritual traditions.
A pilgrimage is much more than visiting sacred places or being on a 'Reiki tour.' It’s an intentional journey within a journey that invites us to slow down, turn our attention inwards, reflect on our thoughts, words and actions, and cultivate greater compassion, gratitude and awareness through our daily practice of the Reiki Precepts.
Rather than simply visiting temples and shrines, we take time to connect with the spiritual traditions and energies of these places through ceremonies, meditation and reflection, while exploring the ways in which these esoteric traditions may have influenced Usui’s teachings. Each pilgrimage is thoughtfully planned with space for contemplation, meaningful conversations, walks in sacred landscapes, Reiki practice, and whatever may arise along the way.
And the pilgrimage doesn’t end when we return home. Through online gatherings, we continue to support one another as we integrate what we’ve learned and experienced into everyday life. My hope is that you return with a deeper understanding of Reiki, a renewed connection to your practice and insights that continue to inform your journey.
A sacred Usui Reiki pilgrimage
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6 nights' single-room accommodation in traditional temple lodgings.
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Assistance with transfer to the accommodation.
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Private transport by air-conditioned chartered van, taxi or train (as per itinerary).
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Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including temple meals and bento box lunches).
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Entrance fee to all temples and prayer ceremonies.
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Meeting and kaji with Dai-ajari on Mount Hiei.
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Participation fee for Inamoto Sensei's Reiki Share.
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English-speaking guide throughout.
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Japanese-speaking local support team.
Pilgrimage includes:
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International airfare to/from Tokyo.or Osaka
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Shinkansen/train ticket to Kyoto.
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Transportation or services not specified in the itinerary.
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Cancellation and travel insurance.
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Non-specified meals and drinks.
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SIM card, laundry costs, and personal expenses.
Pilgrimage doesn't include:
USD 3,200 per person.
Maximum 8 participants.
Pilgrimage cost:
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Travel alongside Reiki teacher Clare Hampton, deepening your practice in the sacred landscape of Japan.
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Experience guided meditations, transformative teachings, intimate sharing circles, integration sessions, and heartfelt Q&A conversations woven throughout the journey.
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You’ll also receive a beautifully crafted pilgrimage guidebook designed to support your reflections, insights, and personal transformation along the way.
Additional features:
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